Editor’s Note: www.waiversharks.com The Oakland A’s Fox Trot Jake is already eligible at First Base, Third Base and the Outfield. Add to the fact that word out of the Athletics camp says Crazy like A's Fox showed up this spring with no less than eight baseball gloves – including a first basemen’s glove, and yes – even a catcher’s mitt! He's not about to unseat the talented Kurt Suzuki as the A’s primary backstop – but saying this Fantasy Baseball Swiss army knife couldn’t add the coveted ‘C’ eligibility to his repertoire during 2010 would be short sighted to say the least!
After a tremendous start in limited opportunity in the Windy City , this multi-tooled product of the University of Michigan slid down and lost some steam finishing the season with some ho-hum numbers.
However, if you were fortunate to have jumped on board early in the season, Fox provided some pop and didn’t dip below the .300 mark for good until August 23 in his somewhat limited Cubs use. However, Fox final line of .259-11-44 (along with the fact that he doesn’t walk much) many may wonder why we would even pay him any mind? Ah yes, making Jake Fox a true 2010 Fantasy Sleepers - unlike say Carlos Beltran...no offence Roto___.
Our optimistic side encourages all to take a deeper look at his 2009 season to understand that the raw power is in fact there. After popping 10 long balls in his first 160 AB’s, along with 39 of those 44 RBI’s, it’s more than clear that the final month and a half was nothing but forgettable for the 27-year old rookie.
With that being said a change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered and a breakout type season could be on the cusp. www.waiversharks.com Fox could see close to regular at-bats, and may even be able to wrestle an everyday starting spot on what will more than likely be another edition of a lethargic Oakland offense.
We expect him to battle in spring training and make the roster more as a “toolsy” type bench player that will need to rise to the occasion when the opportunity permits itself. It’s hard to say a switch from Wrigley to the ol’ Oakland Coliseum will improve his power numbers; although, the extra space in the outfield may help his peripherals by allowing him to spread the ball around more. And so perhaps, finally - the former Chicago Cubs cast off will net some respect? Heck maybe a Jake Fox Bobblehead will even be in store in the near future?...Not so subtle hint to A's marketing and promotions department.
Add Jake Fox to a growing list of Beanies Babies who www.waiversharks.com is turning onto this pre-season or at the very least - add the A's Fox to your 2010 Fantasy Sleepers utility radar, and perhaps take a chance with one of your ever so fun final round (or two!) picks!
