Utility Rankings
Sep 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits a home run against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The number before each utility’s name represents their overall rank in the 2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings.
There are very few players who actually do not have a position, but we can luckily play them in the utility slot(s). It keeps the ageless Big Papi a fantasy stud, and it helps you find a home for Chris Carter’s elite power. With so few relevant utility-only fantasy players, I have lumped the rankings and player write-ups into one article.
1. #62 David Ortiz Boston Red Sox
While David Ortiz still managed 35 homers and 104 RBI’s in 2014, there was a bit of a drop-off from his production over the previous three seasons. Ortiz only scored 59 runs in 2014. That means he only scored 24 times when he did not hit a home run. I am confident that I can do significantly better than that, but we all know that Big Papi is in the lineup exclusively for what he does at home plate.
Additionally, Ortiz found his average at .263 last year rather than the .300+ mark that it was from 2011 to 2013. However, Ortiz is still way above average in OBP and OPS league because of his propensity to draw walks. I assume he enjoys taking a base on balls to avoid running.
2. #67 Chris Carter Houston Astros
Chris Carter is a high risk pick because his floor could be so low that he loses significant playing time. If Carter struggles to hit for power, then the Astros could easily slot another terrible defender like Evan Gattis in the DH spot. However, Carter can play like a first-rounder when he is on. We saw that in the second half when he hit 20 homers between July and August. If you are in need of HR’s and can withstand the average, then grab the Houston DH.
3. #170 Kennys Vargas Minnesota Twins
With his insane 6’5” 275 pound frame, Vargas seems like a strong bet for some extra bases. However, I think I have probably rated him too high because he has a very limited track record. I am now worried about people overrating Kennys Vargas. Besides that, his .340 BABIP in 2014 and his meager .19 BB/K are alarming peripherals to me.
If Vargas can repeat his 53 games from 2014, then he will be an absolute steal, but I feel like pitchers figured him out pretty quickly as his .309 August batting average plummeted to .228 in the final month of the regular season. Vargas has a high bust risk, but he could also easily smash 20-25 homers.
4. Not ranked Corey Hart Pittsburgh Pirates
Corey Hart will likely play a reserve role and gain 1B and/or OF eligible for the Pirates, but he is probably done as a relevant fantasy baseball player. He will be 33 this season and has not been healthy since 2012 when he was a borderline fantasy stud with the Brewers from 2007 to 2012. This just shows how shallow batters without position eligibility are in fantasy baseball.
5. Not ranked Terrance Gore Kansas City Royals
I thought there was an outside shot that Terrance Gore could sneak his way into the lineup of the Royals on an occasional basis, but it seems like he will be slated for the Minors. He has 168 steals in 330 career MiLB games and stole five bases for the Major League Club in 11 games in 2014. I highly doubt Gore will have any fantasy value, but he could be Jarrod Dyson 2.0 if he gets any time in the show. Gore is not a fantasy option.
I also considered going with Billy Burns for the fifth and final spot. Burns is also a speedster that I have actually written an article about before as you can see here. Billy Burns only has a slim chance of being fantasy relevant, but he has a fantastic name for a base stealer.