There are only 10 days until American Thanksgiving (well at Press Time, anyway). This week’s Wire Troll is a shortened, flu-ridden edition. I promise that what I type will not make you sick. Typing words from a keyboard here will not get you sick there. However, if you do not start picking up some of these guys to help overcome your injuries, you may feel more and more ill as time goes on.

You can think of it this way: there are always the glue guys or the “stuffing.” With mounting injuries this season, the waiver wires are now getting harder and harder to troll. So we found four players that could be worth taking a look at in your league. Our finds are based on Fantrax, Yahoo!, and ESPN leagues this week.

Our Stuffers

Marco Sturm, LW, Boston Bruins: He is available in most Yahoo! leagues, but not Fantrax or ESPN, however, the key is he is getting more and more ice time with each game. Sturm has averaged nearly 18 minutes a night in the last six games and that alone helps in the ATOI (Average Time On Ice) category that plagues so many. The points will come for Sturm, who is still finding his way a bit. Do not be alarmed by the mere two points he’s managed in the last five games either. The key is looking ahead and Boston plays a “meatier” schedule in the next month chalk full of Fantasy opportunity for a guy like Sturm. So far he has been healthy and — knock on wood — hopefully he stays that way.

Niklas Hagman, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs: I know some owners are dropping him, but keep the faith. Four of his six goals are on the Power Play, so when Toronto gets PP chances, Hagman should start converting them. Also, the shots are definitely there at 49. I understand that other than the hat trick against Anaheim. he has not done much. But Hagman has potential and with guys like Phil Kessel as teammates, that potential could quickly turn into reality. Do you really want to miss the boat? I sure don’t. In some leagues, I learned that the hard way with guys like Dustin Penner and Tomas Kaberle that you do not wait around when the opportunity presents itself even if you go wrong with it.

Andy Greene, D, New Jersey Devils: Is this a homer alert type pick? No. Greene is only owned in 8-10 per cent in most leagues, yet he gets No. 1 or 2 type ice time for defensemen. That in itself is a stuffer you can use on your roster to rack up some points here and there plus some big ATOI numbers. It’s a no brainer. Add in the nine points he has, which leads Devil defensemen, and you really do have the makings of a feel good Fantasy hockey story from New Jersey not involving Patrik Elias, Zach Parise or Rob Niedermayer. Greene plays the game right and is a class act. He really has come a long way from his earlier stints with New Jersey. Pick him up today while you can.

Marek Svatos, RW, Colorado Avalanche: On the surface, Colorado was due for a bit of a reality check. After a shockingly good start, the team has struggled to a 2-4-1 mark over its past seven games. But the strange thing is that during this stretch, Svatos has finally woken up. Three goals and one assist in his last five games has Fantasy owners hoping for a season like he had when he potted 32 goals in 2005-06. That season wasn’t a fluke (don’t forget he also scored 26 times in 2007-08). The simple reality is that if Svatos shoots, he can score (one goal for every seven shots on goal). The two keys for him will always be shot selection and health. The talent is there and the fact that he’s owned in less than 5 per cent of leagues screams pick him up. Do it now before Colorado starts turning it around again.

Next week we will bring the turkey and all the trimmings with a special Thanksgiving themed edition of The Wire Troll. Until then, may all your Fantasy hockey ventures be successful this coming week.

Welcome to Week Four of The Wire Troll, our weekly look at the ins and outs of working your Fantasy league waiver wire. This week, those ins and outs abound: Let’s look at who’s in, who’s out and who’s back.

The big news of the week concerns Fantasy uber-guard Chris Paul, who sprained his ankle Friday night and is expected to miss at least a week of action – though I’ve seen estimates of up to a month. There’s no way to know for sure at this point, but stop reading right now and go pick up Darren Collison, who figures to take over at point guard while CP3 is sidelined. Go ahead, do it…I’ll wait.

In other news, Golden State coach Don Nelson is rumoured to be on his way out, and the axe could reportedly fall as early as this week. Nellie’s lineup Tilt-A-Whirl has long been the bane of Fantasy owners everywhere, and if he departs many things stand to change in Golden State. Stay tuned.

Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis returns from his 10-game suspension on Monday, so it should be safe to activate him in weekly leagues. Coach Stan Van Gundy has made no secret of the fact that Lewis will step right back into the starting lineup when he returns. Washington Wizards Antawn Jamison and Mike Miller are scheduled to return from shoulder injuries, but both should be expected to show signs of rust, making them riskier plays in weekly leagues.

Four game weeks: ATL, CHA, CLE, DET, HOU, IND, MIA, MIL, NO, OKC, ORL, POR, TOR

Two-game week: MIN

CENTRES

Brendan Haywood, Washington Wizards: We recommended Haywood two weeks ago, but he’s still available in roughly one-third of all Yahoo! leagues and about three-quarters of ESPN groups. His numbers might slip slightly when Jamison returns, but he was still averaging a double-double and over two blocks per game as of November 14. Grab him if he’s still available.

Marreese Speights, Philadelphia 76ers: Elton Brand continues to struggle with adapting to the Philly offense, and Speights has been the beneficiary of that saga. Through nine games, Speights’ average line stood at 13.8/6.9 with 1.0 block in 24 minutes per game, while Brand has posted 9.7/5.2/0.7 in 26-plus minutes. Speights’ play should have him on your roster in larger leagues, and at least on the radar screen in medium-sized formats.

Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons: No, this isn’t the NBA Seniors Division Report — Wallace has awakened the echoes of bygone days this season, averaging 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals through eight games. He looks like the Big Ben of old (minus the hair), but just like Old School Ben, New School Ben can’t score a lick (only 3.1 PPG). If you’re set with points but lacking for boards, blocks and steals, turn back the clock and look to Big Ben in your hour of need.

FORWARDS

Carl Landry, Houston Rockets: Landry was featured in our first Wire Troll of the season, but despite averaging 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks through nine games he is owned in only about half of Yahoo! leagues. He has picked it up a bit in November, posting 15.3/5.3/1.3 through his first six games.

Kelenna Azubuike, Golden State Warriors: With all the tumult in Golden State, Azubuike just keeps rolling along, averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 treys and 1.2 blocks through six games in November. He generally stays on the court through most of Nellie’s line-up tinkering, making him a rare “safe” Warrior option for Fantasy owners.

Mike Miller, Washington Wizards: Before going down with a shoulder sprain November 4, Miller was averaging 8.4 points, 8.2 boards, 3.2 assists, 1.2 treys and 1.4 steals per game. Talk about filling up the box score. Many owners panicked when Double M hit the shelf, and he’s currently owned in about half of Yahoo! leagues. Miller is scheduled to return this week, and his skill as a facilitator should make Washington’s scorers even more effective, Don’t look for big points from Miller, but he’ll provide at least modest help in just about every other category.

GUARDS

Toney Douglas, New York Knicks: The 29th pick in the 2009 draft earned his first start of the season November 11, and responded with 23 points, four rebounds and one assist. Coming on the heels of his 21-2-1 line off the bench the previous game, the effort has thrust Douglas onto Fantasy radars all across the land. Though it’s tempting to say Douglas will supplant the struggling Chris Duhon at point guard, the fact is that the rook is more of a two-guard than a point. He averaged only 2.9 dimes per game at FSU, so running an offense is not his strong suit. That doesn’t mean that deep leaguers shouldn’t be all over this kid for his points and treys – just keep an eye on how the backcourt minutes sort out now that Nate Robinson is back on the court.

Darren Collison, New Orleans Hornets: If you heeded my advice above, hopefully by now you own Collison in at least a few leagues. The injury to CP3 creates an enormous opportunity for the rookie, and he cashed in that chance by throwing in 18 points, dishing out two assists and posting two steals in 26 minutes the night Paul went down. Reports vary on how long Paul will be out of action, but Collison’s value will skyrocket while the superstar is sidelined…and if the youngster delivers, he should see increased run even after CP3 returns. Don’t forget: Collison was a rock-solid point guard at UCLA, so the kid can run an offense. Weekly leaguers take note: New Orleans plays four games this week, but only twice in Weeks Five and Six.

Anthony Morrow, Golden State Warriors: Morrow has averaged 14.2 points and 2.5 treys through his first six games in November. He and the aforementioned Azubuike are about as consistent an option as can be found in Golden State right now, so if you’re in a league with 12 or more teams, Morrow is definitely worth a roster spot; just be prepared to cut bait depending on how Nellie’s situation plays out.

Nate Robinson, New York Knicks: Little Nate played almost 23 minutes in his first game back from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for six contests. The diminutive backcourt man amassed nine points, four assists and one steal; let the Duhon bench-watch begin. Robinson and Douglas figure to cut into Duhon’s minutes, but Nate is more of a true point than Douglas is. Little Nate is available in about half of Yahoo! leagues, so grab him if you needs threes or steals – with the upside for considerably more if he supplants Duhon.

Seeing strange players and a ton of callups that have you looking at your program like WTF is this? Well, you are not alone. A rash of injuries has plagued the NHL the likes of which I have not seen in a decade or two. Usually when you see injuries coming in succession you see it affect the second-, third- and even fourth-line players. However, this year the star is definitely feeling the injury bug and several are either currently hurt or have missed time this season. Guys like Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Jason Spezza and Roberto Luongo are all nursing the dreaded ouchies, although Spezza returned a few days ago. 

In all, there are now approximately 115 players in the NHL with some kind of injury that is keeping them out of the lineup. That is hair less than four players per team.

So what can you do to combat the crazy bug (bad pun)? Well for one, just hope your player also does not get the swine flu (right, David Krejci?). This is just nuts seeing all these players out of the lineup. Literally whole Fantasy rosters decimated by injuries.  I have seen cases of teams with six, seven, or even eight players on the IR, DTD, or out (O) of the lineup. Compounding the problem, this does not seem to be getting better but only worse. I have seen more AHL callups than I can count.

There was an estimate that roster moves are up almost 20 per cent from this time last year. Talk about insanity for the fans of teams…but for the Fantasy hockey fan, it is maddening.

For example, the Devils are already without guys like Patrik Elias, Jay Pandolfo and Johnny Oduya. Now you can add Rob Niedermayer and Colin White to the list as both are listed day to day. Even the innocent hit can be harmful. Just falling awkwardly is cause for panic. The hysteria has not even reached its apex.

No one knows what is next, but here are three players that you can get (one forward, one defenseman and one goalie) that may just help and they are likely on your waiver wire.

Niclas Bergfors, RW, New Jersey Devils: : He has slumped mightily and that has caused a lot of owners to cut bait and run. However, not so fast everyone! Bergfors has 43 shots in 13 games and three PPGs including two on Wednesday. He has a deceptively fast windup similar to Ranger star Marian Gaborik and eventually he was bound to start getting it behind the goalie and that happened Wednesday in a big way. As Bergfors finds his role with New Jersey a bit easier expect his scoring to go up. Honestly, you could do worse at this point. What? Wait for Olli Jokinen to break out? Yeah, that’s a good one!

Filip Kuba, D, Ottawa Senators: When Kuba is 100 per cent, he can get you 40-to-50 points. That is gold in these days and right now he is healthy. Defensemen usually do not score a point a game anyway these days (except for Mike Green last year). Kuba is the type of player who is ideal on the power play. His low, hard shot can set up easy rebounds for forwards and be an instant boost to your Fantasy team. Most leagues still have Kuba listed as quite available. Grab him now before any more defensemen get injured and not only will you not regret it but at the very least you will have a back-up plan in place in case any more guys go down. By the way, do not expect Anton Volchenkov to continue to lead the Sens in scoring from the blue line.

Ondrej Pavelec, G, Atlanta Thrashers: We’ve been saying for a while that if Pavelec could ever get over his “monthly,” he could be a starter. Now he gets his chance as Kari Lehtonen is out an additional 6-to-8 weeks after having back surgery. Pavelec can turn in 50-save stunners like he did against Ottawa, but he can also implode like an explosive cocktail we all know. However, with options dwindling fast and the fact that he is available in most leagues (at least for now) he’s a viable pickup. I firmly expect Pavelec to be the starter for most of the rest of the season. Get him now! Literally read this and see if he is available. If not, try to trade for him ASAP.

Next week we will have some fun and salute the vets…literally. Thanks again and enjoy the hockey-like weather.

Welcome to the Week Three edition of The Wire Troll, our weekly look at players who may be available on your league waiver wire but could see a spike in their Fantasy value in the immediate future.
This past week, injury news ruled the landscape, and the players involved ranged from the shocking (Tayshaun Prince of Detroit saw his streak of 496 consecutive games come to an end) to the utterly predictable (Kevin Martin of Sacramento, Devin Harris of New Jersey and Michael Redd of Milwaukee…you didn’t really blow a high draft pick on any of the Gossamer Guards, did you?)

Redd will be reportedly miss two weeks with a strained patellar tendon in his knee, while Harris may miss another three weeks with his groin injury. K-Mart underwent surgery on his wrist and will be out 6-to-8 weeks, but at least there’s a reasonably good chance he won’t get hurt off the court.

The same cannot be said for Chicago’s Tyrus Thomas, who fractured his arm while weightlifting and is down for 4-to-6 weeks. Another notable injured star is Troy Murphy of Indiana, whose back injury was reportedly so bad he couldn’t tie his shoes (guess they wouldn’t let Murph play barefoot). Meanwhile, Vince Carter of Orlando is still trying to get back in the lineup after suffering a sprained ankle back on October 30.

Murphy, Carter, Prince and the Knicks’ Nate Robinson are all expected back this week – though all are risky plays in weekly lineup leagues. Bench Murphy, whose Pacers only play twice anyway. Weekly leaguers will again have to muddle through without Orlando’s Rashard Lewis (suspension), but they will have access to the long-range bombing (and maddening inconsistency) that is Denver’s J.R. Smith, who should be back in action following his seven-game ban. Smith is not a recommended play until he shakes off the inevitable rust.

Though we have a whole new slate of potential waiver wire grabs for you this week, don’t forget to review our picks from the first Wire Troll of the season, as many of those players could provide some value if they’re still languishing on the wire.

Four game weeks: DAL, GS, HOU, LAC, MIN, NO, OKC, PHI, PHO, POR, TOR, UTA

Two-game weeks: IND, MIL, SAC, WAS

CENTRES

Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers: Hibbert was a popular sleeper pick after his stellar pre-season performance, but the seven-footer was slow out of the gate when the games started to count. Many Fantasy owners were quick – too quick – to cut bait, and now you can take advantage. Hibbert racked up three straight double-doubles – along with 11 blocks – November 3, 4 and 6, and could be poised to deliver on the promise he showed back in late October. He is owned in roughly half of Yahoo! leagues, but that number is sure to grow if he continues scoring, boarding and blocking at his current rate. Add the big fellow immediately; he looks like he has found his comfort zone and should be helpful in just about every Fantasy league at this point.

Oleksiy Pecherov, Minnesota Timberwolves: Pecherov has stepped into Kevin Love’s big shoes and is faring quite nicely, thank you – averaging 15 points and 6.3 rebounds through his first three starts of the season. Don’t over-invest here: Love is talking about returning from his broken hand November 20, and Pecherov’s NBA track record is not impressive. However, if you’re in a deeper league you could do a lot worse than Pecherov in the short term.

Erick Dampier, Dallas Mavericks: Yes, you read that right; the man once referred to as the best pick-setter in the NBA (yee-haw!) has actually become Fantasy-relevant. With Drew Gooden nursing a strained rib cage muscle, ED is seeing big minutes and putting up strong numbers. Dampier has always been a good shot blocker, but he was averaging nearly a double-double through his first five games of the season – to go with 14 blocks. It remains to be see how long Dampier’s body can withstand 30-plus minutes per night, and he’s sure to lose playing time when Gooden returns – but for now Dampier is a good short-term add if you’re in need of boards and blocks (or picks).

FORWARDS

Chris Douglas-Roberts, New Jersey Nets:  Douglas-Roberts looks to have taken over as the top scoring threat in Jersey now that Harris is on the shelf. Harris may be out for as long as three more weeks, so the time is definitely right to grab CDR. He tossed in 25, 20 and 19 points in consecutive games after Harris went down, so it’s clear that the Nets will look to their swingman to be Mr. Outside to Brook Lopez’s Mr. Inside. Douglas-Roberts is worth rostering in just about every Fantasy league while Harris is sidelined, and he has enough upside to possibly be a season-long member of your squad. He’s battling a case of the flu at the moment, so weekly lineup players may want to stay their hand until CDR is confirmed healthy.

Andres Nocioni, Sacramento Kings: Oops – Just a few hours after logging 14 points and six rebounds in his first start of the season, Nocioni was busted for suspicion of DUI. It’s doubtful that he’ll miss much – if any – time, though, and the fact remains that he’s now the Kings’ starter at small forward. The injury to Martin (Martin? Injured? Wow – who knew?) opens the door for someone to take over as the top scorer in Sac Town, and Nocioni has never been shy about taking a shot. Add Nocioni in deeper leagues, and be prepared to add him in all formats if he goes on a hot streak.

Matt Barnes, Orlando Magic: Barnes’ Fantasy value is directly tied to the absence of Lewis, who will return from his league suspension November 16. For now, Barnes is knocking out some solid Fantasy lines, but the party figures to end for both he and Ryan Anderson when Lewis makes it back onto the court. Either Barnes or Anderson makes a nice filler for the back end of your roster this week, but be ready to cut bait (or sell high) on both these players come the end of next week.

Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls: With Thomas out of the lineup for 4-to-6 weeks with a broken arm, Gibson becomes the undisputed starter at power forward for the Bulls. Don’t look for big-time blocks or steals (a la Thomas) from Gibson, but the rookie should be a decent source of points and rebounds as long as he’s playing starter’s minutes. Gibson is worth adding in deeper leagues right away, and all Fantasy managers should have him on their radar screens in case he has a breakout game.

GUARDS

Larry Hughes, New York Knicks: Hughes will remain in the Knicks’ starting lineup for the immediate future, at least according to head coach Mike D’Antoni. Hughes has stepped into the void created by the absence of Robinson, who’s expected to miss up to two weeks with a sprained ankle, but the veteran should retain some Fantasy value even after little Nate returns. Hughes can be inconsistent, but he should be good for at least a dozen points per night.

Corey Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves: Brewer has quietly (which is the way basketball-related things happen in Minnesota) cobbled together a pretty decent stat line over the first six games of the 2009-10 campaign (12.8/4.8/2.8). His 6′9″ frame creates match-up problems aplenty in the backcourt, and he has cashed in by averaging over two steals and one block per game. Brewer should not be available in leagues with more than 12 teams, and some mid-size league managers should take a hard look at the one-time hot prospect that finally seems to be delivering on that promise.

Randy Foye, Washington Wizards: Mike Miller looks to be out for at least another week, and while he’s gone Foye should be in line for increased minutes. Nick Young is the starter at the two for now, but Foye’s ability to score the ball makes him a much more palatable Fantasy option. Add Foye if you’re in a deep league and in need of points, assists and threes, but his role as a reserve makes him not yet ready for widespread Fantasy relevance.

Dahntay Jones, Indiana Pacers: Jones has outperformed former starter Brandon Rush this season, and earned his first start of the season November 4. Thirty-eight minutes, 19 points and 12 rebounds later, a change could be in the offing in Indy. Jones does not have Rush’s outside shot (only 44 treys in 329 lifetime games), but appears to have found a home in the Pacer offense. Don’t over-invest in Jones, but he makes a fine short-term pickup in larger leagues – especially while Murphy is on the mend.

Beno Udrih, Sacramento Kings: Udrih was thoroughly underwhelming as the Kings’ starting point guard last season, but the injury to K-Mart means a chance at redemption. Former starting point guard Tyreke Evans will likely slide over to Martin’s two-guard spot, with Udrih once again manning the point. Don’t set the bar too high – this is Beno Udrih, after all – but he could be a serviceable Fantasy option for those managers in dire need of backcourt help.

J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic: A quick word on Redick, who has been a popular waiver target this week: His numbers have been solid, but his value is directly tied to the absence of Carter. Once Vinsanity returns (and that looks like it could be very soon), Redick’s minutes will plummet. Proceed with caution and be prepared to cut bait.

Welcome to a new season of The Wire Troll, NBA version, where we take a look at some productive players who, for one reason or another, might be languishing on your league’s waiver wire. Just as there’s no crying in baseball, languishing is not to be tolerated in the world of hoops…so we’ll seek to give you an early heads-up on some up-and-coming players who just might be ready for prime time duty on your Fantasy roster.

The NBA season is barely out of the starting gate, but already some patterns are beginning to emerge that may affect Fantasy rosters for at least the near future. Injuries and suspensions have claimed a couple of stars, leaving the door open for their replacements to rack up a bevy of Fantasy points. Meanwhile, a few rookies have stepped to the fore and served notice that the class of ‘09 just might have as many pleasant surprises in store as their counterparts from a season ago.

The season is in its infancy, but acting upon these early indicators may allow you to get in on the ground floor of a budding Fantasy Cinderella story.

Weekly line-up leaguers take note: Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis will remain on league suspension for the entire week, while Suns’ two-guard Jason Richardson should be back in action following his two-game suspension.

On the injury front, Antawn Jamison and Kevin Love will not play this week, and keep an eye on the status of Pau Gasol (hamstring), Vince Carter (ankle), Rip Hamilton (ankle) and Mehmet Okur (knee/ankle). The news looks to be good for Charlotte guard Raja Bell (wrist), who may return this week. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues should have Bell on their radar.

Note that two other very high draft picks — Devin Harris and Caron Butler — are now out. Harris will miss Monday’s game, meaning another start for Rafer Alston, who put up a good line the other night. Butler, meanwhile, is expected to be back in action Tuesday night.

Four-game weeks: ATL, BOS, DEN, DET, LAL, MEM, MIN, NJ, NO, NY, ORL, PHO, SAC, UT, WAS

Two-game week: SA

CENTRES

Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards: While Jamison is on the shelf – and that’s expected to be at least two more weeks – Blatche should see plenty of minutes. He made good on that run in his first game this season, posting 20 points, seven boards and two blocks against Dallas. While Jamison is out, Blatche should be on most Fantasy rosters. Even after ‘Tawn makes it back, Blatche will be the first big off the bench for the Wizards, and his rebounding and shot blocking ability make him a worthwhile roster addition in deep (180 or more rostered players) leagues.

Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies: The arrivals of Zach Randolph and Hasheem Thabeet were supposed to cleave the Fantasy value of Gasol, but the big man apparently didn’t get that memo. He went off for 21 points, 15 boards and three blocks in his first game of the year, and looked every bit the part of a dominant big man. The jury’s still out on whether Gasol will be able to score on a consistent basis, but the boards and blocks figure to be there in any event.

Marreese Speights, Philadelphia 76ers: Speights may become the Sixers’ top big off the bench after tossing in a career-high 26 points in the opening game. Caution is advised, though, as he followed up that big night by playing only 12 minutes in his next game. The 6-foot-10 inch Speights is certainly a player to watch in all Fantasy formats, and may see his minutes increase if Elton Brand continues to struggle with picking up the “Princeton” offense. Speights is a good add in deeper leagues at this point, but be prepared to pull the trigger in all formats if he wins the job as sixth man in Philly.

Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns: Now that Frye has finally landed a starting gig, he’s definitely making the most of his time on the floor. He averaged 17 points, six boards and 3.5 trey balls through his first two games, and looks like a worthwhile add in just about every league. He’s not a shot blocker, but Frye’s quickness and ability to run the floor makes him an ideal fit in Phoenix’s up-tempo system. He should produce solid steal numbers as a result, and those treys are oh so sweet indeed. Friday night he looked absolutely sick, canning his first half dozen tries from beyond the arc before finally missing one.

FORWARDS

Travis Outlaw/Martell Webster, Portland Trail Blazers: The shoulder injury to starting small forward Nicolas Batum, who’s out until at least January, has opened the door for both Outlaw and Webster. Outlaw tossed in 23 points, while grabbing four rebounds, dishing two assists and posting two steals and a block his first game, while Webster responded with 14/3/2/2/1 in eight fewer minutes. Outlaw may still be available in some leagues, while Webster is almost certainly hanging around out there somewhere. Don’t over-invest here, but recall that Webster put up decent numbers back in ‘07-08 before missing all but one game last year due to injury.

DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs: The rookie appears to have won the job as Tim Duncan’s backup in San Antonio, and that can translate to some very nice Fantasy lines for Blair when the Big Fundamental takes a night off. Blair also figures to rack up some solid minutes when the Spurs are involved in a blowout, and that nifty 14 points and 11 boards he posted in his NBA debut should show you that the talent is definitely there. Add Blair in deeper leagues, and Duncan owners should strongly consider rostering the rookie as well.

Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic: Anderson also carries centre eligibility in some leagues, and his 16 points, four treys and five boards in the Magic’s opening game makes him add-worthy in some deeper leagues. Make your move now if you need his support, though – Anderson’s minutes should plummet after Lewis serves his 10-game suspension.

Yi Jianlian, New Jersey Nets: Yi is averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds with two blocks per game through his first two outings, and his potential makes him worth a dice roll in most league formats. He has been inconsistent to say the least during his career, though, so be prepared to cut bait if his fortunes head south.

Danilo Gallinari, New York Knicks: Gallinari looks to have rediscovered his shooting touch in the regular season, and can be of help to owners in need of threes. His health will always be a concern, but while he’s dialed in he’s worth a look for Fantasy owners in larger leagues.

Shelden Williams, Boston Celtics: Those same deep league owners should keep an eye on Williams; the Celts figure to be on the good end of a lot of blowouts this season, and Williams looks to be in line to rack up plenty of garbage time minutes. It may not be quality time, but Fantasy owners won’t complain about the 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block he posted during one rout, nor the 10/10/2/2 he put up the following night. He won’t see meaningful minutes if the game is close, but if things get out of hand – and they often will – Williams could shine.

GUARDS

Rasual Butler, Los Angeles Clippers: Butler had a tough opening game (having Ron Artest in your face all night will do that to you), but he rebounded nicely with 19 points, three treys and four assists the following night. Butler should see plenty of action off the bench for the hapless Clippers, and his scoring, three-point shooting and serviceable shot-blocking talent are welcome additions for owners in deeper leagues.

Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks: All Jennings did in his first NBA start was just miss posting a triple-double – though his 17-9-9 line was marred by five turnovers. The young PG figures to make mistakes aplenty as he learns the NBA game, but the talent for Fantasy stardom seems to be there. Jennings is worth adding in just about every league – though his value is diminished if your league counts turnovers.

Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets: Lawson may be backing up one of the game’s most durable players in Chauncey Billups, but the rookie’s impressive 17-4-6 line in his NBA debut may well earn him more minutes going forward. If you own Billups, Lawson is a must-add if you can spare the roster space; he looks like a polished NBA point guard who could pile up monster numbers should Mr. Big Shot suffer an injury.

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings: Sacramento plans to emphasize youth this season, and point guard Evans is at the forefront of that movement. The fourth overall pick in the 2009 draft averaged 16 points, 3.5 boards, two assists and 1.5 steals through his first two games, so he’s definitely worth grabbing in most formats if he’s still available. Beware the turnovers that are bound to come (3.0 his first two games) but Evans’ skill set should allow him to blossom into a solid Fantasy starter – possibly as early as the second half of this season.

We’ve got a shorter but sweeter edition for you this week. It is that time of year where already in H2H leagues the contenders are rising to the top? This early, you may ask? Yes, they are. Sure there are some surprises, but everyone is looking for those now like they have it on radar. People are being stalkers of the players that will put them over the top now instead of what may come later. I love those guys that come later. Those make the real difference. This week, I heard rumours that we have a few such guys that may be available come later in the season. Keep in mind that these guys are likely on other teams right now, but may be dropped as the season goes along.

Centre

Rich Peverley, Atlanta Thrashers: Look, he is going to cool off eventually. When he does, he will be dropped out of leagues faster than Elvis dropped dimes at diners. Seriously, it is nice that Peverley is averaging over a point a game now, but at some point that offense has to dry up some. I see a back and forth type of season from Peverley and come late in the season (when there will not be as much pressure), he will begin to thrive once again. It is okay. Do not be shocked. Some of these are going to ruffle feathers of Fantasy owners right now. That is the whole point.

Left Wing

Marco Sturm, Boston Bruins: Everyone is going to run and get Sturm right now because he is on the first line with all the injuries in Boston (Marc Savard, Milan Lucic, the Pope, etc.). The bottom line is Sturm will get you some points and the significant ice time that goes along with it. However, when the injured players come back, the party will stop! It really is like that jack in the box, folks. Now, as the season wears down to the end, however, you will want a guy like Sturm because of his career numbers. He had some god awful luck last year with injuries, but had 56 points in 2007-08. The potential is there at least.

Right Wing

Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings: Say it with m: When is the injury going to come? That is perpetually the question with Mr. Williams. Nine points in nine games is great, but let us have a little fun with the following list of injuries. Yes, we go next level here. Thank you TSN.

Basically, with Williams you should have one hand on your mouth and one on the mouse because, sadly, he is almost due to get hurt. When (not if) he does, people will drop him and then, when the time is right (and yes this is like playing Russian Roulette), grab him! He can clearly produce when healthy, a la Tim Connolly. The key phrase here is when he is healthy.

Defense

Jason Demers, San Jose Sharks: This kid is the real deal, but with defensemen galore in San Jose, he may fall a bit in the middle of the year. Demers has eight points in 10 games right now. Consider him a rookie that will hit the wall early and rebound later unlike Michael Del Zotto of the Rangers who will hit it much later with little or no time to rebound. That, my Fantasy owner friends, is the difference between being surrounded by really good defensemen and below average defensemen. It’s that simple. Demers will get picked up late in the season because of that reason. Time it right and you have a d-man on your bench that can get timely assists and solid +/- night in and night out.

Goaltending

Ondrej Pavelec, Atlanta Thrashers: He had a bad night on Thursday. Hey, everyone gives up a 190-foot bomb now and then. Eventually, Kari Lehtonen (back, groin, ego) will come back and play pretty well, but then get hurt again. At least Pavelec can stay healthy. His numbers are pretty solid (a .907 save percentage with a goals against just over 3.00). And that includes the Washington game where he gave up five goals on 14 shots. Do not sleep on this guy. He will be Atlanta’s starter again before the stretch run. Count on it and some more solid numbers on the way in. If someone drops Pavelec, keep an eye out.

Next week we will dig up some more waiver treasure. Do not forget to check at least every other day with the waiver wire. You never know what is lurking just waiting to be had. Bye for now.

After giving the American League the once over, it’s time to turn our attention to the Senior Circuit.

In the National League this season there were some huge bargains in the pitching department. Not that the bats were all that shabby — with speed being available all over the place — but pitching was where it was at in the NL in 2009.

Without further ado, let’s give those National League players their due accolades.

Catcher

Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks: The progression of Chris Snyder ended this season with the cumulative injuries and ineffectiveness, and Montero stepped it up from his back-up role and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2009. The 26-year-old hit 16 homers with 59 RBI while posting a great .294 BA. I wonder if the BoSox are regretting not taking the opportunity to acquire Montero last offseason when the rumour mill had it he was available?

First Base

Adam LaRoche, Atlanta Braves: It was truly a bizarre year for LaRoche. He got out of the gate with a decent start, something unusual for him, and then forgot to show up in May. He righted the ship in June and then came an absolutely horrible July where he managed only two homers and a .169 BA, causing many an owner to abandon ship and justifiably so. LaRoche put up his usual solid finish, slugging 12 homers with 40 RBI and a great .325 BA over the final two months. At the end of the day he put together a typical “Adam LaRoche” season with 25 homers, 83 RBI and a .277 BA, but you better have had a “Plan B” for first base during those dry spells.

Second Base

Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies: Barmes enjoyed a career year in 2009, mashing 23 long balls with 76 RBI. He was also drafted in only 20 per cent of all Yahoo! leagues entering the campaign. This shouldn’t be a huge surprise as he had hit only 30 homers in his career up until this season and Ian Stewart was chasing him for playing time in the middle infield. For those that added “Deer Meat Boy” early, the rewards were huge.

Shortstop

Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres: It was a solid year for the 22-year-old as he managed two homers, 31 RBI, 25 thefts and a .255 BA in 377 at-bats batting out of the lead-off slot for the Padres. Cabrera finished third among NL shortstops in stolen bases despite playing in just a little over half the games. Looking down the road, that 703 OPS and those 80 strikeouts are definitely going to need some work if he wants to continue setting the table for the Padres in 2010.

Third Base

Juan Uribe, San Francisco Giants: The stars were aligned correctly for Uribe in 2009. He was enjoying a typical “Juan Uribe” sort of year, bouncing all over the infield, and then came September. Down the stretch, he was a monster. Uribe hit eight homers, drove in 23, scored 17 runs and chipped in with an unheard, at least by his standards .325 BA in September. He was a huge bonus for those that plucked him from the wire, but do remember that the odds are very long that we will see a repeat of this incredible run anytime in the future.

Outfield

Chris Coghlan, Florida Marlins: Coghlan was recalled at the beginning of May to provide some spark to the Marlins lineup, and spark it he did. He managed nine homers, 47 RBI, 84 runs scored, and eight thefts to go along with a stellar .321 BA in 504 ABs. Coghlan showed tremendous poise as a 24-year-old rookie batting at the top of the lineup, finishing sixth in the NL in hitting. Now, if the Marlins move incumbent Dan Uggla this offseason and Coghlan can return to his natural position at second base, his value will only increase heading into 2010.

Nyjer Morgan, Washington Nationals: Despite his season ending prematurely at the end of August due to the fractured left hand, Morgan was a definite plus in the speed department for many a Fantasy squad. In 469 ABs, he managed 42 thefts and a superb .321 BA and appears to have the lead-off slot sewn up for the Nationals entering 2010. Traded from the Pirates to the Nationals at the end of June, Morgan seemed to really like the change of scenery, scorching the ball to the tune of a .351 BA with 24 stolen bases in July and August.

Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies: Commencing in mid-August, Gonzalez went on a tear for the Rockies. He slugged six homers in a span of eight days followed up by a September in which he swatted five more long balls and tossed in seven thefts. The 24-year-old is starting to demonstrated why he was coveted so highly in the deal that sent Matt Holliday to the Oakland A’s.

Cody Ross, Florida Marlins: Sure, he was streaky and struck out 122 times, but for a power bat that was drafted in virtually no leagues this year, Ross was a definite asset. He finished up the 2009 campaign with 24 homers, 90 RBI and a .270 BA. Those numbers were good enough for Top 10 honours in both dingers and RBI among NL outfielders and made him a perfect fourth or fifth outfielder for your Fantasy squad in 2009.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates: The future has arrived in the Steel City and his name is Andrew McCutchen. The 23-year-old was called up at the beginning of June and didn’t disappoint. Over the balance of the season he hit 12 homers, drove in 54, scored 74 runs, stole 22 bags, and managed a solid .286 BA in 433 at-bats. McCutchen quickly claimed the lead-off role as his own and with that five-category potential, his value is rising rapidly looking down the road to 2010.

Matt Diaz, Atlanta Braves: He could always hit southpaws, but this year — especially in August — he was hitting everything in sight. In August, Diaz clouted six homers, drove in 18 runs and put up a staggering .404 BA. For those that took the plunge early on in August and grabbed him off the wire, the rewards were plentiful.

Starting Pitcher

Randy Wolf, Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodger southpaw has come full circle and just in time as he’ll be a free agent this offseason. In 214 1/3 IP, Wolf allowed only 178 hits and 58 walks, while striking out 160, which accounts for that great 3.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Now if the normally strong Dodger pen had only given him some support he might have managed more than just 11 wins. Finally healthy, Wolf posted a season very reminiscent of that stellar 2002, so he will be highly sought after this winter.

Kevin Correia, San Diego Padres: The 29-year-old former Giant quietly enjoyed a very solid season for the Padres, but does anyone lately enjoy anything other than quiet seasons in San Diego? Correia put up a dozen wins, a 3.91 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and 142 strikeouts in 198 IP, and was a great addition as a fourth or fifth starter in all formats.

Jorge De La Rosa, Colorado Rockies: Let’s take a quick look back to the beginning of June. At the time, De La Rosa was 0-6 with a 5.44 ERA. Fast forward to season’s end and we find him with a 16-9 record, a 4.38 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP and 193 strikeouts in 185 IP. He didn’t win his first game until June 5, but once he got that under his belt he just didn’t stop. De La Rosa finished the season third in wins behind only St. Louis’ stellar one-two of Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, and tied for eighth in strikeouts. De La Rosa was a Wire Troll stud in 2009 and a huge factor in the Rockies earning the NL Wild Card slot.

Homer Bailey, Cincinnati Reds: The seventh overall pick in the 2004 draft struggled early on, but found a groove down the stretch with six wins in his final nine starts. During that stretch, he struck out 53 in 58 1/3 IP while allowing only 11 earned runs. Is this a temporary aberration or he is finally figuring it out at the ripe old age of 23? Pitchers named “Homer” do cause me some concern, but this late-season surge is going to make Bailey an intriguing prospect heading into 2010 league drafts.

Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds: Arroyo finished the 2009 season with his best numbers since his first full season as a Red back in 2006. He managed a 3.84 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP and 127 strikeouts in 220 1/3 IP and was very strong over the final two months. Commencing in August, Arroyo pitched at least seven innings in each start through to the end of the year and allowed two or less earned runs in every start except one over that span. He was a horse down the stretch for both the Reds and your Fantasy team.

J.A. Happ, Philadelphia Phillies: At the end of May, the 26-year-old southpaw emerged from a successful stint in the Phillie bullpen, and never looked back. He authored a great rookie campaign with 12 wins, a 2.93 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP and 119 strikeouts in 199 IP. One trick ponies do cause me some concern, with Chuck James from the Braves immediately coming to mind, but you can’t argue with Happ’s results in 2009.

Joel Pineiro, St. Louis Cardinals: One has to have a very good memory to remember the last time Pineiro posted numbers reminiscent of his 2009 campaign. In 214, he racked up 15 wins and a 3.49 ERA, allowing a scant 27 free passes. I don’t believe anyone could have foreseen this huge turnaround, but those that gambled on the wire — especially in 4X4 formats — reaped the rather large rewards.

Randy Wells, Chicago Cubs: In a year of disappointment and turmoil in Chicago, Wells provided at least some respite from the day-to-day tribulations of being a Cub fan. The 27-year-old righthander moved into the rotation at the beginning of May and showed remarkable poise in posting 12 wins, a 3.05 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 165 1/3 IP. Wells should garner some justified Rookie of the Year votes when the hardware is awarded in November.

Relief Pitcher

Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals: Looking back to last spring, Franklin was slotted in as part of a closer-by-committee with Jason Motte and Chris Perez. Motte struggled early, Franklin stepped up his game, claimed the job, and the rest is history. Franklin compiled 38 saves to go along with a stellar 1.92 ERA and 1.20 WHIP and was a huge bonus in the saves category for those that gambled early on the wire.

Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins: The former Royal took over when Matt Lindstrom hit the DL with elbow woes at the end of June, and despite some struggles, Nunez held the job over the balance of the season. From September 8-22 he reeled off a string of six consecutive saves, and that were undoubtedly a difference maker in many a Fantasy league. Nunez ended up with 26 saves and has to be considered the front-runner for the closer role for the Fish heading into 2010.

In the beginning there was nothing and then there was light and there was still nothing, but you could see it. That is right, it may be Week Two of the NHL season for most of you or even Week Three for some, but it’s time for a little Hockey Wire Troll. Basically, you can go fishing for hours or let me do it for you. Most tend to prefer the latter. The less work you have to do now means the less you have to do later when Fantasy crunch time hits.

You do not want to be smashed into the boards like Viktor Hedman was on Thursday just, for example, because you forgot to make some early-season moves. Do note Anton Volchenkov’s hits on the first two picks of the 2009 Draft as seen here and here.

Now let’s get to our picks for the week.

Centre

Brendan Morrison, Washington Capitals: What? I have heard this all year from people, but do not laugh. Morrison has six points in seven games for the Caps and has been much healthier than in years past. The knee injuries have gone away and though his shot total is not there yet (just seven so far), you should give it some time. Before the lockout, Morrison was consistently over 50 points; he even had a 71-point season in 2002-03 for Vancouver. There was a wrist injury I forgot about too, but while the health is there, go get him!

Eric Belanger, Minnesota Wild: Belanger is a bit of a role player according to most, but I see serious potential especially with all the injuries in Minnesota. Seven points in five games is serious stuff.  That is nothing to sneeze at at all. Minnesota realizes what it has in Belanger and when the players come back from injury it may be their roles reduced and not his. He is a good pickup in leagues — and not just in deep ones.

Left Wing

Matt Moulson, New York Islanders: Moulson has four points in four games and nearly 20 minutes of ice time per contest (19:41). Sure, it doesn’t hurt that he has seen some first line time, but he has 17 shots on goal already and has a propensity to go to the net as well as bang there. This is something the Isles have sorely missed, last year in particular. I like the fact that he has meshed well with guys like Kyle Okposo, John Tavares and even Doug Weight. Moulson is a guy to definitely watch as the season goes on because even if he plays on the second line, he will not flame out like Aaron Voros did last year. Just do not expect 82 points, that’s all.

Right Wing

David Jones, Colorado Avalanche: I made a joke about this the other day. The Bruins just went into Davy Jones’ locker. Well, they really did after this guy dropped a shortie on them. He is not even on either of Colorado’s top two lines, but has five points in three games. Jones missed the first five games of the regular season with a bruised chest, but has come on like gangbusters. Surprisingly, he’s averaging 17:50 of ice time so far, so the Avs and Joe Sacco are noticing something in this kid. He will be on the top two lines before too long and is someone you must pick up now because he will be gone by early in the week. Demand is that high on him…really!

Defense

Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres: This pick is a little outside the board I know, but hear me out. Myers is 6-foot-8 and can actually skate pretty well unlike Hal Gill. Myers has two points in four games which does not sound like much, but he is hitting people pretty well. Buffalo finally has some true grit and sandpaper on the blueline. If he keeps on playing 20:46 a game, he will be worth owning on your Fantasy teams, especially if you track blocked shots and hits. Myers’ slap shot is also above average and when he starts uncorking it…look out. I am not saying he is a Zdeno Chara in the making, I am just saying there is potential here. Grab him while you can.

Goaltending

Scott Clemmensen, Florida Panthers: I was skeptical to put his name on here, but it needed to be done. Why? Clearly Tomas Vokoun cannot handle the workload. Florida gives up 38.1 shots per game and Vokoun is already burning out a bit. That is his track record — he cannot play more than a few good games in a row. This is why Clemmensen is perfect. Remember when that Martin Brodeur guy went down in Jersey last year? Clemmensen won 25 games for the Devils and thrust himself into a more prominent place in Fantasy circles only to wind up as the second banana to Vokoun. That will change soon if Vokoun keeps up letting soft goals up like Vesa Toskala. So keep an eye out, Clemmensen may still be available.

Next week, see which position we double up on because it may just be one that you really need help in. Until then, it’s hockey weather and the best time of the year. Bye for now.

Another regular season is over, so it’s time to take a look back at some of the waiver wire highlights of the 2009 campaign. In this, our second annual waiver wire review, we will highlight some of those prudent acquisitions that were the difference makers for many a Fantasy squad this season. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the American League, to be followed up by the Senior Circuit next week.

Catcher

Kurt Suzuki, Oakland Athletics: Suzuki finished the 2009 campaign with 15 homers, 88 RBI, 74 runs scored, eight thefts and a decent .274 BA. He managed to finish up fourth in RBI and third in runs scored at his position. Not too shabby for a player that was drafted in a scant five per cent of all Yahoo! leagues this spring. It certainly gives cause for one to wonder if investing in a catcher early as a draft strategy is a prudent one.

First Base

Kendry Morales, Los Angeles Angels: When the Angels and Mark Teixeira parted company in the offseason, it created a huge hole offensively for the Angels. Six months, 34 homers and 108 RBI later, Morales has Angel fans now asking “Mark who?”

Second Base

Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays: Going all the way back to that first Wire Troll of the season pay dirt was hit, and in a huge way. How many of us would have bet that Hill would be the top producer at a position dominated by perennial all-star Chase Utley? A season of 36 homers, 108 RBI, 103 runs scored, six thefts and .286 BA have deservedly vaulted Hill to the top of the charts at second base. He is going to be a very interesting selection come league drafts in 2010.

Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays: The injury to Aki Iwamura opened the door and Zobrist was off and running. Those eight long balls he crushed in the month of June were absolutely huge. Although Zobrist cooled off considerably down the stretch, he still finished the year with 27 homers, 91 RBI, a .297 BA and 17 thefts. Anyone who says that platoon players can’t make a difference obviously didn’t gamble on Zobrist this season.

Alberto Callaspo, Kansas City Royals: Think back to those league drafts in March…wasn’t all the talk coming out of Kansas City centred around Mark Teahen making the switch to second base? So much for the best laid plans of mice and men. Callaspo enjoyed a fine year at the keystone corner, finishing up with 11 homers, 73 RBI and a .300 BA. If he can learn to play some defense, he could be looking at a long run in the middle infield for the Royals.

Shortstop

Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays: Bartlett was available in 96 per cent of all leagues playing at Yahoo! after this Spring’s drafts. He missed three weeks with a sprained ankle at the end of May and still managed career highs in every offensive category in 2009 with 14 long balls, 66 RBI, 90 runs scored and 30 thefts to go along with a superb .320 BA. Toss in Matt Garza, and that trade for Delmon Young is looking like a total steal for the Rays at this stage of the game.

Marco Scutaro, Toronto Blue Jays: Scutaro leapt into the upper echelon of shortstops in 2009 and despite his season ending prematurely on September 20 due to a torn right heel injury, he was one of only five shortstops in the game to reach the magic 100 runs scored plateau. Batting in the lead-off role for the Jays, he also managed 12 homers, 60 RBI, a solid .282 BA and 14 thefts. Not too shabby coming from a career platoon player acquired from the Athletics for a pair of minor league pitchers — one of the few solid moves made during the J. P. Ricciardi regime.

Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels: This season, the 25-year-old finally started showing off some of that great potential we’ve been hearing about seemingly forever. Aybar managed five homers, 58 RBI, 14 thefts and a great .312 BA out — a huge bonus given that many considered shortstop to be a potential area of concern for the Halos heading into the 2009 campaign. He was valued so low by Fantasy owners this Spring he wasn’t even listed as a drafted player in Yahoo! leagues.

Third Base

Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox: The 23-year-old got the call back at the beginning of June and after a rather inauspicious 4-for-35 start, Beckham turned up his game and in 367 at-bats managed to slug 14 long balls, drive in 63 runs, and toss in seven thefts for good measure. Chicago’s first round pick in 2008 has not disappointed and you can look forward to big numbers from Beckham in 2010.

Adam Kennedy, Oakland Athletics: I don’t think anyone can lay claim to seeing this one coming. Kennedy managed to hit more homers this year than in his previous four seasons combined. He slugged 11 dingers, drove in 63, and added 20 stolen bases, to boot. Toss in the second base eligibility and Kennedy was a definite difference maker in 2009.

Outfield

Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins: The potential has always been there but, unfortunately, the health hasn’t. Kubel finally managed to stay healthy and enjoyed a superb season, mashing 27 homers and driving in 102 runs while managing to hit an even .300. Those teams that gambled on Kubel were handsomely rewarded in 2009.

Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins: Coming off an abysmal injury-filled 2008 campaign in which he hit only three homers with 36 RBI, this year Cuddyer arguably enjoyed his best season since way back in 2006. The injury to Justin Morneau required a move to first base and Cuddyer responded in fine fashion, leading the Twins with 10 homers and 29 RBI over the final five weeks of the season. Fantasy teams that added Cuddyer around mid-August were undoubtedly ecstatic with the results.

Rajai Davis, Oakland Athletics: The speedy Davis defied all odds this season and with his stellar play literally forced his way into the lineup and never looked back. Three homers, 48 RBI, and those 41 stolen bases in only 390 at-bats were absolutely huge for those Fantasy squads taking a run at the stolen base title in league play. If you project those stolen base numbers over a full season you have a player that’s stock has risen, and should continue to rise heading into the 2010 season.

Marlon Byrd, Texas Rangers: Byrd was the “Rodney Dangerfield” of Fantasy baseball in 2009. He enjoyed a great season and was still getting very little respect heading into the final week of the season, being owned in less than half the leagues playing over at CBS. Those 20 homers, 89 RBI, and solid .283 BA made Byrd a solid option as a fifth outfielder this season. A Byrd on your active roster was worth way more than a Burrell on the bench.

Franklin Gutierrez, Seattle Mariners: The 26-year-old Gutierrez looks to finally have found a home patrolling centrefield for the Mariners. The change of scenery has done nothing but good for his game as he managed to hit 18 big flies, drive in 70, and score 85 runs with a solid .283 BA. Gutierrez also chipped in 16 thefts and contributed his usual stellar defence. You’ve got to love five-category waiver wire additions. He has finally enjoyed that breakout campaign I’ve been anticipating for the past several seasons and I expect more of the same moving in 2010.

Starting Pitcher

Brett Anderson, Oakland Athletics: The 21-year-old southpaw has emerged as a solid Rookie of the Year candidate in 2009. For a horrible Oakland team he managed to win 11 games with 150 strikeouts and a solid 4.06 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 175 1/3 IP. The future is looking very bright for the young southpaw and he is going to be a very intriguing pick come next year’s drafts.

Edwin Jackson, Detroit Tigers: Jackson emerged as a solid workhorse in the Tiger rotation. Those 13 wins and 161 strikeouts in 214 IP made the 26-year-old a huge asset as a third or fourth pitcher on many Fantasy teams this season.

Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays: The Jays needed someone to step up this year with the departure of A.J. Burnett and injuries to Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum and Jesse Litsch , and Romero was the man for the Jays. Although he tired a bit down the stretch, the 24-year-old southpaw managed 13 wins and a 4.30 ERA with 141 strikeouts in 178 IP. The walks were been high and are certainly cause for some concern, but for a guy literally forced into the Jay rotation, he enjoyed a very solid rookie campaign.

Scott Feldman, Texas Rangers: Quick — name the last pitcher to win at least 17 games for the Rangers and the year he did it.* Feldman enjoyed a solid breakout campaign for the Rangers in 2009, and should be a fine middle-of-the-rotation innings eater going forward. With the addition of Nolan Ryan to the front office, have the Rangers finally figured out they need more than just that high-powered offense to win the division?

Relief Pitcher

David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners: This past season, the waiver wire was again crucial in determining the final outcome in the saves category. Aardsma is a perfect example of why drafting closers in the early rounds is a mistake. Penciled into a set-up role for the Mariners heading into the 2009 campaign, he stepped into the closer job in the wake of the failure of Brandon Morrow and never looked back. In 71 1/3 IP, Aardsma managed 38 saves, 80 strikeouts, a 2.52 ERA and 1.16 WHIP and was a definite difference maker for many a Fantasy squad in 2009.

Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics: Undrafted in all formats and starting the season behind both Brad Ziegler and Joey Devine on the depth charts, Bailey jumped out of the gate strong and after a brief duel with Ziegler, he claimed the closer gig and never surrendered it. Bailey racked up 26 saves and 91 strikeouts in 83 1/3 IP and was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise dismal Athletics’ team.

J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay Rays: The 26-year-old southpaw managed to fill the shoes of Troy Percival, who shut it down for the year at the end of May with shoulder tendonitis. Howell put up 17 saves and 79 strikeouts in 66 2/3 IP with his usual great 2.84 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. A very high workload over the past several seasons led the Rays to shut him down early for the balance of the season, but expect the hard tossing lefty to emerge as an integral component of the Tampa Bay bullpen in 2010.

As another long season of baseball winds down, I just wanted to thank our readers for your support this past season. Twenty-two Wire Troll articles later with over 250 player reviews and it’s time for a much needed vacation. Good fortunes to you and your Fantasy squad in that crucial stretch run and we’ll catch you back in the spring, ready for another season of trolling the wire.

Jake Fox, 3B/OF, Chicago Cubs: It seems that the ailing left knee currently being suffered by Alfonso Soriano will prematurely bring an end to his season creating an opportunity for Fox to find additional at-bats in September. (By the way, the Cubbies actually make me proud to admit I’m a Maple Leaf fan.) In 177 at-bats, Fox has hit 10 homers, driven in 39 and is currently sporting a .282 BA. If a boost in the power numbers down the stretch meets your needs, Fox makes for a great addition.

Buster Posey, C, San Francisco: The playing time is probably not going to be there, but you have to love this kid heading into 2010. Posey moved from Single-A to Triple-A this season and didn’t skip a beat. His combined numbers down on the farm in 422 at-bats, were 18 dingers, 80 RBI and an outstanding .325 BA. The future is looking awful solid for this 22-year-old phenom, especially with Bengie Molina on the final year of his contract. If Posey is not locked up in your keeper league, resolve this one right smartly.

Brett Myers, SP, Philadelphia Phillies: Saturday night against the Astros we saw Brad Lidge at his finest. A line of 2/3 IP, two hits, two walks, two earned runs and a 10th blown save is not going to cut the mustard for division-leading Philadelphia. Myers, seeing his first action since returning from the DL, pitched a scoreless eighth inning. I congratulate the Phillies on their loyalty to incumbent Lidge, but enough is enough. A repeat of the World Series is not happening unless they can sort out their bullpen woes, and now is the time, not the ninth inning of Game Seven of the NLCS. Myers does have history on his side with those 21 saves back in 2007, and makes for a great addition if you need a push in saves down the stretch.

Brandon McCarthy, SP, Texas Rangers: In his first start since coming off the DL after a stress fracture in his right shoulder blade, McCarthy enjoyed a solid outing against the woeful Jays. In 6 1/3 IP he allowed only three hits, two walks and one earned run in gaining the victory. He is scheduled for two starts this week, with the injury-depleted Indians and the Mariners on the agenda. If the need for streaming pitchers is part of your plan for that final push to get you over the top, McCarthy is a fine addition in all formats.

Michael Brantley, OF, Cleveland Indians: Now that the Indians have finally shut down Grady Sizemore for the season, there should be no shortage of at-bats for the 22-year-old Brantley. What he brings to the table is speed, speed and more speed. At Triple-A Columbus, he was 46-for-51 in the stolen base department and equally as important were those 59 base-on-balls and only 48 strikeouts. It would appear that this kid has a solid knowledge of the strike zone. If your need is speed down the stretch find a spot on your roster for Brantley immediately.

Intriguing Options

Daniel Hudson, SP, Chicago White Sox: Hudson is a possible spot-starter down the stretch for those looking to gain last minute pitching stats.

Chris Perez, RP, Cleveland Indians: He hasn’t allowed an earned run since July 7 and the scoreless streak has now reached 20 2/3 IP. For those that questioned the Mark DeRosa trade the answers are starting to look very positive for the Tribe.

Cameron Maybin, OF, Florida Marlins: The injury to Jeremy Hermida should generate at-bats for Maybin down the stretch

Cory Sullivan, OF, New York Mets: Sullivan is taking advantage of that decimated Met roster.

Franklin Morales, RP, Colorado Rockies: Three consecutive games, three saves. Go get him.

Carlos Guillen, 1B/3B/OF, Detroit Tigers: Three long-balls in the past week with position flex makes Guillen a solid addition in all formats.

Tyler Flowers, C, Chicago White Sox: Temper your expectations for 2009, but lock him up in keeper formats.

Freddy Sanchez, 2B, San Francisco Giants: Sanchez is scheduled to return from the DL Monday. Middle infielders that hit for average can be of assistance over those last couple of weeks.

Ah, there’s nothing like the September roster increases to start a steady stream of player influx into the majors and onto our Fantasy rosters. Yes, these callups can and will be of importance to many Fantasy teams but don’t forget about the veteran players. Playing time is always the issue and make sure before you commit to players in redraft leagues that those opportunities will be there.

Without further ado, let’s get to this week’s recommendations.

Chris Davis, 1B, Texas Rangers: In 165 at-bats down on the farm, Davis managed an outstanding .327 BA, six homers and 30 RBI. He also accumulated 25 walks, and while the strikeouts were still a bit on the high side (39), he’s definitely trending in the right direction. The stint at Triple-A Oklahoma City seems to have righted the ship for Davis somewhat, but it is important to remember that he is only 23 and has tremendous potential heading into the future. With the struggling Hank Blalock currently banished to the bench, Davis is going to get the lion’s share of opportunities in September and should be rostered in all formats.

Chris Young, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: There is nothing like a stint down on the farm to get one’s head back into the game. Young was recalled Saturday by the Diamondbacks after posting great numbers in the minors. In 54 at-bats at Triple-A Reno, he managed three homers, nine RBI, and scored 17 runs. He was tearing the cover off the ball to the tune of a .370 BA and what is even more impressive is that he managed nine walks. Young should get regular playing time down the stretch. Next year, could he be the 2009 version of Mark Reynolds?

Andy Marte, 1B/3B, Cleveland Indians: Anyone who managed to see this one coming has to be in the fortune telling racket. At Triple-A Columbus in 300 at-bats, the 25-year-old former top prospect hit 18 homers and drove in 66 runs with a .327 BA. When the Indians traded Ryan Garko to the Giants at the end of July, Marte moved into the first base gig and hasn’t looked back. In his past 10 games, he is hitting .417 with three homers and 12 RBI. Get him rostered in all formats while he’s currently on a tear.

Brian Duensing, SP, Minnesota Twins: The Twin starting rotation is in disarray and if they have any hope of winning their division, the 26-year-old southpaw is going to have to play a major role. Since being inserted into the rotation August 22 against the Royals, Duensing has responded in fine form winning both of his starts. He was particularly brilliant on Friday, shutting down the Rangers with a nifty three-hitter while fanning eight. Heading into September, Duensing is a decent option for both the Twins and your Fantasy squad.

Eric Young, Jr., OF, Colorado Rockies: The 24-year-old converted second baseman got the call to replace the injured Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gonzalez. Young put together a solid season for Triple-A Colorado Springs with seven long balls, 43 RBI and 58 stolen bases. In five games since being called up, he’s managed five hits while being caught stealing twice. The name of the game for Young is speed so he has to step it up quickly or he could very well find himself riding the pine as the Rockies are in the thick of a playoff race and patience will not be one of their strong suits. He should be added in all keeper formats and is at least worthy of a look-see in deeper leagues if you need speed down the stretch.

Milton Bradley, OF, Chicago Cubs: He’s currently on fire and earning that big payday he received this past offseason. In the past six games, Bradley is killing the ball to the tune of a .583 BA, with two homers, six RBI, and 10 runs scored. Nice of you to finally show up, Milton, being that the Cubbies are only nine games back of the front running Cardinals heading into September. Better late than never I suppose. And given that he is out there in many 10- and 12-team leagues, grab him while he’s both hot and not on the DL or in Lou Pinella’s doghouse.

Alex Gonzalez, SS, Boston Red Sox: Theo Epstein made another in a series of shrewd moves in acquiring Gonzalez for Kristopher Negron back on August 14. Gonzalez has been hitting for both average and power since being acquired by Boston and is very quickly making the Red Sox faithful forget about both Nick Green and Jed Lowrie. In his past 10 games, Gonzo has hit three homers, driven in six runs and scored another six, very solid production out of a bottom-of-the-order type bat and something that definitely warrants attention in AL-only and deeper formats.

Intriguing Options

Sergio Mitre, SP, New York Yankees: 6 1/3 IP of one-hit ball Saturday against the White Sox should guarantee his roster spot for at least another week.

Michael Aubrey, 1B, Baltimore Orioles: One last chance for the former top prospect to show he belongs.

Brendan Ryan, SS, St. Louis Cardinals: Underrated, under appreciated but not under producing.

Wade Davis, SP, Tampa Bay Rays: Someone at Durham gets the call to replace the recently traded Scott Kazmir and Davis has 135 reasons over 154 2/3 IP why he’s the right man for the job.

Steven Pearce, 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates: He’s worth a look in NL-only leagues.

Felix Pie, OF, Baltimore Orioles: Pie filled in nicely while Adam Jones was out with back issues and the potential is there to for him to steal at-bats down the stretch if Jones continues to struggle.

Jack Cust, OF, Oakland Athletics: Does a .406 BA over the past 10 games suggest that Jack is on the Cust of greatness? (Sorry….couldn’t resist cramming one silly pun in there.)

John Smoltz, SP, St. Louis Cardinals: Smoltz has racked up two quality starts with 15 strikeouts and only one earned run and with the Pirates next on his dance card, opportunity is knocking.

Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves: Hudson returns from the DL in a two-start week, but proceed with caution.

Trevor Cahill, SP, Oakland Athletics: Make that four consecutive quality starts for the 21-year-old and he’s facing the Royals next. Five is a distinct possibility.

Jason Heyward, OF, Atlanta Braves: Maybe this is a bit of a reach for this year, but get him rostered in all keeper formats.

Willie Harris, OF, Washington Nationals: Subbing for the injured Nyjer Morgan, Harris will get playing time opportunities in September.

David DeJesus, OF, Kansas City Royals: DeJesus is on a tear with a .366 BA, three homers, eight RBI and 10 runs scored over his past 10 games. Grab him while he’s hot.

Matt LaPorta, OF, Cleveland Indians: Eric Wedge has indicated that LaPorta will receive regular playing time over the balance of the season at both first base and in the outfield in this, his second go-round with the Indians in 2009. It is impossible to ignore those stellar numbers that the 24-year-old produced this year at Triple-A Columbus — 17 homers, 60 RBI and a great .299 BA. LaPorta could potentially be a strong asset down the stretch for both the Indians and your Fantasy squad. Go get him, and quick.

Carlos Marmol, RP, Chicago Cubs: The Cubbies finally said enough is enough and anointed Marmol as their new closer this past week. When he gets the ball over the plate, he’s been unhittable, but with 52 walks in 57 1/3 IP this season he simply hasn’t been finding the plate nearly enough. At this stage in the Fantasy season, his ugly WHIP resulting from too many walks has a very small impact on the overall numbers with most Fantasy teams having so many innings under their belt, so don’t let the high walks scare you off. Just hope that it doesn’t scare Lou Piniella into installing Angel Guzman as his closer, or even — gasp — giving Kevin Gregg another chance.

Travis Snider, OF, Toronto Blue Jays: The future for the Jay outfield has returned for Round Two in the 2009 season and he’s arrived just in time to possibly bring some life to a team currently devoid of it. Cito Gaston has indicated that the 21-year-old Snider will be getting regular playing time down the stretch, as he should. Snider is coming off a great run at Triple-A Las Vegas where in his last 10 games before getting recalled he was tearing the cover off the ball to the tune of a .439 BA, with four homers and seven RBI in 41 at bats. How can you not roster this guy in all formats for the September run?

Garrett Mock, SP, Washington Nationals: The Nats have been playing very well as of late and Mock has been a solid contributor. He now has wins in two of his past three starts and on Thursday against the Rockies, he managed a season-high eight strikeouts. Mock still walks way too many, but with those solid strikeout rates he has recently demonstrated, he makes for a solid option in NL-only and H2H leagues.

Drew Stubbs, OF, Cincinnati Reds: The 24-year-old hit a walk off homer in his second game for the Reds, but don’t expect much more in the power department as he only managed three long balls in 411 at bats at Triple-A Louisville this season. What Stubbs does bring to the table is speed, with 46 thefts. He also brings an incredibly high strikeout rate with 104 this season. If speed is your need, Stubbs makes for a decent gamble, but temper your expectations somewhat as he still has to prove he can find a way to get on base.

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies: Over his past 10 games, 23-year-old Gonzalez is demonstrating the skills that made him the key for the Rockies in the deal that sent Matt Holliday to Oakland. Gonzalez has managed six long balls, 11 RBI, 10 runs scored and a great .300 BA. Producing at that level has to garner attention and as long as he continues to swing a hot stick, the opportunities will be there for him at the top of the order for the Rockies. Get Gonzalez rostered in all formats and enjoy the current hot streak.

Intriguing Options

Doug Fister, SP, Seattle Mariners: He has now tossed three quality starts since being recalled August 7. He’s very hittable, but allowed a scant 11 free passes in 106 1/3 IP at Triple-A Tacoma. He’s a solid option in AL-only leagues.

Barry Zito, SP, San Francisco Giants: Zito’s seven quality starts in a row for the Giants simply can’t be ignored.

Anibal Sanchez, SP, Florida Marlins: Is he finally healthy? If so, he will be a huge asset for the Fish as they fight for a Wild Card spot.

Charlie Haeger, SP, Dodgers: What’s this? Another knuckler named Charlie who pitches for the Dodgers (for those of you old enough to remember that Charlie Hough spent the first decade of his 25-year career with LA)? Anyways, when a knuckler is knuckling, it’s unhittable…when it’s not it’s a 70 mph fastball, that is. Ride Haeger while he’s hot, but always remember the hot can turn cold very abruptly.

George Sherrill, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers: Saturday, he picked up his first save since the trade from the Orioles. He offers a nice little insurance package for a playoff-bound Dodger team that’s closer is dealing with toe problems.

Fernando Tatis, 3B, New York Mets: The Mets still have to field a team, as difficult as it may be on most days, and until David Wright returns from the DL, Tatis is the man at third base.

Kevin Correia, SP, San Diego Padres: Correia has eight wins for the Padres and has been fairly consistent over the past month, making him a solid option for those playing in deeper leagues.

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Texas Rangers: I-Rod has returned home to the scene of his greatest glories, providing a nice little bonus for those playing in two-catcher AL-only leagues.

Franklin Morales, SP/RP, Colorado Rockies: Somebody has to step up and replace the injured Aaron Cook in the Colorado rotation. Might we see a repeat of Morales’ great season ending run from 2007?

Julio Borbon, OF, Texas Rangers: The 23-year-old Borbon was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma to fill the void created when the Rangers put Nelson Cruz on the DL this week with a sprained ankle. Down on the farm, Borbon put up a great .310 BA with 25 thefts. Saturday night against the Red Sox and Brad Penny, the Rangers had him batting in the lead-off slot and he responded in fine fashion, going 4-for-5, scoring two runs, driving in a couple and stealing four bases. Okay, before we pencil him in to break Ricky Henderson’s career stolen base record, let’s just remember it is only one game, but what a game it was. Do the Rangers have a new lead-off bat for the next several weeks? If you have the need for speed, run, don’t walk to your nearest waiver wire and get Borbon rostered.

Pedro Martinez, SP, Philadelphia Phillies: The much anticipated debut of Martinez as a Phillie came Wednesday against the Cubs. It certainly was a far cry from the Pedro of old, but he did manage a decent start, limiting the Cubs to three runs over five innings while striking out five. He reached the low-90 with his fastball, so it appears he has some giddy up left in the old heater. This is not your father’s Martinez, but he could be an asset down the stretch nonetheless. He faces the Diamondbacks and the Mets in a two-start week, and is a must start in all formats against those struggling offenses.

Alcides Escobar, SS, Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers finally said enough is enough, and sent the struggling J.J. Hardy to Triple-A Nashville and Wednesday promoted the 22-year-old phenom Escobar. Escobar went 42-for-52 in the stolen base department at Triple-A Nashville with a great .298 BA. If he can manage to get on base, he could bring a plethora of stolen bases and runs scored to your Fantasy squad down the stretch. If you’re sitting on that Number One waiver priority in your Fantasy league this is a good time to use it.

Randy Ruiz, DH, Toronto Blue Jays: Surprise, surprise — Travis Snider is still at Triple-A Las Vegas. Many, including myself, anticipated that Snider would get the call after the Jays moved Alex Rios through waivers in a shocking move this past week, but it appears that we now have to wait a couple more weeks until September call-ups before getting another look at Snider. As for Ruiz, he was having a great year at Triple-A Las Vegas, hitting .320 with 25 homers and 106 RBI, making him a strong candidate for the Pacific League’s MVP. The former Twin smacked a homer in each of his first two games as a Jay, demonstrating that the power potential is very real and that he is worthy of a roster addition in AL-only leagues.

Jeff Baker, 2B, Chicago Cubs: The 28-year-old Baker is the current flavour of the week at second base in Chicago. Since being inserted into the lineup on a full-time basis last week, he’s been smacking the ball to the tune of a .500 BA with one homer and six RBI. Baker did manage to hit 12 long balls in 299 at bats for the Rockies in 2008, so he has the potential to generate some solid power numbers at a relatively weak position down the stretch.

Tom Gorzelanny, SP, Chiago Cubs: Since the trade to the Cubs, the ex-Pirate Gorzelanny has now pitched two gems wrapped around one total disaster. Saturday, against his former team, he pitched five strong innings, allowing only three hits and striking out eight in getting the victory. With that strong start Saturday he has earned at least another start as the Cubs try to play catch up in the NL Central. If Gorzelanny can return to that strong 2007 level of play, he would be an asset to both the Cubbies and your Fantasy squad down the stretch. However, with potential reward comes risk and there is no shortage of risk with Gorzelanny.

Bobby Parnell, SP, New York Mets: There has to be something to cheer about at Citi Field this year and Parnell might be the reason for optimism over the final six weeks of 2009 for the injury-ravaged Mets. Friday night against the Giants, the 24-year-old hurled six shutout innings with seven strikeouts. In his second start since being moved from the pen to the rotation, he was hitting the mid-90s on the radar gun into the sixth inning, a very good sign. Parnell should be rostered in AL-only and keeper formats.

Intriguing Options

Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox could use a return to form for the September run. This is worth a roll of the Dice.

Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves: With four rehab starts under his belt, a return to the Braves’ rotation is not that far away.

Justin Duchscherer, SP, Oakland Athletics: He completed his final rehab start at Triple-A Sacramento and was in fine form, tossing five scoreless innings. He could return to the rotation Tuesday against the Yankees, but could take a serious beat-down against a very strong offense.

Freddy Garcia, SP, Chicago White Sox: Didn’t he retire already?

Aki Iwamura, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays: He is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A. Ben Zobrist is hitting .159 in August. Is it time for a change in Tampa?

Mike Gonzalez, RP, Atlanta Braves: You really don’t think that Rafael Soriano can stay healthy for a full six weeks, do you?

Neftali Feliz, RP, Texas Rangers: Count those strikeouts and smile. A save or two before year’s end is not out of the question.

Matt Diaz, OF, Atlanta Braves: He has three thefts since the beginning of August and is hitting lefties a ton as he always does. Diaz is the ultimate platoon bat and with Nate McLouth currently suffering through a left hamstring strain, playing time should be a lock.

Elijah Dukes, OF, Washington Nationals: He has 15 RBI in August and is owned in just 22 per cent of CBS Leagues. Opportunity is knocking.

Gil Meche, SP, Kansas City Royals: He managed a win in rather shaky fashion in his first start off the DL. Will things mesh for Gil down the stretch?

Taylor Teagarden, C, Texas Rangers: Jarrod Saltalamacchi hit the DL so Teagarden has moved into a starting role for at least the next couple of weeks.

Jayson Nix, 2B, Chicago White Sox: He has eight homers and seven stolen bases in 156 AB and is temporarily replacing the injured Chris Getz. One could find much worse short-term solutions in the middle infield.

David Ortiz is denying he ever used ‘roids, but we’re here to inject a little life into your Fantasy lineups with our waiver wire recommendations, which grow more important as the season’s end closes in.

Angel Pagan, OF, New York Mets: The 28-year-old journeyman has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Carlos Beltran. In his past 10 games, Pagan has smacked two homers, driven in 12, and chipped in with two thefts and a .310 BA. It appears that Beltran is at least another couple of weeks away from returning, making Pagan a solid addition in NL-only leagues in the interim.

Will Venable, OF, San Diego Padres: In his past 10 games, the 26-year-old has gone deep five times with 14 RBI, and is hitting at a .395 clip. In 200 at bats at Triple-A Portland, he managed 12 homers so the power potential is very real. The Padres have stated they plan on giving their younger outfielders the opportunities down the stretch, so playing time should not be an issue. Good call, San Diego (which is more than we can say for the team’s decision to extend Bud Black, who has guided the team to wins in less than 40 per cent of its games in the past two years). We’d hate to think that you’re relying on Brian Giles and that .191 BA to save your season. Venable has also managed to contribute three thefts thus far in 2009 and as recently as 2007 at Double-A San Antonio he stole 21 bases. He is a solid addition in NL-only formats and deeper mixed leagues.

Trevor Crowe, OF, Cleveland Indians: The 25-year-old has moved into the slot vacated by the trade of Ben Francisco to the Phillies. Crowe brings great contact rates and a solid batting average along with stolen base potential to the Indian lineup. Since being recalled, he’s now managed three thefts in eight games. Crowe did swipe 14 at Triple-A Columbus so expect more of the same with him hitting at the bottom of the order for the Tribe. Eventually Grady Sizemore will move into the three slot in the Indian batting order, won’t he? In Crowe, we could be looking at a potential lead-off bat down the road, making him a solid addition in both keeper and Al-only formats.

Jeremy Sowers, SP, Cleveland Indians: The 26-year-old southpaw was recalled July 25 and has now completed a run of three very solid outings in which he’s only allowed a total of only four earned runs in 20 IP. Has he finally turned the corner and will now show off some of that consistent potential that he demonstrated in his fine 2006 rookie season or is this just more of the same that we’ve witnessed in brief spurts over the past several years? The kid’s on a roll right now and worthy of your attention in AL-only leagues and he should be on the radar in mixed formats pending the outcome of his next several starts.

Ryan Roberts, 2B/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks: The former Jay was called up to replace Felipe Lopez who was traded to the Brewers July 19. Roberts, 28, was drafted 530th overall in the 2003 amateur entry draft and has the distinction of hitting a homer in his first major league at bat. He now has hit five long balls since replacing Lopez at second base with four coming against the Pirates, and one against the Phillies. Roberts is a solid option in NL-only leagues and in mixed leagues when playing against teams from Pennsylvania. Just when exactly are they planning to add a major league team in Scranton?

Carl Pavano, SP, Minnesota Twins: The Twins traded for Pavano last week in an attempt to help stabilize a rotation still reeling from the loss of Kevin Slowey for the balance of the 2009 campaign. Pavano has had a roller coaster season, but enjoyed a great debut for the Twins Saturday, tossing seven scoreless innings of five-hit ball with five strikeouts. Glen Perkins, Nick Blackburn, Anthony Swarzak and “ace” Francisco Liriano are all struggling as of late, so Pavano has to be at least some help in that rotation down the stretch. He is a solid addition in AL-only leagues at this time and should be kept on the radar in deeper mixed formats.

Trent Oeltjen, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: Arizona must be getting close to exhausting its supply of outfielders at all levels in the organization. Justin Upton is the latest casualty, hitting the DL this week with a right oblique strain. Oeltjen, 26, was recalled Thursday and had a great debut, smacking a homer and stealing two bases. Down on the farm at Triple-A Reno, he hit 10 homers with 61 RBI, a great .300 BA and chipped in with 19 thefts. Has Arizona finally run out of patience with Chris Young , he of the 94 strikeouts in 311 at bats and .193 BA? Oeltjen is a solid addition in NL-only leagues.

Tommy Everidge, 1B, Oakland Athletics: At Triple-A Sacramento, Everidge hit nine homers with 32 RBI and a staggering .382 BA. His OPS was 1068. Everidge is not your typical A’s bat in that he’s not a walk factory, but it’s hard not to like that power potential. In his past 10 games, he’s hitting .343 with one homer, five RBI, and seven runs scored. On Friday, the Athletics released Jason Giambi, and Daric Barton is still at least a week away from returning from the strained hamstring injury, making Everidge a solid option in AL-only and H2H formats for at least the next week.

Intriguing Options

Yusmeiro Petit, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks: The streak is now at two.

David Murphy, OF, Texas Rangers: The ankle injury to Nelson Cruz will guarantee more at bats.

Junichi Tazawa, SP, Boston Red Sox: Have I mentioned before that I really like this kid?

Alex Romero, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: Potential increase in playing time in the injury-ravaged Diamondback outfield.

Chris Couglan, OF, Florida Marlins: He has seven consecutive multi-hit games hitting in the lead-off role for the Marlins and is owned in only 12 per cent of CBS leagues.

Oliver Perez, SP, New York Mets: Back-to-back solid starts against San Diego and Arizona. Well, at least it’s a start.

Eugenio Velez, 2B/OF, San Francisco: Has now homered in back-to-back games.

Jake Fox, 3B, Chicago Cubs: Aramis Ramirez is reporting shoulder pain issues. Fox could be looking at full-time at bats at third base.

In what has been a very active trading week, let’s get straight to it and review some of the waiver wire options heading into the dog days of summer.

Justin Masterson, SP/RP, Cleveland Indians: The 24-year-old Masterson, the prize catch in the Victor Martinez deadline deal, is looking at a future in the Indian rotation. They will probably stretch him out over the next couple of weeks as he has been pitching out of the bullpen recently in Boston. Masterson’s year-to-date numbers have not been outstanding, but four terrible outings have been responsible for 22 of the 36 earned runs he has surrendered. Even with that quartet of poor performances, he is still sporting a 4.50 ERA in 72 IP with 67 strikeouts. Masterson is young and does have considerable upside so is worthy of a wire addition in AL-only and keeper formats.

Rajai Davis, OF, Oakland Athletics: The playing time opportunities should abound if Davis can carry forward his outstanding July (.405 BA) into August. Over the past two and a half seasons, in 546 at bats he has managed a stolen base every 8.3 at bats. In his past four games, he has managed 10 RBI — yes, 10 – a very nice bonus for those Fantasy owners that had already invested in his speed potential. Hitting in the two-hole for the Athletics will provide plenty of opportunities for him to help you in both stolen bases and runs scored down the stretch.

Kyle Blanks, OF, San Diego Padres: We took the opportunity to review the 22-year-old Blanks in the June 21 edition of The Wire Troll and the slugging outfielder has recently stepped it up and is worthy of further mention. The “future” appears to be right now: in the past 10 games, Blanks is hitting .355 with four homers, eight RBI and eight runs scored. It is now time to start looking at this kid in 12-team mixed leagues.

Rick VandenHurk, SP, Florida Marlins: VandenHurk is coming off a solid outing Thursday against the Braves, allowing only two earned runs in six innings in a no-decision. What should catch your attention is the nine strikeouts he chalked up. Since his most recent promotion on July 20, the 24-year-old righty is three-for-three in the quality starts department. It’s time to get him rostered in NL-only and H2H formats and he should be on the radar in mixed formats.

Tommy Hunter, SP, Texas Rangers: In his past four starts, Hunter has allowed a scant three earned runs in amassing three wins. The 23-year-old is currently sporting a 2.00 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on the season. He has been a very hot commodity as of late with his ownership in leagues playing at CBS skyrocketing from six to 43 per cent over the past three weeks. The fact that Hunter is posting far better numbers since his promotion than earlier in the year at Triple-A Oklahoma City does have me concerned. Proceed with caution as some regression can be expected, but for now he is a fine option in AL-only and keeper formats.

Brian Matusz, SP, Baltimore Orioles: News flash! Right on the heels of the Chris Tillman promotion, the Orioles are looking to show off the vaunted skills of Matusz, another one of their other young stud pitchers. The 22-year-old phenom was pulled early from his Saturday start at Double-A Bowie after just one inning, so it looks like he makes his much anticipated debut Tuesday against the Tigers. He managed a perfect 7-0 record in eight starts down on the farm and was totally dominant. In 46 1/3 IP, he allowed only 31 hits, with 11 free passes. Toss in 46 strikeouts and the fact that he held the opposition to a meagre .189 BA and it’s no wonder that Fantasy players with the Number One waiver priority are smiling this week. Matusz has the potential to be an impact pitcher right from the get-go so grab him quick before he’s long gone.

Cliff Pennington, SS, Oakland Athletics: The trade of Orlando Cabrera to the Twins has opened up an opportunity for the 25-year-old Pennington, a 2005 first-round selection who managed 27 thefts in 31 attempts at Triple-A Sacramento. He will get the majority of the playing time opportunities down the stretch, so if your Fantasy squad is in need of a middle-infielder with great speed, an acquisition is in order.

Intriguing Investments

Chris Getz, 2B, Chicago White Sox: Four thefts in the past week. What Chris wants, Chris Getz.

Josh Roenicke, RP, Toronto Blue Jays: A potential closer-in-waiting acquired in the Scott Rolen deal.

Bud Norris, SP, Houston Astros: With 112 strikeouts in 120 IP at Triple-A Round Rock, is this Bud for you?

Aaron Poreda, SP, San Diego Padres: Keeper league material acquired from the White Sox. The opportunities will be there sooner rather than later in San Diego.

Fausto Carmona, SP, Cleveland Indians: It’s Fausto time, again! All 14 fans at Regressive Field rejoice.

Yusmeiro Petit, SP/RP, Arizona Diamondbacks: One in a row is a streak isn’t it?

Joe Beimel, RP, Colorado Rockies: Escapes the Gnathouse and “holds” down the fort for the Rockies down the stretch.

Derek Holland, SP, Texas Rangers: Thursday against the Mariners we caught an early preview of 2010. Yes, the kid is that good.

Michael Saunders, OF, Seattle Mariners: The 22-year-old with five-tool potential was not called up to sit, and being blocked by only Ryan Langerhans should make playing time opportunities a rather safe bet.

The Orioles Bullpen: Jimmy Johnson is first in line for the duration of 2009 with Chris Ray a good bet to be back closing in 2010.

Tony La Russa got the bat he was looking for last week when the Cardinals acquired soon-to-be free agent Matt Holliday from the Athletics. This acquisition has created a set of circumstances that Fantasy players in single league formats both love and hate. The FAAB that you have been sitting on in hopes of seeing a star player change leagues has now occurred and you can be guaranteed the dollars will be flowing this weekend in NL-only leagues throughout the land. That being said, my condolences go out to those playing in AL-only leagues. Brett Wallace has the potential to be a solid player down the road, but isn’t going to be a difference maker in 2009.

There are certainly going to be more players moving, but it is hard to imagine — other than possibly Roy “Doc” Halladay heading to the National League — a situation more warranting of going all-in with the FAAB dollars than Holliday. The Cardinals also acquired Julio Lugo this past week and, although not nearly Holliday-quality, he is still worthy of attention if you do happen to lose out in the Holliday sweepstakes. Middle infielders with his stolen base potential are always valued.

It is undoubtedly going to be an interesting week heading into the July 31 trading deadline. Now on to some waiver wire picks for the upcoming week.

Julio Lugo, SS, St. Louis Cardinals: The Red Sox finally found a home for the $36-million man in the Cardinals, who are loading up for a stretch run in the NL Central. In two starts for the Cardinals since the trade, Lugo is six-for-10 with one homer, two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. The change of scenery has done him some good, at least initially. The potential for a solid stretch run from the fleet-of-foot Lugo makes him a great acquisition in all formats.

Scott Hairston, OF, Oakland Athletics: The former Padre was acquired by the Athletics on July 5. The A’s are in full blown sell mode heading into the trade deadline and this should create plenty of opportunities for Hairston. The power potential is there as demonstrated in 2008 when he hit 17 long balls in 326 at bats for the Padres. In deeper formats and AL-only leagues that pop could be a huge bonus for your Fantasy squad over the balance of the 2009 campaign.

Seth Smith, OF, Colorado Rockies: Now here’s a guy that is definitely flying under the radar. Smith has quietly managed to slug eight homers, with 28 RBI, 35 runs scored, and three thefts with a .291 BA in only 179 at bats for the Rockies. The outfield in Colorado is a bit crowded, but it appears that Smith has earned his playing time opportunities and should be rostered in all deeper formats and NL-only leagues.

Gio Gonzalez, SP, Oakland Athletics: Last week, the 23-year-old southpaw clearly demonstrated the many reasons that young pitching is a huge risk. Monday, at home against the Twins, he was hammered to the tune of 11 earned runs in 2 2/3 IP. He then proceeds to march into home run heaven Saturday in New York and promptly shuts down the vaunted Yankee offense to the tune of two hits, one earned run and six strikeouts over 6 2/3 IP. He is definitely not for the feint of heart, but the potential is such that he should be rostered in all keeper formats and AL-only leagues. After all, for the long-haul, wouldn’t you rather drive a Gio?

Kyle Drabek, SP, Philadelphia Phillies: The 21-year-old has bounced back exceptionally strong from the Tommy John surgery that cost him most of the 2008 season. Drabek is currently at the centre of trade discussions with the Blue Jays and their ace Halladay, and for very good reasons. His combined numbers this year in the minors in 122 1/3 IP are 10 wins and a 2.80 ERA. He’s allowed only 104 hits and 38 walks while managing to accumulate almost a strikeout per inning, with 118 on the year. The son of former Cy Young winner Doug Drabek is looking at a bright future and should be rostered in all keeper formats and on the radar in mixed leagues. In the event that he is traded to the Blue Jays or for that matter almost any other club, Drabek has the potential to step right into the starting rotation for the balance of the 2009 campaign.

Miguel Montero, C, Arizona Diamondbacks: The injury to Chris Snyder opened the door and Montero has stepped through it in a huge way. In his past 10 games, the 26-year-old is hitting .390, with five long balls and 13 RBI. It appears that he has staked a solid claim to the position and will get the majority of at bats down the stretch even when Snyder returns. If Montero is still available in your league, don’t hesitate to make a move and get him rostered quick.

Kevin Hart, SP/RP, Chicago Cubs: The news over at Wrigley just keeps getting better. Ted Lilly has hit the DL with both shoulder and left knee inflammation and is scheduled to have his knee scoped this coming week. Hart has been promoted from the bullpen, and in two starts he has managed wins over both Washington and Cincinnati. He won Saturday against the Reds by pitching six very solid innings, allowing only five hits with one free pass while striking out four. Since his recall from Triple-A Iowa June 21, Hart has been effective working out of the pen, but has allowed 16 walks with only nine strikeouts. Normally I’d be concerned with these stats, but Hart had 63 punchouts in 57 2/3 IP in 2008, and this year at Triple-A Iowa managed 57 strikeouts in 52 1/3 IP. Those early stats appear to be an aberration and I wouldn’t be overly concerned. Hart makes for a solid addition in NL-only and H2H formats and should be on the radar in standard mixed leagues.

Carlos Guillen, 1B/3B/OF, Detroit Tigers: Guillen has been on the DL and out of action since May 4 with shoulder inflammation. He was activated last week and in two games since his return he has five hits in 12 at bats including a home run Friday night against the White Sox. The health issues are too numerous to mention, but the offensive potential is such that at this stage of the season he is more than worthy of a claim in all formats. Guillen has the potential to be a solid offensive spark for both the Tigers and your Fantasy squad down the stretch.

Pedro Feliz, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies: The power is way down this season with only six homers, but with 51 RBI he is on pace to have one of his best seasons, surpassed only by that 2006 season with the Giants when he drove in 98. What has been impressive this year is that Feliz has obviously made some adjustments in his swing and is batting .295 on the year (and .333 in the past 10 games). The improved batting average and RBI potential at the corner makes Feliz a solid addition in all formats.

Jeremy Affeldt, RP, San Francisco Giants: Affeldt has been quietly going about his business for the Giants and has now put together an incredible run of no earned runs in 28 appearances dating back to May 7. He is currently second in the majors in holds with 21, behind only Carlos Marmol of the Cubs who has 23. For leagues using holds, Affledt should have been rostered a long time ago, but in the event he’s snuck in under the radar he should be added immediately. Brian Wilson is entrenched as closer for the Giants, so the save opportunities aren’t there, but in the event of injury Affeldt would be next in line.

Adrian Beltre, 3B, Seattle Mariners: The 2009 campaign has been a huge disappointment for both Beltre and his Fantasy owners. He not only struggled early, but then hit the DL with shoulder woes at the end of June. The soon-to-be free agent is scheduled to commence hitting off a tee this coming week and appears to be on schedule for an early return from the DL. Beltre could possibly be back in the Mariner lineup as early as mid-August. For those playing in leagues where he was dropped it is time to find a spot on either your team’s bench or DL in anticipation of his return. He has a lot to prove in a relatively short period of time as he heads towards free agency this offseason.

A recent conversation with my good friend Steve Parsons reminded me of the cyclical nature that we see so often in this great game. Our chat veered into a discussion on some of the great group of kids displaying their catching prowess down on the farm. Tyler Flowers, Carlos Santana, and Buster Posey are now all playing at the Triple-A level and all should be forces behind the plate heading into the 2010 season. Those playing in dynasty keeper formats would be best advised to give each of these youngsters a serious look-see and make plans accordingly heading into the 2010 season.

What once was a veritable wasteland position — catcher — could in fact soon be one of strength and not all that far down the road. Toss Oriole phenom Matt Wieters into the mix and we have even more potential at the catcher position just down the road.

Moving on, let’s take a look at some picks to click heading into the first full week of play after the mid-season classic.

Mat Latos, SP, San Diego Padres: The 21-year-old Latos has enjoyed a stellar season for Double-A San Antonio and has been recalled by the Padres. He is penciled in to get his first big league start Monday at home against the Fish. Down on the farm, Latos compiled a 5-1 record and 1.91 ERA in 47 IP. He allowed a scant 32 hits and only nine free passes in limiting the opposition to a .192 BAA. This kid has demonstrated he is ready for his first shot at the show, but be modest in your expectations as Latos is barely out of diapers and pitching for the offensively-challenged Padres. He is the type of player that is not going to stay a free agent on waiver wires for very long and it would be prudent to move early in all keeper formats, H2H and NL-only leagues.

Marc Rzepczynski, SP, Toronto Blue Jays: The 23-year-old southpaw earned his first victory as a Jay Saturday with a fine effort against the Boston Red Sox. In three starts since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas, he has limited the opposition to only five earned runs and has struck out 16 in 18 IP. Now for the bad news, Rzepczynski has also allowed 11 walks in this stretch. He has managed to pitch out of numerous jams, but unless he finds a way to limit the free passes one should be just a tad concerned looking forward. Those walks will eventually lead to some ugly lines if Rzepczynski doesn’t find a way to harness them. That being said, find a home for him in AL-only leagues and keep him filed away for future reference in standard 12-team mixed formats.

Shaun Marcum, SP, Toronto Blue Jays: Last year, Marcum was well on his way to his finest season as a Jay until Tommy John surgery ended his 2008 campaign in September. He has now finished his third successful rehab start, the most recent of which was at Double-A New Hampshire, and looks to be on schedule for an early August return to the Toronto rotation. The 3.39 ERA and 1.16 WHIP he racked up prior to surgery should be a reminder of his great potential, so now is the time to gamble and find a spot on your bench, before he gets that first start or two under his belt.

Franklin Gutierrez, OF, Seattle Mariners: It appears that I was a year early and a dollar short on Gutierrez. In his past 10 games, he’s been on fire hitting to the tune of a .342 BA with four homers and 11 RBI. The 26-year-old former Indian seems to adapting to life on the West Coast extremely well. Then again, escaping the mess in the Cleveland organization had to be enough incentive all on its own. Ride the Gutierrez wave in all formats until it finds shore.

John Baker, C, Florida Marlins: Since the beginning of July, Baker has turned it up a notch and has put together a great .344 BA. On the season, he is batting .256 with seven homers and 26 RBI and makes for a fine acquisition in Fantasy leagues requiring two catchers and NL-only formats. Ask not what he will do for you, but what he won’t, and that would be occupying the catcher slot with a sub .200 BA.

Garrett Jones, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates: The 28-year-old was called up July 1 and, in 13 games, has now amassed seven homers, including five in his past five games. Those Ruthonian numbers are certainly not sustainable, but Jones was putting up great numbers at Triple-A Indianapolis before his promotion to the Pirates. Get him rostered in all formats and enjoy the late bloomer’s current hot streak.

Clay Buchholz, SP, Boston Red Sox: This guy just keeps Red Sox fans begging for more. In a spot start Friday night against the Blue Jays he allowed four hits, three walks and one earned run in 5 2/3 IP, earning his first victory of the season. This will further fuel the Brad Penny trade rumours in Beantown. Buchholz has been absolutely dominating at Triple-A Pawtucket, where in 99 IP he has seven wins, a 2.36 ERA, and has allowed only 67 hits and 30 walks while racking up 89 strikeouts. We haven’t seen the last of Buchholz this season and in any format where you have the bench space he is a solid addition.

Erick Aybar, SS, Los Angeles Angels: In his past 10 games, the 25-year-old Aybar has been on fire. He has hit to the tune of a .486 BA with one homer and seven RBI over that stretch. Is that untapped potential we’ve been expecting for the past couple of years finally coming to fruition? It is going to be difficult for Mike Scioscia to keep him in the eighth slot in that batting order if he continues producing at this level. Aybar is a solid acquisition in all formats at this time.

Jason Schmidt, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers: Okay, this pick is a bit of a reach, but Schmidt is scheduled for two starts this week and has posted decent numbers down on the farm during his recent rehab stint. In his last four starts and 24 2/3 IP at Triple-A Albuquerque, he has managed 23 strikeouts and gone at least five innings in each of those starts. Schmidt hasn’t pitched in the bigs since the 2007 campaign and only made six starts that season before going under the knife for shoulder surgery. The Dodgers are going to need another arm for the stretch run, and if he has put those shoulder woes behind him, he could prove to be an asset to both the Dodgers and your Fantasy squad.

It is that time of the year again, with the mid-season classic just around the corner, and the Futures Game, Home Run Derby and the game itself are events that should not be missed. Enjoy the festivities, but don’t relax too much as we are entering a very volatile period of time in baseball with the trading deadline fast approaching. The contenders and pretenders over the next several weeks will be sorting themselves out and making the required moves to shore up their weaknesses heading into the stretch run. One doesn’t want to be caught off guard from a Fantasy perspective as it can certainly either make or break one’s chances to claim victory.

Without further ado let’s take a look at this weeks recommendations.

Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants: The Giants are in the process of building one of the finest starting rotations in the game, and the next piece to that puzzle was recently promoted to Double-A Connecticut. Bumgarner, a 19-year-old phenom, has made the move without skipping a beat. Since the promotion he has a stellar 1.74 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 57 IP. That’s not too shabby for a kid that doesn’t turn 20 until August 1 of this year. He should be rostered in all keeper formats and a guy that everyone should be watching for down the road.

Guillermo Mota, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers: Jonathan Broxton is hurting with a toe injury and it appears that the cortisone injection he got back in mid-June has not gotten the job done. This explains the five earned runs Broxton has allowed in his past two outings. Joe Torre has given the All-Star the weekend off and Mota has temporarily been handed the job of closer for the Dodgers. Mota has been on a roll and toe injuries can be notoriously slow to heal, so an investment in Mota is a solid move in all formats for those Fantasy squads in search of saves.

Drew Stubbs, OF, Cincinnati Reds: The injury to Jay Bruce Saturday is being reported as a fractured right wrist, but we are still waiting for a timeline as to how long he’ll be missing from the lineup. The Reds have already announced that Stubbs would be the first guy they look at to replace Bruce in the lineup. Can you imagine an outfield consisting of Chris Dickerson, Willy Taveras, and Drew Stubbs? Not a lot of power potential out of that lot. Stubbs has managed 33 stolen bases at Triple-A Louisville with very little in the way of power. Jonny Gomes, who has stepped up his game recently, could also figure into the mix for increased playing time. If you’re looking at gambling in the stolen base category, Stubbs should be rostered awaiting, of course, further news on the Bruce situation.

John Grabow, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates: Matt Capps turned a non-save situation into a loss Saturday with one of the ugliest outings of his career. He allowed six hits, two walks, and was charged with five earned runs in one-third of an inning. Capps has already suffered through minor discomfort in his right elbow this season and missed some time at the end of May while missing seven weeks with bursitis and internal rotational deficit last summer. It appears that a trend has developed and Grabow is next in line for saves for the Pirates and a solid addition in all formats.

Kyle Lohse, SP, St. Louis Cardinals: Lohse has been sidelined since June 3 with a forearm strain and is scheduled to return to the rotation Sunday against the Cubs. In his last rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Memphis, he tossed six innings of two-hit ball, allowing no runs with six strikeouts. Lohse is pitching for a solid offensive club that will give him the opportunity to win every time he takes the hill. If he’s available in your league, now is the time to make a move.

Josh Willingham, OF, Washington Nationals: In his past 10 games, Willingham has hit three homers, driven in 10 runs, swiped two bags and, more importantly, is playing on a regular basis. The former Marlin has always had the potential to be a strong force with the stick, but with his defensive skills he is probably more suited to life in the AL as a DH. Are the Nationals showcasing Willingham as potential trade material? Elijah Dukes is at Triple-A Syracuse and Austin (lack of powers) Kearns is currently riding the pine and this should guarantee solid opportunities for both Willingham and your Fantasy squad to boost those power numbers in the immediate future.

Jose Contreras, SP, Chicago White Sox: A horrendous start to the 2009 campaign had many wondering if this might possibly be the end of the road for Contreras. He was sent to Triple-A Charlotte to get his game back on track and since being recalled at the beginning of June has pitched like the Contreras of old. In 43 2/3 IP, he has allowed only 10 earned runs and in his past three starts has an amazing 25/3 K-to-BB ratio. It is time to start believing and get him rostered in all formats.

Manny Parra, SP, Milwaukee Brewers: Those 42 walks in 64 2/3 IP pretty well tells the story for the poor start to the 2009 campaign for Parra and his subsequent demotion to Triple-A Nashville. He was recalled this past week and on Thursday, against a strong offensive club (the Cardinals), he allowed only three hits, one walk and racked up seven strikeouts with no earned runs in seven IP. It’s all about limiting the walks for Parra. The 147 strikeouts in 166 IP in 2008 had a lot of Fantasy owners anticipating a potential break-out year for the 26-year-old southpaw this season. Parra is certainly worthy of a pick up in NL-only leagues and should be on the radar in mixed formats.

Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Cincinnati Reds: This situation caught me completely off guard. Encarnacion was sidelined for May and June with a wrist fracture and is currently available in nearly 60 per cent of the leagues playing at CBS. He returned this past week and hit a three-run homer Thursday against the Phillies. This is the same 26-year-old that hit 26 long balls in 2008. It’s worth a quick scan to see if he’s out there on your league waiver wire and, if so, make a move and get him rostered quick.

Another road trip comes to an end and now it’s time to play catch up. During my break, the Giants found their offense in a big way. The Rangers are still tied for first with the injury-riddled Angels. The Mets continue to struggle, buried under a slew of injured and underperforming players, and the Nationals are, well, still the Nationals. The Blue Jays have finally came back down to earth with a thud and, in what is probably the tightest division in baseball, the logjam in the NL Central sees even the Pirates only six games back at the beginning of July. It truly is a great game.

My thanks to RotoRob for carrying the torch last week while I was gallivanting through the American Midwest and, without further ado, let’s take a look at some potential wire acquisitions for the upcoming week.

Casey McGehee, 2B/3B, Milwaukee Brewers: After a rather slow and inauspicious start, McGehee has been on fire as of late. Over the past 10 games he has four homers, 13 RBI and a solid .289 BA. He’s pushed uber-prospect Mat Gamel to the bench and, with interleague play now completed, probably back to Triple-A. McGehee is currently hitting in the fifth slot behind Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, meaning plenty of RBI opportunities and making him is a solid acquisition in all formats.

Aroldis Chapman, SP, F/A: Yes, I’m rather bullish on the young Cuban, but with his history and relative youth why shouldn’t I be? Those Fantasy players in dynasty keeper leagues should be rushing to the waiver wire to get this kid rostered before the mad dash to acquire his services commences.

Everth Cabrera, SS, San Diego Padres: The 22-year-old Cabrera, a Rule Five pick from the Rockies, is an intriguing option. He has only 27 at bats above the Single-A level, but what a season he had at Lake Elsinore in the California League. This kid has some serious speed, with 73 stolen bases in 89 attempts in 2008, and even flashed some power (six homers and 38 RBI). If filling a hole in your Fantasy squads’ middle infield is a priority and you feel the need for speed, Cabrera is a decent gamble.

Martin Prado,1B/3B/2B, Atlanta Braves: Okay, he’s no Kelly Johnson, but is that really such a bad thing? Until Johnson finds a way to get healthy and crawl past the Mendoza line, Prado has the gig at second base for the Braves. He is currently the hot hand in a rather anemic offense with one homer, six RBI, and a .500 BA over his past five games. The position flexibility also helps make him a very nice option in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats.

Lastings Milledge, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates didn’t trade for Milledge to not give him a shot. He’s currently on the DL rehabbing the effects of a broken finger, but a return to active status is rumoured to be imminent. The 24-year-old outfielder hit 14 homers with 61 RBI and 24 thefts in 2008 in a lead-off role with the Nationals before falling into Manny Acta’s doghouse to start the 2009 campaign. The Nats do have a plan, they’re just keeping it a secret from everyone, including themselves. How do you just give up on a kid with this much potential? Enough Tim, we don’t need another rant on Acta even though he is such an easy target. If Milledge is available in your league get him rostered and stashed away on your bench in the hopes he can continue to build on that solid 2008 for his new club in the Steel City.

Chris Woodward, 3B, Seattle Mariners: If you are currently in desperate-times-require-desperate-measures mode, the injury to Adrian Beltre opens a window of opportunity for Woodward. He’s off to a rather hot start since replacing Beltre, but his career numbers speak loudly of utility/role player at best. There appears to be no relief forthcoming from the Mariner farm system so it looks like the job is his making him worthy of a pickup in AL-only leagues.

Kevin Correia, SP, San Diego Padres: The former Giant is quietly enjoying a solid season for the Padres. He’s been remarkedly consistent other than that last start against the Astros and is heading into a two-start week. On the year he has a 4.58 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 92 1/3 IP. He’s currently owned by only 44 per cent of the teams playing over at CBS. Correia makes for a solid addition heading into the break in both NL-only and H2H leagues.

Ryan Sadowski, SP, San Francisco Giants: The 26-year-old didn’t have stellar numbers at Triple-A Fresno this year, but nonetheless has turned in two great starts for the surging Giants since being recalled June 28. Two starts, two wins, and 13 scoreless innings later it looks like it might be time to give the kid some props. It’s time to make a move on Sadowski in all dynasty, H2H, and NL-only formats and keep him on the radar in mixed 12-team leagues. One more solid start out of the righty and he will very quickly turn into a hot commodity in all formats.

Nate Schierholtz, OF, San Francisco Giants: In his past 10 games, 25-year-old Schierholtz is batting .421 with two homers, six RBI and 11 runs scored. He provides a very solid mix of moderate power and speed potential, and appears to have replaced the struggling Fred Lewis as a regular in the Giant lineup. He’s getting the opportunities, playing well, and the Giants are currently on a roll. What more does one need to make a player a valuable commodity? Absolutely nothing.

Travis Ishikawa, 1B, San Francisco Giants: In the past month Ishikawa has hit five homers and 13 RBI, but more importantly it appears as if he has settled into the job at first base on a full-time basis. Not bad for a guy that didn’t hit that first long ball until May 25. Now that Pablo Sandoval is solidly entrenched at third base, the at bats are going to be there, making Ishikawa worthy of a look-see in deep mixed leagues and NL-only formats.

Mark Ellis, 2B, Oakland Athletics: Since returning this past week from a calf strain that sidelined him for virtually all of May and June, Ellis has hit two homers and driven in four runs. He does have intriguing power potential, but remember to temper your expectations from a BA perspective. If you currently have a hole to fill in your Fantasy squad’s middle-infield and are looking to boost those power numbers, Ellis could be just what the doctor ordered.

Tim is in Milwaukee this week, consuming brews and brats while taking in some ball games, so Troll writing duties fall to yours truly for the next two installments.

Well, it’s been another eventful week, with the Cubs’ woes reaching the boiling point, A.J. Burnett dominating the Mets and even getting help from the beleaguered Yankee pen, and the Indians’ dismantlement beginning with the trade of Mark DeRosa to St. Louis.

Clint Barmes, 2B, Colorado Rockies: Barmes was dropped in the batting order last week, but this weekend he was moved back up and has responded with five hits in the past two games, smacking a homer and swiping a base on Saturday. He’s now batting .327 with four homers, 19 RBI and an 864 OPS this month for the red-hot Rox, so if you need middle infield help – remember, Barmes also qualifies at shortstop – you might want to take advantage of the fact that deer-meat boy is having a career year.

Fernando Nieve, SP, New York Mets: Maybe all Nieve needed was a chance. I really liked what I saw out of this former top prospect back in 2006, but he missed most of the 2007 season because of Tommy John surgery, and was unimpressive in a very limited trial last year. Now with the Mets, Nieve was brought up earlier this month, and with both John Maine and Oliver Perez hurting, he’s made the most of his opportunity, limiting opponents to 10 hits and three runs in 18 2/3 IP while winning all three of his starts. Nieve’s command, however, leaves something to be desired, so while I recommend picking him up for speculative purposes – after all, he’s done well enough to buy himself more rotation time even when the Mets get healthy – I wouldn’t advise starting him this week unless you’re in a super deep league. Nieve is slated for road starts in Milwaukee and Philly, and that spells trouble for a young pitcher who is struggling with his command.

Homer Bailey, SP, Cincinnati Reds: How lucky are you feeling? Bailey has walked a ridiculous 13 batters in his two starts and 9 1/3 IP this year, the most recent outing coming Saturday, when he issued seven free passes to the Indians, yet earned the win. Last chance for Bailey, right? Shockingly, he’s still just 23 years old, so there’s no way you can give up on this one-time “can’t miss” prospect. Despite some issues with the long ball, Bailey was doing a superb job at Triple-A this season, so he totally deserved another chance to prove himself as a major league pitcher. He was striking out close to a batter per inning in the minors, and if he can get his major league rate up anywhere near that (say, even 7 K/9), I think we might finally start to see Bailey deliver on his promise. Pick him up in NL-only leagues, but for now, only start him against weaker offenses until he gets his control ironed out.

Ricky Romero, SP, Toronto Blue Jays: Can someone explain to me why this rookie isn’t getting more fantasy love? After nearly no-hitting a dangerous Phillie lineup Friday, Romero wrapped up his month with a 3-1 record and 2.36 ERA. He gave up just 26 hits in 34 1/3 IP, walking 10 and averaging almost a strikeout per inning. This sounds like a kid who’s going to stick in the rotation all year, and despite missing three weeks to injury earlier this season, has a chance to compete for the AL Rookie of the Year. You want him on your Fantasy team regardless of the format you play in, and may I suggest you act quickly, because Romero can’t continue to fly under the radar for long.

Dan Meyer, RP, Florida Marlins: Matt Lindstrom will be out for six weeks because of an elbow strain, leaving the Marlin closer gig vacant. Leo Nunez is in the mix here, but because he’s working his way through an ankle injury, the first crack at this job will likely go to Meyer. Last week we mentioned that he could be a factor, and sure enough, Meyer pitched a perfect inning – his ninth straight scoreless outing – for his first career save on Wednesday. He’s been one of the NL’s better set-up men this season, and considering he’s averaging virtually a strikeout per inning, Meyer seems to have what it takes to be a dominant closer. I’d pick him up in any format right now, but remember that Nunez could factor into this equation once he’s 100 per cent healthy.

Randy Wells, SP, Chicago Cubs: If Romero is the rookie hurler not getting any respect in the AL, Wells fits the same bill for the NL. He’s now tossed back-to-back quality outings for his first two big league wins, and while the home runs are becoming a bit of an issue lately, he’s been just as sharp as he was last month and this righty seems to be a very quick study – a trait that will stead him well as he learns to limit his mistakes. I’d recommend picking up Wells in an NL-only league and seriously considering him in a deeper mixed league, especially if you need a spot starter and he’s pitching on the road, where he’s been particularly sharp (2.20 ERA through five starts).

Clay Zavada, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks: Remember Brad Ziegler’s incredible run to begin his career in 2008? Well, Zavada is quietly becoming the 2009 version, having tossed 17 straight outings without giving up an earned run (he did give up his first unearned run last weekend, suffering the loss as a result). This run of beginning his career without an ER allowed ties him for the fifth longest in baseball history. Right now, Zavada is only recommended in a very deep NL-only league as he’s been mostly used as a situational lefty. But with the shaky nature of the D-Backs’ pen – and the fact that Zavada has proved (in a limited sample size, mind you) that he can get righties out – who knows how far he can ride this streak? I’m just saying that it wouldn’t be totally shocking to be talking about Zavada in a much more important role very shortly.