It is true that in the fantasy world San Francisco Giants outfielder Nori Aoki has been a solid number four or five outfielder but nothing too special. His 2015 campaign looked to be a revival of the numbers owners saw in 2012-13. Sadly Aoki suffered a fracture in his leg and that may cause a derailment in his production even if he comes back in the two week timetable. Today we take a look at what Aoki owners can do to recover from the blow and who should they pick up.
As always we rub some salt in the wounds of Aoki owners and take a look at how Aoki was doing so far in 2015, considering I am one of those owners, it is justified. Aoki was on pace to have a career year in batting average (.317) on-base percentage (.383) and strikeout percentage (5.8%). He was on pace to have 29 stolen bases which is one off from his career high set back in 2012. The power was on par with career lines and owners who drafted Aoki knew they were going to get little power, but he was on pace to finish the season with roughly 80 runs scored, which is decent and again would be on par with his 2012-13 seasons. Overall Aoki was on pace to have a strong season for owners and his numbers will be missed.
It is not likely that owners will find a player to do exactly what Aoki was doing this year but lets take a look at players that are available in majority of leagues, under 60 percent in ESPN fantasy leagues. Steven Souza Jr. (57.9 percent owned) had a hot start in the majors and has slowed down a bit. The power is real for him and so are the strike out totals. The .321 OBP that he currently has may not be sustainable the rest of the way but owners looking for power should keep an eye on Souza who has probably a good nine more home runs the rest of the way.
Dexter Fowler (56.2 percent owned) is having an off year in terms of OBP but the numbers are there to be a fine replacement for Aoki owners and the runs potential is higher for Fowler being a starter for the Chicago Cubs.
Brock Holt (54.6 percent owned) is starting to get regular time in the outfield for the Boston Red Sox, but there is no guarantee that it stays that way. It is safe to say Holt is not a long term plan but could help in the short term.
Colby Rasmus (8.9 percent owned) is quietly having a very good season even if he is platooning. His 10 home runs in 191 AB’s is a good sign of what he has been doing and the .321 OBP is a nice added bonus, but again he is in a platoon.
The last player I will bring up, though not the last on the list by a long shot, is Adam Eaton (18.6 percent owned) who as slowly picked himself up after a disastrous beginning to the season and could end the season having Aoki numbers.
