Franklin Gutierrez - Fantasy News & Updates
Franklin Gutierrez - Fantasy News & Updates
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Receiving regular at-bats for the first time in his career, Gutierrez enjoyed a breakout season in 2009. The young outfielder had particular success facing left-handed pitching, against whom he posted a robust .335 average. In addition to his production at the plate, Gutierrez proved to be an excellent defender and could be a mainstay in center field for years to come. His growth hinges entirely on his willingness to take a few more pitches.
He was acquired by the Mariners in the offseason for his defensive ability, but Franklin has carved a spot in mixed formats by delivering 18 home runs and 16 stolen bases. His .283 batting average, 70 RBIs and 85 runs round out an impressive stat line for the 26-year-old. He'll be back in the Mariners outfield next season, and he should absolutely be valued as an everyday starter in mixed formats.
Gutierrez is 17-for-51 (.333) over his last 12 games, but his performance this season long ago proved that he was more than the fourth outfielder many figured him to be before the season. Besides providing the expected deft defense, Gutierrez has proven that he can hit enough to help a Major League team -- and most fantasy teams -- if given an everyday role. Gutierrez has stolen 15 bases in 20 attempts and posted a .282-18-67 line in 550 at-bats, and he looks like a lock for starting role with Seattle in 2010.
Gutierrez is finishing the season on a fantastic note, as he carries a .368 (14-for-38) batting average over his past eight games, six of which have been on the road. His road production comes as a surprise considering he owns a .249 batting average on the road against a .317 mark at Safeco Field.
Gutierrez is making a late-season run to finish with a .280-plus batting average for the first time. He holds a .394 (13-for-33) batting average over his past eight ballgames, including his first three-hit effort of the streak on Saturday.
Everything from here on out should be considered gravy for Gutierrez who has set career highs in nearly every major offensive category this season including home runs (16), runs scored (73), RBIs (60) and stolen bases (14). At 26-years-of-age, the multi-talented outfielder could be a solid grab during the late rounds of mixed-league and keeper-league drafts next season.
Gutierrez hit a dry spell over eight games from Sept. 3 through Sunday's first game, batting just .132 in that time frame. The cold snap dropped his batting average below .280 for the first time since early July. Still, if he can maintain his .278 average the rest of the way, he'll top his previous career high of .272.
Despite a pair of three-hit performances over his four prior games, Gutierrez's batting average had been taking a nosedive from its .300 mark on Aug. 11. Perhaps all he needed was a homestand. With five hits in two home games against the A's Monday and Tuesday, Gutierrez is batting .330 at home compared to just .254 on the road.
It's the first time in weeks that Gutierrez has gone hitless in two straight games, spanning nine at-bats.
Gutierrez has been carving up opposing pitchers to the tune of a .407 (11-for-27) batting average in his past six games. The outfielder is hitting .300 so despite his reputation in the game as a defensive player, Gutierrez has become a useful fantasy option in '09.
The 26-year-old's power game has been absent for awhile now, with his last homer coming back on July 18, but this could be just the boost Gutierrez needs to pick up the pace again. Saturday's big fly tied his career-high that he set in 2007.
Gutierrez's three-hit night lifted his average to .300 on the season, which means that the former Cleveland reserve now has a .300-12-45 line with seven steals through 91 games. Of all the savvy pickups Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik made during the offseason, getting Gutierrez as a throw-in in the J.J. Putz trade currently looks like one of the smartest. AL-only owners who plucked him off the waiver wire have to be feeling pretty savvy right now, too.
Gutierrez accrued his first hits since returning after crashing into a scoreboard while making a catch on July 21. He was hitless in two at-bats Friday, so it's encouraging that he got back on track at the plate Saturday.
Great news for owners of the red-hot 26-year-old. Gutierrez is hitting a smoking .358 with five homers and 14 RBIs in July, so go ahead and throw him out there for Saturday's tilt with the Indians.
Gutierrez, who's batting .294 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs, suffered contusions on his knee and elbow in the collision. Wladimir Balentien got the start in left with Ryan Langerhans shifting to center for Thursday's matchup with the Tigers.
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