Mastersball, fantasy baseball, scouting, analysis, projections

September is just two weeks away – and that means trouble for fantasy lineups.

Here are the two main things to watch for:

The Shopping Cart – Week 19>20

Edited 6:20 PM ET for Jose Guillen & Kuo/Dotel 

MAJOR PROSPECTS ALERT

1) Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Tampa Bay – presumably you already know about Hellickson, now the TOP pitching prospect in the minor leagues (until called up again this week and I include him because of his importance for the balance of this year and promise for next year and beyond AND because the first time he was called up it was on a Monday, he got the start and the W and was immediately sent back down so in many leagues was ineligible for pickup that weekend and then again called up this week after FA pickups last weekend). Bottom line is if there is any AL or Mixed league where you can pick him up  this week, do so….Especially if you are in a keeper league that would let you retain him. Slight Warning – it is not clear how long Davis and Niemann will be out thus whether the Rays would use Hellickson in relief if both were back, but the upside far offsets that concern.

2) Chris Carter, 1B/OF, Oakland – Carter is one of the top power hitting prospects in the minors – called up this week by Oakland, so again in any keeper format where you could retain him next year (which means the league has bad rules btw but that is another discussion – perhaps Captain’s Log for next Monday) he is a must add. But if you are looking for production this year, be aware that Conor Jackson is on rehab and if he were to be activated this weekend or next week it is not clear that the A’s will keep Carter up – although they Should – they are NOT catching Texas OR LA in the AL West this season, so give the kid his AB and have him ready for next year.

Finally a few ASSUMPTIONS for this column

1) You have to do some homework – this is not a quick cheat sheet, just some hints

2) If your catcher goes on the DL, just look through the FA list for your league – you

    will not find any here (unless there is something truly notable)

3) IF there are significant minor league callups, they will be noted for the American

   and National leagues before I get to specific league sizes. The will not be noted for the

   mixed league formats, and I am not listing all of them – just those with some

   immediate fantasy value. They may be slightly over a week old to catch differing

   deadlines.

4) I will be listing hitters (H); starting pitchers (SP); and potential saves (SV) for

    Each format, in the order of value for that format

5) These are based on real leagues, so the player may not be available in your league

    (by the same token you may have a similar player who is available for you)

I am going to do three lists:

1) AL only leagues – based on 11/12 team leagues

2) NL only leagues – based on 12/13 team leagues

3) Mixed leagues – based on 14/15 team leagues.

If you play in very deep leagues you will likely only find one or two names available. Conversely in shallower leagues there may well be better choices than those I suggest. Even if you only play in AL or NL leagues, I suggest you read the suggestions for the mixed as well because there may well be a player highlighted that has not been rostered in your league.

Okay, on to this week’s Shopping Lists:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Starting Pitchers

Andy Sonnanstine, Tampa Bay – back in the Ray’s rotation with Hellickson while Davis and Niemann are down. Two excellent starts recently.

Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay – see note above

Jeanmar Gomez, Cleveland – mentioned back in Week 16 but I still see him on FA lists and he is back up and still winning.

Looking for Saves

None to be recommended this week

Hitters

Chris Carter, 1B/OF, Oakland – see note above

Reggie Willits, OF, LA Angels – With the Angels likely too far behind in the AL West and no shot at a wildcard berth, Mike Scioscia may well give some of the younger Angels an extended look and if Willits gets the AB, he will be a major source of stolen bases.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Starting Pitchers

None to be recommended this week (check past issues for some who might still be available)

Looking for saves….

None to be recommended this week…….BUT you have to wonder what the Metropolitans  will do if KRod was out with legal issues for an extended period of time. I still like Ryota Igarashi, but then again the Mets aren’t winning a lot of games these days.

ETA - The Dodgers said Friday that Jonathan Broxton has been relieved as the closer at least for the short time and that Hong-Chih Kuo would close but that Octavio Dotel would be in the mix as well. Bet on Broxton to return to the role if he straightens out but if Kuo or Dotel are available in your league they might add a few saves for your team.

Hitters

Jay Gibbons, OF, LA Dodgers – out of sight, out of mind, but give the guy credit he went to the minors and battled back for another chance and hit so well they couldn’t dismiss him. The only question is will he get enough AB for the Dodgers which may well be tied to if/when ManRam returns.

Chris Dickerson, OF, Milwaukee – resurrected from Cincinnati, Dickerson might have a shot at CF for the Brew Crew next year…..if he beats out

Lorenzo Cain, OF, Milwaukee – Cain has potential for sure although he will need to stop trying to hit home runs – his game should be speed  and scoring runs from the top of the lineup.

ETA - Jose Guillen has been traded to the San Francisco Giants. Guillen should play RF most days with Aubrey Huff returning to a more comfortable 1B. Guillen is streaky but does add power if you can handle the likely hit in BAvg. 

MIXED LEAGUES

Starting Pitchers

Again really dependent upon how large a league you are in AND how many roster spots because in some leagues all of these would be rostered while in others there would even be better available at this time of year, but look for

Hellickson/Sonnanstine, Tampa Bay – see AL notes

Mike Pelfrey, NY Mets – started terrific, went way downhill, was given a few days extra rest and first start this week was Excellent.

Doug Fister, Seattle – Pitching on a bad team for Wins, but Fister still effective – the one drawback is he is not a good strikeout pitcher. Best for home starts.

Looking for Saves…

None to be recommended this week

Hitters

Bill Hall, 2B/OF, Boston – somewhat hesitant to suggest him here because his AB may well be tied to the return of Dustin Pedroia. Still he is hitting so well right now he might be a good short term fix – especially at a middle infield slot.

David Murphy, OF, Texas – It always seems like players avoid Murphy because he is not a “starter” with all the talent on the Rangers, but Ron Washington keeps getting Murphy the at bats and he keeps producing. He is even hitting LHP this year, something he struggled with before.

Here is the Week 18 scorecard (with weeks 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 below)

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Edwin Jackson, Chris Sale

Hitters – Dan Johnson, Mike Lowell, Adam Moore

National League:

Pitchers – Jake Westbrook

Hitters – Jason Michaels 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Kyle Kendrick, Phil Hughes

Hitters – Brandon Inge, Edwin Encarnacion

MISSES

AL:

NL:

Mixed:

INCOMPLETE

AL – Arencibia

NL – Juan Francisco, Mike Sweeney

Mixed –

Here is the Week 17 scorecard (with weeks 13, 14, 15, and 16 below)

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Haren, Tomlin

Hitters – J. Bell, J. Nix, Repko

National League:

Pitchers – Saunders

Hitters – D. Brown, Morrison, Tejada, Podsednik

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Duensing

Hitters – D. Valencia, Hinske

MISSES

AL:

NL:

Mixed:

INCOMPLETE

AL –

NL –

Mixed –

Here is the Week 16 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Duensing, J. Gomez

Hitters – Betemit

National League:

Pitchers – Kendrick, Happ

Hitters – M. Cairo, Winn 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Fister

Hitters – McDonald, Denorfia

MISSES

AL:

NL:

Mixed:

INCOMPLETE

AL – S. O’Sullivan

NL –

Mixed –

Here is the Week 15 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Chris Tillman (but sent down this week)

Hitters – Yunel Escobar

National League:

Pitchers – Edinson Volquez, Carlos Monasterios

Hitters – Alex Gonzalez, Tyler Greene 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Kevin Frandsen

MISSES

AL: None

NL: James McDonald

Mixed: Kyle Kendrick (and sent down)

INCOMPLETE

AL –

NL –

Mixed – Russell Branyan (still injured)

Here is the Week 14 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Daniel Hudson

Hitters – Marcus Thames, Brent Lillibridge

National League:

Pitchers – Ross Ohlendorf

Hitters – John Jay

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Doug Fister

Hitters – Jeff Keppinger, Edwin Encarnacion, David Murphy

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Ryan Shealy

NL – Matt Maloney, Brad Eldred

Mixed –

Here is the Week 13 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Bengie Molina

National League:

Pitchers – Barry Enright

Hitters –  

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Tom Gorzelanny

Hitters – Matt LaPorta, Cliff Pennington

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Andrew Oliver

NL –, Aaron Miles

Mixed –

The Big Dogs (FAABwise) may have had their feast last week in your AL or NL leagues, getting Haren, Berkman, Capps, Cantu, Guzman, J. Bell, Tomlin, Domonic Brown, Westbrook, Tejada, Morrison, Podsednik and maybe even some smaller scraps, but don’t take YOUR eye off the prize – there are plenty of very enticing players available this week, especially to those of you in keeper leagues.

While there may still be some waiver trades this month, the “action” will be with minor leaguers who are called up before rosters expand in September. Just look at those arriving this week:

NL – Juan Francisco

AL – J.P Arencibia, Dan Johnson, Chris Sale, Peter Bourjos

More info in the sections below, but Francisco, Arencibia, and Sale, if not already rostered in keeper leagues should definitely be added this week – they could all be starters next April. Bourjos is starting now and maybe in the Angels lineup for the next ten years. Johnson may have more risk…and ultimately more upside, and might also offer more in August and September this year…..might.

Finally a few ASSUMPTIONS for this column

1) You have to do some homework – this is not a quick cheat sheet, just some hints

2) If your catcher goes on the DL, just look through the FA list for your league – you

    will not find any here (unless there is something truly notable)

3) IF there are significant minor league callups, they will be noted for the American

   and National leagues before I get to specific league sizes. The will not be noted for the

   mixed league formats, and I am not listing all of them – just those with some

   immediate fantasy value. They may be slightly over a week old to catch differing

   deadlines.

4) I will be listing hitters (H); starting pitchers (SP); and potential saves (SV) for

    Each format, in the order of value for that format

5) These are based on real leagues, so the player may not be available in your league

    (by the same token you may have a similar player who is available for you)

I am going to do three lists:

1) AL only leagues – based on 11/12 team leagues

2) NL only leagues – based on 12/13 team leagues

3) Mixed leagues – based on 14/15 team leagues.

If you play in very deep leagues you will likely only find one or two names available. Conversely in shallower leagues there may well be better choices than those I suggest. Even if you only play in AL or NL leagues, I suggest you read the suggestions for the mixed as well because there may well be a player highlighted that has not been rostered in your league.

Okay, on to this week’s Shopping Lists:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Starting Pitchers

Chris Sale, Chicago – I am putting Sale here although he will likely work out of the bullpen for the balance of this year, I think he has far more upside as a starting pitcher and likely the White Sox will move him there next year.

Edwin Jackson, Chicago – likely not picked up in many leagues because of his poor stats with Arizona and/or the lateness of the transaction,  but Jackson’s first outing for the Pale House was excellent and I especially like that the White Sox pitching coach immediately found a major flaw in Jackson’s delivery and started working with him on it.

Looking for Saves

None to be recommended this week

Hitters

Peter Bourjos, OF, LA Angels - Bourjos is coming off two seasons where he stole 50 and 32 bases in A and AA ball and was on a pace for 40 this year with a higher BAvg than he had had in his first two years. The twenty three year old outfielder was actually shifted to left field in Salt Lake this year so he would be able to play there if/when the Angels needed him, but after calling him up this week, they installed him as the everyday CF and moved nine time Gold Glove CF Torii Hunter to right field. A Must add in AL keeper leagues where he is not already owned.

J.P. Arencibia, C, Toronto – the rare catcher to be recommended here, J.P. has been thought to be the Blue Jays catcher of the future for a while, but the excellent season by John Buck might have had people overlook what Arencibia has done this year at AAA Las Vegas…..merely a .303 BAvg with 31 HR and 79 RBI. A must add if available in AL keeper leagues

Dan Johnson, 1B, Tampa Bay – There is a parallel I am going to suggest here even though. I am not sure it will come to pass BUT the upside is tremendous. Think of a very promising first baseman with great minor league numbers called up to the majors with great fanfare who struggled for a few years and did not emerge as the power hitter everyone thought he would be until he resurfaced in another organization. Now look back at one of the best minor league seasons we have seen in the last twenty years at Sacramento in the PCL in 2004….29 HR (another 34 xbh with 29 doubles and five triples), 111 RBI with a .2985 BAvg. That was when Johnson was in the Oakland organization….and it was NOT a fluke season. The previous season in AA Midland, Johnson had 27 HR (57 total xbh), 114 RBI and a .290 BAvg…and seven stolen bases.

In 2005 and 2006, he was up and down with Oakland and Sacramento, never showing his A game in the big leagues and then he lost virtually the entire season in 2007 due to injury. In 2008 he resurfaced in the Rays organization and had 25 HR and 83 RBI hitting .307 at AAA Durham, before missing the entire 2009 season – at least in the US – he played in Japan. By the way, that first baseman I alluded to earlier…..had 28 HR, 105 RBI, 12 SB and hit .2987 at AA Tulsa in 2000, and had 23 HR with 74 RBI, 11 SB, hitting .2877 at AAA Oklahoma before being called up to Texas in 2001. He was then traded to Oakland and subsequently Detroit where everyone was looking for those numbers at the major league level. Five seasons combined in Oakland, Detroit (mainly), and finally Boston before he too arrived in Tampa Bay and finally showed that power in the major leagues. Ironic indeed that Johnson is now replacing that 1B – Carlos Pena in the Rays lineup.

Don’t forget players coming back of the DL as well:

Mike Lowell, 3B, Boston – now subbing for Kevin Youkilis

Adam Moore, C, Seattle – Moore might have been the starting catcher for most of the year for the Mariners but an injury sent him to the disabled list and then back to the minors.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Starting Pitchers

Jake Westbrook, St. Louis – if he was not claimed last week. I know it is still Jake Westbrook, but look at the positives – facing pitchers instead of DH; playing for a winning team; and again never underestimate the value of a pitcher having Dave Duncan as a pitching coach – especially a sinkerball pitcher.

Looking for saves….

None to be recommended this week

Hitters

Juan Francisco, 3B, Cincinnati – recalled when Orlando Cabrera was put on the DL this week. While Paul Janish will likely play most of the time at short, the Reds would love to get Francisco and his power (16 HR with 20 doubles and 4 triples and 53 RBI while hitting .286 at AAA Louisville) into the lineup. Another must add for NL keeper leagues.

Mike Sweeney, 1B, Philadelphia – admittedly  both Sweeney or Ross Gload are just manning first base while Ryan Howard is on the DL, but if you own Howard or can take advantage of getting either in your lineup for the short term, they are both good hitters. Gload for more power but Sweeney much better BAvg.

Jason Michaels, OF, Houston – Michaels has been hot lately while the slumping Carlos Lee got some time off. With the word that the Astros may try Lee at first base (insane since they should be playing Brett Wallace every day), there may be more at bats for Michaels, enough to get him in the lineup in many NL only leagues.

MIXED LEAGUES

Starting Pitchers

This may be purely a function of how many teams in your league and how deep the rosters, but I saw the following on free agent lists

Phil Hughes, NY Yankees

Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia

Jake Westbrook, St. Louis

Looking for Saves…

None to be recommended this week

Hitters

Brandon Inge, 3B, Detroit – likely dropped because of the injury, but back already

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Toronto – if you need the HR and can handle the BAvg

Peter Bourjos, OF, LAA - see AL note and for speed alone he is a consideration for mixed leagues

J.P. Arencibia, C, Toronto - again see AL note but in deeper mixed league that  play two catchers, he should be considered this week (if you like what you see before your FAAB runs)

Here is the Week 17 scorecard (with weeks 13, 14, 15, and 16 below)

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Haren, Tomlin

Hitters – J. Bell, J. Nix, Repko

National League:

Pitchers – Saunders

Hitters – D. Brown, Morrison, Tejada, Podsednik

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Duensing

Hitters – D. Valencia, Hinske

MISSES

AL:

NL:

Mixed:

INCOMPLETE

AL –

NL –

Mixed –

Here is the Week 16 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Duensing

Hitters – Betemit

National League:

Pitchers – Kendrick, Happ

Hitters – M. Cairo, Winn 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Fister

Hitters – McDonald, Denorfia

MISSES

AL:

NL:

Mixed:

INCOMPLETE

AL – J. Gomez, O’Sullivan

NL –

Mixed –

Here is the Week 15 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Chris Tillman (but sent down this week)

Hitters – Yunel Escobar

National League:

Pitchers – Edinson Volquez, Carlos Monasterios

Hitters – Alex Gonzalez, Tyler Greene 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Kevin Frandsen

MISSES

AL: None

NL: James McDonald

Mixed: Kyle Kendrick (and sent down)

INCOMPLETE

AL –

NL –

Mixed – Russell Branyan (still injured)

Here is the Week 14 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Daniel Hudson

Hitters – Marcus Thames, Brent Lillibridge

National League:

Pitchers – Ross Ohlendorf

Hitters – John Jay

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Doug Fister

Hitters – Jeff Keppinger, Edwin Encarnacion, David Murphy

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Ryan Shealy

NL – Matt Maloney, Brad Eldred

Mixed –

Here is the Week 13 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Bengie Molina

National League:

Pitchers –

Hitters –  

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Tom Gorzelanny

Hitters – Matt LaPorta, Cliff Pennington

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Andrew Oliver

NL – Barry Enright, Aaron Miles

Mixed –

Week 17 FAAB will be one of the most important of the year. You need to know exactly how your league treats "crossover free agents" and what their salary will be in your league....AND you need to know about some other new players.

There will be a lot of transactions this weekend as several more players return to action. While most of them are probably rostered it is very important to watch what falls through the cracks in your leagues. Maybe both Philadelphia starters returning from the minors for starts this weekend are owned; maybe one or both stay in the rotation for a while. Make sure you know their status in your league – not only for prospective pick ups but also because fantasy rosters get squeezed with all these players re-activated and careful reading of the transactions may get you a player your opponents are forced to drop.

Baltimore’s Brian Roberts was supposed to be activated next week, but reports now suggest it may be this weekend. His teammate closer Mike Gonzalez was already activated but will be eased back into closing duties. Given Gonzalez’ injury history I would be glad to pick up Alfredo Simon if he were dropped. Boston’s Jeremy Hermida has been activated with Daniel Nava sent back down to the minors. The Tigers brought Scott Sizemore back from the minors where he had been hitting very well and he will be the primary fill in while Brandon Inge is out for the next month. Alberto Callaspo’s trade to Anaheim may put Wilson Betemit at third base immediately, but it may well be followed by another move. All of these moves have tangential transactions you should be aware of. ETA The Kansas City Royals just recalled Alex Gordon when they had to put David DeJesus on the DL. While Gordon will only be playing in the outfield now (or some days at DH) he still qualifies for your teams at 3B.

Finally a few ASSUMPTIONS for this column

1) You have to do some homework – this is not a quick cheat sheet, just some hints

2) If your catcher goes on the DL, just look through the FA list for your league – you

    will not find any here (unless there is something truly notable)

3) IF there are significant minor league callups, they will be noted for the American

   and National leagues before I get to specific league sizes. The will not be noted for the

   mixed league formats, and I am not listing all of them – just those with some

   immediate fantasy value. They may be slightly over a week old to catch differing

   deadlines.

4) I will be listing hitters (H); starting pitchers (SP); and potential saves (SV) for

    Each format, in the order of value for that format

5) These are based on real leagues, so the player may not be available in your league

    (by the same token you may have a similar player who is available for you)

I am going to do three lists:

1) AL only leagues – based on 11/12 team leagues

2) NL only leagues – based on 12/13 team leagues

3) Mixed leagues – based on 14/15 team leagues.

If you play in very deep leagues you will likely only find one or two names available. Conversely in shallower leagues there may well be better choices than those I suggest. Even if you only play in AL or NL leagues, I suggest you read the suggestions for the mixed as well because there may well be a player highlighted that has not been rostered in your league.

Okay, on to this week’s Shopping Lists:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Starting Pitchers

Brian Duensing, Minnesota – has been excellent pitching out of the bullpen for the Twins this year (1.674 and 1.046) and will now be given a shot at the rotation spot formerly abused by Nick Blackburn. Duensing doesn’t strike out a lot of batters but other than that, is worthy of a roster spot pitching for a contending team if can hold the starting spot.

Sean O’Sullivan, Kansas City – O’Sullivan is just coming off a nice start for the Angels before being traded to the Royals. Judge that and some scattered success last year more than the upcoming start in Texas and in deeper AL leagues O’Sullivan IS a starter even if on the hapless Royals.

Jeanmar Gomez, Cleveland – just before you might have picked Gomez up last week, Gomez was sent back down by the Indians. But that was just Cleveland being Cleveland and juggling roster spots and given what they are starting now, Gomez should be back up – watch the transactions.

Looking for Saves

None to be recommended this week….BUT Minnesota brought up Anthony Slama their best minor league closer and his first outing was just fine. With Rauch showing some wear, Slama is a very good in house option if the Twins do not trade for a closer – and that is unlikely.

Hitters

Wilson Betemit, 3B/1B, Kansas City – Betemit can hit, but I can’t see the Royals playing him every day when they have prospects they need to look at. Still for those desperate for a CI in deeper leagues he will suffice for the short term.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Starting Pitchers

Philly discards? Both J.A. Happ and Kyle Kendrick, both who were (back) in AAA at the beginning of this week will be making starts this weekend for the Phillies. Should either of them have been dropped in your league they may be a gamble worth taking – perhaps whoever has the better start covers for Jamie Moyer while he recovers from the elbow strain.

Looking for saves….

None to be recommended this week

Hitters

Miguel Cairo – 2B/3B, Cincinnati – has done a great job all over the infield for the Reds and is now playing third base while Scott Rolen is out.

Randy Winn, OF, St. Louis – has quietly raised his batting average over sixty points with three home runs in the last two weeks. His at bats will still be limited but he has proven his veteran worth to Tony LaRussa and in a pennant race that gets him more playing time.

MIXED LEAGUES

Starting Pitchers

Doug Fister, Seattle – seems to have rounded back into Fister Form – that is won’t strike out a lot of batters and will have to pray for wins with Seattle’s offense, but at least good innings.

Looking for Saves…

None to be recommended this week…..BUT I don’t think Kevin Gregg’s hold on the job as Blue Jays closer is any firmer and despite the poor relief outing Shawn Camp had this week he has been pitching very well and I expect him to get at least a chance at a few saves.

Hitters

Darnell McDonald, OF, Boston – still hitting and still available in many mixed leagues, so with no Ellsbury sighting I think he is still worth owning if you need an outfielder temporarily.

Chris Denorfia, OF, San Diego – has failed in previous chances but he can hit and if he continues to stay in the Padres lineup he should be in yours if you have a weak OF spot or are in a deeper league.

Here is the Week 15 scorecard (with weeks 11, 12, 13, 14 below)

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Chris Tillman (but sent down this week)

Hitters – Yunel Escobar

National League:

Pitchers – Edinson Volquez, Carlos Monasterios

Hitters – Alex Gonzalez, Tyler Greene 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Kevin Frandsen

MISSES

AL: None

NL: James McDonald

Mixed: Kyle Kendrick (and sent down)

INCOMPLETE

AL –

NL –

Mixed – Russell Branyan (still injured)

Here is the Week 14 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Daniel Hudson

Hitters – Marcus Thames, Brent Lillibridge

National League:

Pitchers – Ross Ohlendorf

Hitters – John Jay

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Doug Fister

Hitters – Jeff Keppinger, Edwin Encarnacion, David Murphy

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Ryan Shealy

NL – Matt Maloney, Brad Eldred

Mixed –

Here is the Week 13 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Bengie Molina

National League:

Pitchers –

Hitters –  

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Tom Gorzelanny

Hitters – Matt LaPorta, Cliff Pennington

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Andrew Oliver

NL – Barry Enright, Aaron Miles

Mixed –

Here is the Week 12 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers –

Hitters – Matt Joyce, Nix/Hernandez

National League:

Pitchers – J.C. Romero

Hitters – Josh Thole, Oswaldo Navarro 

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – John Ely

Hitters – Darnell McDonald, Eric Hinske, Lastings Milledge

MISSES

AL: None

NL: None

Mixed: None

INCOMPLETE

AL – Brian Bannister, Jarrett Hoffpauir

NL – Daniel McCutchen

Mixed – Brett Anderson (DL)

Here is the Week 11 scorecard

HITS

American League:

Pitchers – Wakefield, Lerew, 

Hitters – C. Jackson, S. Duncan

National League:

Pitchers – Demel

Hitters – Alvarez, Burrell, Michaels

Mixed Leagues:

Pitchers – Arrieta, Fister

Hitters – Colvin, Viciedo, Alvarez

MISSES

AL:

NL:

Mixed:

INCOMPLETE

AL –

NL – Mathieson,

Mixed –

A Tale of Two Shortstops…..for those of you playing in AL or NL  only leagues, this may not be the first crossover players or the most impactful, but they are the first this year and a rare time when two players at the same positions go to the opposite league. So…is either one of them worth a hefty FAAB play this weekend?

Sorry for the loss for the Peavy owners (even the ones in my AL leagues), but I think it finally opens the door for Daniel Hudson.  Jeff Marquez was called up when Peavy was disabled, but more telling was that Hudson was pulled from the Futures game (minor league All-Star contest).  I think Marquez works in relief and Hudson is called up for the start on Sunday.  Profiled earlier, Hudson is having a very good year at AAA Charlotte, now 11-4 with a 3.47 ERA (7-2 and 2.64 in his last ten starts). If not owned already, Hudson should be rostered in all AL formats, and is a speculative pick for mixed leagues.

As I briefly noted last week, we have seen several callups this week and will next week with the All-Star game to follow in the week of July 12. The key is watching how these players – generally presumed to be short term fill-ins – will be used by their respective MLB clubs.

Remember that next week is another full slate of Interleague play so adjust your lineups and rosters accordingly.

Some more minor league talent up this week highlighted by two third basemen who can give you a boost in home runs. Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh should be up for good and in the lineup nearly every day. Dayan Viciedo, White Sox may be getting a try out but has proven himself at AAA this year. In most leagues he will only qualify at third base right away, but can also play first base.