Player A: .393 AVG, 1.236 OPS, 13 R, 6 HR, 13 RBI

Player B: .315 AVG, 1.043 OPS, 10 R, 6 HR, 12 RBI

Both of the above players are left-handed National League first basemen. Other than the difference in batting average, the two players have pretty the same stat line yet one is owned in 100% of leagues while the other is probably available right now on your waiver wire. Both are tied for the major league lead in home runs. Player A of course is the Cubs’ Derek Lee, but Player B is the Marlins Mike Jacobs. Surprised? Jacobs has always had power. Many remember his 30 game stint with the Mets in 2005 when he hit 11 home runs. Over his career he has hit one home run every 19.4 at-bats. If he were to keep up that rate over 500 at-bats he would hit about 26 home runs.

Of course I believe that Lee is clearly the better fantasy option, but the comparison does illustrate how there are usual fantasy options that people ignore because of the name attached to the numbers. Your fantasy league doesn’t care about names or reputations; it only cares about the stats they generate. Jacobs won’t continue to hit .300 but I don’t see why he can’t finish with a .270 average (his career number) with 25-30 home runs. That is very useful since you probably can get him for free. If you need power, or have an injury hole to fill I would recommend riding Jacobs while he is hot and not worrying about cutting him loose if he stops hitting.

Mike Jacobs already has six home runs, but is probably available on your waiver wire.