Identifying risers and fallers in head-to-head points leagues for Week 1, including Diamondbacks SS Chris Owings and Marlins 3B Casey McGehee.
It's easy to get caught up in a fast or slow start to the season. No, Chris Colabello won't lead the American League in RBI by the end of the year, and I can guarantee you that Charlie Blackmon won't hit .542 the rest of the way.
Now that I've successfully spoiled your guy's hot start, here's a couple of bats to consider adding for Week 2, as well as two more trending down.
Risers
Chris Owings, SS, Diamondbacks
If you need a Jose Reyes replacement or a middle infield plug, Owings is your man. Owings was named the Diamondbacks' everyday shortstop over Didi Gregorius, as the 22-year-old can provide something Gregorius cannot: offense. Owings lit up the minor leagues, hitting .330/.359/.482 with 12 home runs, 104 runs, 81 RBI and 20 steals in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He was called up late last year and looked the part of a major league shortstop, batting .291 in 20 games down the stretch for Arizona. I own Owings in multiple dynasty leagues, and I think he can eventually become an annual 15/15 threat. He has yet to show any pop at the major-league level (zero home runs in 29 games), but he has the tools to produce double-digit home runs and steals. He doesn't walk much, which will deflate his value in OBP leagues, but he doesn't strike out a ton, either. Few everyday shortstops will become available throughout the course of a season; Owings might be the best one this year has to offer.
Casey McGehee, 3B, Marlins
Batting cleanup in Miami, McGehee should not be ignored. The Marlins inked the third baseman to a one-year, $ 1.1 million deal after the 31-year-old hit .289/.371/.512 with 27 home runs in his first season in Japan. The gamble has already paid off for Miami, as the third baseman has 10 RBI and five extra-base hits through seven contests. He won't keep this up, but remember: in 2010, McGehee hit .285 with 23 home runs, 70 runs and 104 RBI for the Brewers. Batting fourth behind slugger Giancarlo Stanton, McGehee should see plenty of RBI opportunities in Miami. McGehee can be a valuable replacement if you bought into Mike Moustakas' spring or need a temporary fill-in at the hot corner. Given his past success at the major-league level, McGehee could become a permanent solution for you at a corner infield spot, but don't let his hot start influence an early-season drop that you'll end up regretting later. Exercise caution, but play him while he's hot.
Fallers
B.J. Upton, OF, Braves
Could it possibly get any worse for Upton? I think we have our answer. After hitting .184 with 151 strikeouts in 129 games in 2013, Upton is hitting .120 with 11 strikeouts through six games. Manager Fredi Gonzalez foolishly has Upton hitting second between between Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, but that cannot possibly last much longer. Upton looks completely lost at the plate. Atlanta's offense is struggling as a group (15 runs scored, second fewest), and Upton is a big reason why. The 29-year-old is still owned in more than 97 percent of ESPN leagues, but I cannot imagine starting him in deep leagues or NL-only leagues at this point. Park him on your bench, at the very least, and look for a replacement on the waiver wire. It's still very early, but it's not looking good for Bossman Jr.
Eric Young Jr., OF, Mets
Young has gotten off to a slow start for the Mets, collecting two hits in his first 19 at-bats. If he's not getting on base, it's going to be impossible for Young to utilize his best fantasy asset: his speed. Through five games, he's yet to attempt a steal, as he's only been on base three times. Young is plugged into the leadoff spot for New York right now, but Chris Young (quad strain) is due back on April 18, which will crowd an outfield already filled with Curtis Granderson and Juan Lagares. Lagares is off to a 7-for-20 start himself, including a home run and five runs scored. Once the other Young returns from injury, it will be interesting to see how the Mets rotate the outfield. I'm worried that Young will be thrown into a part-time mix, which will obviously decrease his value in points leagues, as well as weekly formats.