Fantasy Free Agent Profile: Chris Coghlan
Submitted by lester’s legends sports blog
Don’t sleep on Florida Marlins rookie outfielder Chris Coghlan. His numbers since being called up from Triple-A New Orleans haven’t exactly been stunning, but the potential is there and so is the opportunity. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez has moved the 23-year-old in the leadoff position, and Coghlan has responded.
Whether Coghlan’s growth translates to fantasy remains to be seen. Sure, a respectable batting average and some runs scored are nice, but what is he doing for us in the hard-to-find categories? Coghlan is worth watching because he could, one day, contribute in either home runs or stolen bases.
Monitor his production - if Coghlan either swings for the fences or gets going on the basepaths, he’s worth a roster spot in mixed leagues. Until then, be among the few who realize that Coghlan is worthy of fantasy ownership, then strike when the numbers improve.
Coghlan’s full free agent profile …
Status: Getting comfortable as Marlins’ leadoff hitter
Basics: .255 AVG, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs, 4 SBs in 34 games
Key Stats: Hitting .318 with 1 HR, 3 SBs in 11 June games
What to Watch For: Premium contributions - HRs and SBs
Other Notes: Is a nice hitter who has an excellent approach and feel for the strike zone at just 23 years old … just have to watch for speed potential; stolen bases will make or break his fantasy value … has walked 19 times to just 21 strikeouts and posted a solid .362 on-base percentage … starting to hit, raising his batting average from .205 to .255 in his last 10 games
Verdict: Take a wait-and-see approach, but keep him on your radar
