Deep Impact: Week 25

This is my final edition of Deep Impact for the year. It’s been real, deep leaguers. I admire your courage, question your sanity, and appreciate your camaraderie. See you on the other side in 2015.

Rusney Castillo, OF, Red Sox
Our long (err, three-week) wait is over: The Red Sox will promote Castillo to the major leagues on Tuesday, after a whirlwind minor-league tour that saw the 27-year-old win GCL and International League titles in the same two weeks. Castillo’s minor-league stint didn’t tell us much about him, of course, but he remains an intriguing addition for deep leaguers who need speed over the final two weeks. I’d expect Castillo to start the majority of the Red Sox’s game from here on out, and while he may not acclimate to MLB pitching right away, there’s also little reason for Boston to restrict his attempts on the basepaths. If you’re desperate for steals and need a high-upside play, Castillo is a nice choice.

Nick Franklin, 2B, Rays
Many expected the Rays to give Franklin substantial playing time after they acquired him as part of the David Price trade. That hasn’t come to fruition yet, but it very well may down the stretch as the Rays finally called Franklin back up to the majors following the conclusion of the International League playoffs. He may not play every day moving forward, but one would assume the Rays will want to give him time over the likes of Logan Forsythe, Sean Rodriguez, or David DeJesus, who are all known, uninspiring quantities at this point. Franklin has struggled in Triple-A, so you shouldn’t expect him to come up and be a savior, but if you need power and have an MI spot open, feel free to give him a whirl.

Marco Gonzales, LHP, Cardinals
Gonzales is probably only going to get one more MLB start this season. It’s tough to see him getting more than two, even in a best-case scenario. And it’s entirely possible he’ll get none. But after his impressive performance against the Rockies earlier this week, the Cardinals have to think about letting Gonzales take the ball every fifth day until the post-season, and that could be good for fantasy owners looking for starters capable of providing wins and strikeouts over the season’s final two weeks. Gonzalez has know fanned 27 batters in 29 innings, and has given up just four earned runs over his past 19 2/3 innings. There aren’t a lot of instances in which I’d be uncomfortable giving him a spot start from here on out.

Nate Karns, RHP, Rays
David Price impersonator Drew Smyly has been shut down for the season by the Rays, and Karns is up to take his place. His first MLB start in Tampa went swimmingly, as Karns threw seven innings of shutout ball, dolling out eight strikeouts and just two walks against the Blue Jays. Karns had an up-and-down year in Triple-A, striking out more than a batter per inning but also posting a 5.08 ERA in 145 1/3 innings. With his propensity for giving up walks and homers he’s certainly a risky start, but if deep leaguers need a high-risk, high-strikeout starter down the stretch, Karns is certainly worth a look.

Cody Ross, OF, Diamondbacks
Ross is back on the active roster after recovering from his latest ailment, and the Diamondbacks seem fairly intent on playing him nearly every day. At this point, we all know what Ross can do; he’s occasionally capable of losing one, can hit for non-embarrassing averages and is especially good against left-handed pitching. That’s enough to make him relevant in deep leagues if you need an accumulator for the rest of the season, or if you can set your lineup daily and can just start Ross against southpaws. There’s very little upside here, but odds are there aren’t a lot of unowned everyday players remaining on your waiver wire.

Deep League Streamer of the Week: Kyle Kendrick, PHI
Sometimes, you get to finish strong. Other times, you have to make Kyle Kendrick your last streamer suggestion of the year. At least I’m honoring my tradition of picking pitchers who face the Padres here, as Kendrick will face San Diego in San Diego on Thursday night. The good news is Petco should mute his penchant for giving up homers, and he should be able to navigate the Padres’ lifeless lineup even with his pedestrian stuff. The bad news is he’s going up against Tyson Ross, so don’t expect a win. Instead, expect five or six innings and two-or-so earned runs, and only look to Kendrick if you really need the innings. Such is deep league livin’.

Twitter Question of the Week:

@BenCarsley if an asteroid were hurtling towards earth, pick 5 prospects to keep safe in underground caverns with Morgan Freeman.

— Brian Sakowski (@B_Sakowski_PG) September 10, 2014

This is a really, really strong question from Brian. First, I’m taking Joey Gallo because he will be able to move large objects for me and looks like he can hunt things effectively. Second, I’m taking Roman Quinn, because he is fast and can gather things I have trouble admitting when I’m wrong. Third, I’m taking Japhet Amador because he can shield me from falling debris and/or impede the progress of enemies trying to enter the cave. Fourth, I’m taking Aaron Sanchez because he can throw things (rocks? spears?) hard and can re-teach me how to speak Spanish, which will help to pass the time. Finally, I’m taking Xander Bogaerts because I don’t care about your rules. Xander will keep me company. Xander will keep me warm.

Player Namedrop of the Week: Shawn Chacon
Random RP Who Will Earn a Win: Andrew Miller, Orioles
Random Backup Who Will Homer: Joey Terdoslavich, Braves
Xander Bogaerts Adjective: Blossoming