Who are these guys?
It becomes real easy to start losing track of players the further you get into the fantasy season. Not so much that you’re losing track, but that you’re not as familiar with some of names that now inhabit the boxscores. As the trade deadline nears, teams that have become sellers, i.e. the Pirates, Reds, and possibly soon Toronto, have to now fill their holes left vacant by veterans dealt to the contenders. I mean, after all, they still have to field a full team every game, right? And so while most people just disregard the rosters of the bottom-feeders, you might just be able to find a little fantasy gold in there and give yourself a little boost as you make your second half run.
Rajai Davis, OF OAK — He’s been a quality bench player for the A’s in the last year and a half and with the trade of Matt Holliday and the lackluster play you see from guys like Ryan Sweeney and even Scott Hairston, Davis is slowly becoming a cult favorite. He’s getting lots more playing time over in right field and has tremendous speed. Nothing better than a second half boost in stolen bases!
Jonny Gomes, OF CIN — With the injuries to Jay Bruce and now Chris Dickerson, the Reds on relying on an old stand-by to get them through the season. Sure we’ll see some younger faces, but for now, Gomes is getting regular time in the outfield. He can be a bit of an average killer, but he definitely has decent pop in his bat.
Chris Gimenez, OF CLE — Another Cleveland catcher buried down in the depth charts due to the likes of Victor Martinez and Kelly Shoppach. But with all of the rumors that say Martinez and Ryan Garko could be dealt, the Tribe have brought up some youth to see how they’ll fare on the big stage. Gimenez hasn’t disappointed and looks like he could remain a corner outfielder the rest of the way. Decent power.
Casey McGehee, 3B MIL — Currently fighting for playing time with veteran Chris Counsell, but could emerge as the new full time hot corner guy with a few good games put together. He can hit for a strong average and definitely has more power than Counsell. Keep watching to see who ends up with the majority of playing time.
Garrett Jones, 1B/OF PIT — This guy’s already turned into a cult favorite in Pittsburgh with his home run power and easy going attitude. With the trade of Adam LaRoche he’s been manning first base, but could find his way into the outfield mix as well. The Pirates, though, will definitely try to keep his bat in the lineup full time.
Steven Pearce, 1B PIT — We’ve been waiting on Pearce for 2 years now, hoping he’d get his opportunity to put his power on display on the big stage. The aforementioned Jones is inhibiting him a little, but with Brandon Moss stinking it up, there’s definitely room for both.
Kevin Hart, SP CHC — A fine “debut” for the reliever turned starter in the wake of the Ted Lilly injury. Hart performed very well the other day, but keep in mind it was the Reds. He could be a solid option with the right matchup, but definitely needs to cut down on the walks if he wants to continue to pitch.
Oscar Salazar, 1B SD — He’s sitting with the big club right now and is giving Kyle Blanks a run for his money as a reserve, but with the possible trade of Adrain Gonzalez, both could find their way into the everyday lineup. Salazar, who was dealt from the Orioles for reliever Cla Meredith, has tremendous power and could still be a solid HR threat despite the dimensions at Petco.
Ryan Roberts, 2B ARI — He hasn’t looked like anything special just yet, but Roberts is still getting the bulk of the work at second since the team dealt away Felipe Lopez. He doesn’t offer up too much fantasy-wise, but it’s still early for him. Keep an eye out for him if you’re desperate for middle infield help.
Gerardo Parra, OF ARI — A solid average, decent power hitter, Parra is getting some quality PT right now with Eric Byrnes and Conor Jackson on the shelf. Defensively he’s solid (great arm) and so long as he keeps hitting and the D-Backs remain out of it, then there’s no reason to rush back any of the injured vets.
Ronny Cedeno, SS SEA — Defensively, he’s performing exceptionally well fo rthe Mariners since taking over for the recently departed Yuniesky Betancourt. Offensively though, he’s a bit of a disaster. A low average and middling power at best make him a low end option in the deepest of AL-only leagues.
On Their Way?
Buster Posey, C SF — The Giants are adament about not dealing Posey, and possibly even bringing him up in September. I don’t know about supplanting Bengie Molina behind the dish, but if the team wants to get him regular ABs, then a temporary shift to second base coul dbe in order. Think Craig Biggio.
Neftali Feliz, RP TEX — My guess is that the Rangers try to do what the Angels did with K-Rod back in the 2002 playoffs. Feliz is a huge commodity out of the pen with a million dollar arm. He’s projected long term as a starter but has been doing single inning appearances lately. I could see him taking over as the closer moving C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco back to set-up duties.
Travis Snider, OF TOR — With all the talk of trading Roy Halladay, things could open up for the Jays to bring back Snider for some late season experience. If they concede the year and deal away their best player, then a youth movement is definitely in store. He’s got great power potential and could be a huge asset late in the game for you. Keep watching.
Chris Tillman, SP BAL — While it’s alsways difficult to recommend a pitcher who calls Camden Yards home, Tillman could be worth a late season look if the O’s keep him up with the big club. He’s got a great low to mid 90′s fastball, with a solid changeup and slider. In the minors he’s been average a little more than a strikeout per inning.
Brett Wallace, 3B OAK — It would be difficult to see the A’s bring Wallace, the main component coming back in the Holliday trade, up for a late season look, but you never know. The team is desperate to fill seats, so a showcase of the “next wave” of players could be in order. He’s a super prospect and could do your squad wonders in average (and maybe power) if he ever gets the call.
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