By Adam Forsyth
The Shallow
Chris Coghlan – 2B/Outfield (LF)
Tearing the cover off of the ball at a .380 clip over the last month (35/92) while displaying a balanced attack of extra-base power (six 2B, one 3B and 4 HR’s) and the added touch of speed (2 SB’s) Coghlan has lifted his season BA close to .290 after middling away at around .250 for most of the season.
Earlier in the season, he was a hot waiver wire add when he seemingly took over a corner OF spot; however, until recently Coghlan has been minimally attractive to fantasy owners. Creeping up to 32 percent ownership, he is a nice multi-position add for managers seeking a playoff spot as most leagues are entering their final push to the post-season.
The current streak that he is on includes 15 multi-hit performances in his last 22 games, and can be attributed to his high contact rate and patience at the dish. With only 52K’s and a 1.37K/BB ratio, Coghlan has basically taken over the leadoff spot by doing what a leadoff hitter does best. Chris is a key “Cog” in starting the rally of an under-rated Marlins attack.
The Deep
Travis Snider – Outfield (LF)
After starting out the season with a bang, Snider seemed to struggle the rest of his stay in T.O. which ultimately cost him a spot on the roster. He was guarded with caution, mostly hitting in the nine-slot of the Toronto line-up and saw limited at-bats.
At only 21-years of age, the power displayed by this Kirkland , Washington native is Major League type. With the free sale of Alex Rios, it appears that the Jays are willing to not only give him a shot sometime soon to reclaim his role on the team; but also, allow him the chance to be a key piece of the Blue Jays attack.
Now, while it doesn’t necessarily determine job security as being a “cornerstone” in the Jays line-up currently is about as secure as Bartolo Colon’s belt after a visit to the buffet, it should at least provide him a steady home address until he is eligible for arbitration.
Snider will swing and miss with frequency; however, his power will make up for any annoyance. Swatting 13 HR’s in his 160 AAA-Las Vegas AB’s (along with 13 extra-base pokes) while hitting a confidence boosting .319 should give him the type of lift necessary to make his second go-around with Toronto much more successful.
