The Smash and Grab: 4 Teams With Elite Hitting Opportunities in Week 23
One thing I have learned in my journey in fantasy baseball is that volume is key -- especially in hitting.
In standard rotisserie leagues, only one category is ratio-based (batting average), which allows us to maximize at-bats and plate appearances to rack up those counting statistics in runs, home runs, runs batted in, and stolen bases. And as simplistic as the approach seems, the best fantasy players find ways to garner as many shots as possible -- via volume.
Each week, this report will analyze the matchups for the upcoming week to see if any teams, in particular, stand out from a volume perspective as we gear up for those Free Agent Budget (FAB) bids.
The seven-game teams? Those are obvious. But what about the other matchups? Let's dig in and find out.
Seven-Game Teams (8)
The following teams play seven games: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Tampa Bay Rays.
Who do I like most among these offenses?
Atlanta Braves: The Braves begin the week by playing the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the week ends with a dream matchup of four games in Coors. As tough as the start will be, the finish will be outstanding. The Braves have still been really good without Ronald Acuna. Over the last 30 days, they've logged a .330 wOBA (ninth-best) and a solid .187 ISO. Load up as many Braves as you can.
Colorado Rockies: While they don't get to play the entire week in Denver, the Rockies' start of the week may be just as appetizing as the end. The Rockies lead baseball in wOBA over the last month with a .353 mark. That's a pretty incredible feat for a team that had really struggled away from home for much of the campaign. Add guys like Connor Joe and Sam Hilliard if they remain available.
Six-Game Teams (21)
Philadelphia Phillies: While it's only a six-game week for Philly, they have some nice matchups on tap. They start the week staying inside the division, and they will get to hammer a trio of Washington Nationals, including struggling hurlers Patrick Corbin and Paolo Espino. The week ends versus the talented staff of the Miami Marlins. But Jesus Luzardo has really struggled in his time with Miami, and Trevor Rogers is tentatively slated to make one of his first starts off the Injured List. Roster the Phils with confidence.
Cleveland Indians: Finding these hidden gems is how we can distinguish ourselves in the closing stretch of the fantasy baseball campaign, and with only five weeks remaining, we need to capitalize on every edge. The Indians have quite the opportunity this week. They start inside of the AL Central, facing the Kansas City Royals and will avoid Carlos Hernandez. That's good. Cleveland finishes in hitter-friendly Fenway Park against the Red Sox.
Five-Game Teams (1)
Coors Field
Atlanta Braves (4)
