By Adam Forsyth
The Deep
Ryan Roberts – 2B/3B/OF (LF)
A flaming hot August has allowed this tattooed wonder to thrust his name into fantasy significance.
With the dealing of Felipe Lopez opening up a nightly roster spot, Roberts has used his “toolsy” abilities and timely hitting to grab a large quantity of available at-bats. While getting the opportunity is one thing, it’s what the product of Fort Worth, Texas has done with the opportunity that has impressed fantasy guru’s world-wide. We pause a moment to note our friend sites: If you are interested in sports betting, use NFL point spread to make more money.
After going .352 with four homers and 12 RBI, (along with a .443 OBP & 1.004 OPS) for the month of August, Roberts is putting in a bid for consideration in making next year’s starting roster out of spring training. After minimal exposure through three seasons, (bouncing from Toronto to Texas to ‘Zona) the former 18th round pick finally seems to have found a home.
Still a deep option, Double-R has a touch of speed and the multi-position eligibility is always a blessing for weeks when you need to shift around due to roster expansion. The D-Backs offense has survived on hot bats all season, why should using this situation be considered anything different?
The DYNASTY
Brandon Allen – 1B (poss. OF)
This recently acquired bulky left-handed hitting former prep linebacker was once considered as the heir apparent to Paul Konerko in the Windy City .
Times change, and with that so does Kenny Williams plans as the future was dealt for the present to bring in some bullpen help in Chi-Town as this 23-year old prospect was dealt for Tony Pena. Since the deal, Allen accelerated his value and has worked his way up to getting a share of the first base duties since arriving in the desert.
Plugging away since the age of 18 in the White Sox system with limited success (.264-84-347 in over 2100 AB’s), the move to the Diamondbacks top affiliate in Reno of the Pacific Coast League has seemed to give him the fresh start that may have been the medicine needed.
Chad Tracy was rumored to be dealt all season long has been awful enough not to garner enough interest for a deal; however, with him not in the long term plans of the snakes, it’s probable that Allen is getting a taste of the everyday life in hopes that he will be prepared for a 2010 starting gig.
The former 5th rounder has worked on his eye at the dish, lowering his K totals to a respectable 1.7K/BB ratio and become a greater contact hitter. He has great extra-base power and could settle in as a 25+ HR type that could also swing for 40+ doubles with regularity. He’s got a great situation unfolding for him in the hot desert, keep him on the radar as 2010 could be his breakout.
