Coast-to-Coast

Bartlett , Jason, SS

2010-09-02

Bartlett gets back track: Rays SS Jason Bartlett went 2 for 3 with a double in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays. He had been hitless in his previous two games. (Updated 09/02/2010)

Bartlett entered Wednesday's game just 1 for 12 in his previous four games and Wednesday's game could be the first sign that he's getting back on track. He hit .277 with a .327 on-base percentage in August and remains a suitable option at the weak shortstop position, though he's not a difference maker in Fantasy at this stage. (Updated 09/02/2010).

Holliday , Matt, LF

2010-09-01

Holliday homers in 1st inning: St. Louis OF Matt Holliday provided the only offense for the Cardinals on Wednesday afternoon in a loss to Houston. Holliday hit his 24th home run of the season in the first inning for a two-run blast off starter Nelson Figueroa. He finished 1 for 2 with a walk and is batting .301 on the year. (Updated 09/01/2010)

Holliday finished August batting .301 for the month with four homers and 19 RBI over 26 games. He started September off with a bang and we fully expect him to play well over the season's final month. Holliday, as always, can be active in all mixed Fantasy leagues. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Morgan , Nyjer, CF

2010-09-01

Morgan tossed from game: Washington OF Nyjer Morgan was ejected during the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against Florida. Morgan collided with catcher Brett Hayes on Tuesday during the 10th inning, and now Hayes could be done for the year. SP Chris Volstad hit Morgan in the fourth inning and tossed behind him in the sixth during a 15-5 game at the time. "I thought it was over after [the fourth inning], but once I saw the ball go right behind me, it's time to go," Morgan said "Once is good enough, but twice, no, it's time to go." Morgan charged the mound and was taken down by 1B Gaby Sanchez after he got one swing at Volstad. The benches cleared as it took a few minutes to restore order. Morgan was escorted off the field as he heard boos from the Florida crowd and had a few choice words for them on his way out. Morgan, Volstad, Jose Veras and Florida manager Edwin Rodriguez were all ejected from the game. Morgan was 0 for 1 with a run, an RBI and two steals before he got tossed. "It's only the fourth inning, there's still a lot of game left," Morgan said. "If they are going to hold me on, I'm going to roll out." (Updated 09/01/2010)

Morgan is currently appealing a seven-game suspension for throwing a ball at a fan in the stands in Philadelphia on Aug. 21. He ran over Cardinals catcher Bryan Anderson on Saturday night. Manager Jim Riggleman criticized Morgan's behavior before inserting the outfielder back into the starting lineup. Now Morgan could be facing another suspension, so Fantasy owners should keep close tabs on this situation that is Morgan. When he is active Morgan ins a viable option in deeper mixed Fantasy leagues. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Young , Michael, 3B

2010-09-01

Young homers among 4 hits: Texas 3B Michael Young contributed a four-hit night on Tuesday against the Royals but it wasn't enough as the Rangers lost 10-9. Young went 4 for 5 with two singles, a double and his 20th home run. Young homered in the first inning for a solo shot off starter Sean O'Sullivan. He scored twice and drove in two runs in the performance. Young now has his batting average up to .289 on the year. (Updated 09/01/2010)

Young struggled immensely in August but finished the month with a bang. He went 27 for 110 (.245) in August over 26 games but did hit five homers with 17 RBI. Young could heat up at any moment and as long as his power remains constant, he can be used in most mixed Fantasy leagues. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Torres, Andres, LF

2010-09-01

Torres a hero for Giants: Giants OF Andres Torres led off the eighth inning with a go-ahead home run, helping the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 5-2 on Tuesday night. "I try to think something positive every time out," Torres said. "I reminded myself to go out and swing hard and stay loose. Every game from now on is going to be important." (Updated 09/01/2010)

For Torres, it was his only hit of the game. Torres continues to lead off and presents Fantasy owners with a good rource for steals, on-base percentage and runs scored. His power and speed, not to mention his high walk rate, make him an advisable starter in any league. (Updated 09/01/2010).

Mauer , Joe, C

2010-08-31

Mauer gets another day of rest: Twins C Joe Mauer was not in the starting lineup posted for Tuesday's game against the Tigers. With Monday's off day manager Ron Gardenhire also gave Mauer Sunday off so he could rest for a few days. He is expected back in the lineup Wednesday. (Updated 08/31/2010)

The Twins want to give Mauer little rest before they head into the final leg of the season which is the reason he has not played the last few days. He is expected to be back in the lineup Wednesday and should still be able to make a decent contribution during Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). Mauer's numbers are a little down from last season, but he is still an elite Fantasy catcher. He should be active in all formats, when healthy. (Updated 08/31/2010).

Morse, Mike, 1B

2010-08-30

Morse hits two-run bomb: Nationals OF Mike Morse hit his 10th homer of the season in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Cardinals. Morse hit the two-run shot off Adam Wainwright in the third inning. He had seven straight hits, one short of tying the franchise record, before a flyout in the fifth. He finished 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI and is now batting .294 on the season. (Updated 08/30/2010)

Morse is now eight for his last 12 with four RBI and has been getting regular playing time with Josh Willingham out for the season. He has some pop, but unfortunately his eligibility is at 1B and OF, the two strongest positions in Fantasy play, so Morse remains just a low-end option in deeper NL-only leagues. (Updated 08/30/2010).

Gutierrez , Franklin, CF

2010-08-29

Slumping Gutierrez collects two hits : Mariners OF Franklin Gutierrez had two hits in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Twins. Gutierrez hit a pair of singles, including one in the seventh inning that got Seattle on the board. He hit a lazy fly to left field, which Delmon Young misplayed that fell in for an RBI single. Gutierrez finished 2 for 3 with a RBI. He also stole his 19th base of the year and is now batting .247 on the season. (Updated 08/29/2010)

Guterriez has had a disappointing season. His power numbers are way off this year, which is likely the result of his home pitcher's park and poor supporting cast in Seattle. Still, he is batting just .247 with one homer and eight RBI in August and only has four hits in his last 28 at-bats. He does have nine steals in the second half and 19 on the season which gives him some value in Rotisserie leagues. Consider him a viable option in deeper Rotisserie leagues at this point. (Updated 08/29/2010).

Izturis , Maicer, 2B

2010-08-28

Izturis not close to returning : Angels manager Mike Scioscia told MLB.com on Saturday that INF Maicer Izturis, on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in the right shoulder region, is not close to starting baseball activities. "It's going to be a while," Scioscia added. Izturis hit .245 with three homers and 25 RBI before being sidelined with the injury. (Updated 08/28/2010)

Izturis has only played in 56 games this season because of injuries and it looks like he will miss many more has he has not been progressing well. Fantasy owners in AL-only formats should keep an eye on the 29-year-old but you would be justified in just cutting your loses with the underachiever. Izturis is having a down season and is a low-end option, when healthy, for his speed and career .275 average. (Updated 08/28/2010).

Getz, Chris , 2B

2010-08-03

Getz performing well as leadoff man: Royals 2B Chris Getz started and led off for the fourth straight game Monday at Oakland. He went 1 for 4 and is batting (9 for 25) with three stolen bases over his last seven games. "It's not a surprise. He's a very solid, blue-collar player. There's nothing flashy about him. He just gets the job done," manager Ned Yost told MLB.com. (Updated 08/03/2010)

With Scott Podsednik gone and David DeJesus out for the season, the Royals need someone to take over the leadoff spot. Getz is a reasonable candidate because of his speed, though he still has to contend with Mike Aviles for at-bats. If you're desperate for steals in a deeper Rotisserie league, Getz is worth a look. (Updated 08/03/2010).

Atkins , Garrett, 1B

2010-07-07

Atkins open to minor deal somewhere: From The Sports Xchange notes: 1B Garrett Atkins was granted his unconditional release Tuesday after clearing waivers. Atkins had said he is open to the idea of a minor-league contract, but not with Baltimore. He had one home run and nine RBI in 140 at-bats after signing a one-year, $4.5 million contract in the offseason. He's free to sign anywhere, and his new club will be on the hook for only the prorated portion of the $400,000 major-league minimum. (Updated 07/07/2010)

Atkins is not with a team and can be cut and ignored in all formats. It is highly unlikely he lands a major-league job in the near future, much less gets anything more than token at-bats in the second half. (Updated 07/07/2010).

Branyan , Russell, 1B

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Branyan, notoriously a streaky slugger, has five homers in his past eight games -- despite hitting just .164 in August coming into the game. The average hurts you in Rotisserie, but Branyan's pop makes him at least useful in all deeper leagues -- mostly AL-only formats. His power tears can last for weeks, as he showed a year ago. Track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). (Updated 08/25/2010).

Hanigan, Ryan, C

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Hanigan hasn't been swinging an exceptionally hot bat lately as he's batting just .219 (7 for 32) with two homers, seven RBI and six runs scored over his last 11 games. Even at a relatively weak catcher's position, Hanigan doesn't bring enough to the Fantasy table. He's nothing more than an NL-only option at this time. (Updated 08/25/2010).

Helton , Todd, 1B

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Helton has hit in four straight games, including hitting homers on back-to-back nights on Friday and Saturday. It was the first time the 37-year-old had done so since Aug. 30-Sept. 1 of last year. Fighting for a playoff spot has seemed to have woken up Helton's bat so Fantasy owners in NL-only and deeper mixed leagues will want to get him active for Fantasy Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5). (Updated 08/29/2010).

Santiago , Ramon, SS

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Santiago had just eight hits in all of August coming into Wednesday's contest, which tells you pretty much how little Fantasy value the light-hitting middle infielder has. Continue to ignore Santiago in all but the deepest of AL-only formats. (Updated 08/25/2010).

Schumaker , Skip, RF

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Schumaker's 10 RBI in August are the most he's had in any month this season and his average also tops the .311 he posted in June. The 30-year-old has hit in four straight games and has been seeing decent playing time in the Cardinals infield rotation. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect this kind of run production from him on a consistent basis but continue to roll with the versatile Schumaker in NL-only formats. (Updated 08/27/2010).

Cordero, Francisco, C

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Cordero has been very wild this year, even by his standards, but he has been effective nonetheless. It helps that he can rack up the Ks and get plenty of save opportunities from his potent lineup. Despite his penchant for walks, Fantasy owners can continue to trust Cordero in nearly all formats. (Updated 08/29/2010).

Herges, Matt, R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

All of these players are merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy at this time. (Updated 04/04/2010).

Johnson, Josh, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Johnson has been pitching lights-out this season but only has 11 wins to show for it as the Marlins have a terrible bullpen. He has either taken the loss or a no-decision nine times when allowing two earned runs or less. Fantasy owners cannot be too happy about his record but his 174 strikeouts and sub-3.00 ERA keeps Johnson as a must-start option in all formats. His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Braves again. Johnson has a 0.75 ERA in two starts against Atlanta this season. (Updated 08/29/2010).

Johnson, Randy, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

The 6-foot-10 Johnson finishes with a career record of 303-166 and 4,875 strikeouts in 4,135 1/3 innings. He will wind up in the Hall of Fame, but he won't be on any Fantasy rosters in 2010. (Updated 01/05/2010).

Looper, Braden, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Looper seems pretty desperate to join a major league club but he doesn't want to go to the minors. He might have to, at least at first, in order to make it back to the Bigs. For now, his Fantasy value is extremely low and almost nonexistent. (Updated 04/20/2010).

Owings, Micah, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Owings is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men, if he returns to the major leagues. (Updated 08/29/2010).

Saito, Takashi, R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

The Braves' catchers have figured out a work-around for Saito's night vision problems, so don't expect it to affect his performance. He has been very good in a setup role this season and should remain active in leagues that use non-closer relievers and reward holds. (Updated 08/25/2010).

Sherrill, George, C

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

It was earlier in July that Sherrill was placed on waivers, but since Los Angeles found no takers it chose to keep him after all. It wasn't long ago, last year in fact, that Sherrill was a valuable arm in the Dodgers' bullpen after being picked up in a trade with the Orioles. He still has potential to bounce back, but since he is no longer a closer, Sherrill has minimal Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that use true middle men. (Updated 07/22/2010).

Hernandez, Felix, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Hernandez lowered his ERA from 2.51 to 2.47, second in the AL to Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox at 2.26. He also recorded his 1,000th strikeout, fanning David Ortiz in the sixth, at the age of 24 years, 139 days. Only Bert Blyleven (23 years, 121 days) and Dwight Gooden (23 years, 249 days) did it at a younger age. He is definitely a must-start Fantasy ace in Week 22 (Aug. 30-Sept. 5) as he will make two starts during the scoring period. His next start comes Monday against the Angels and he will finish the two-start period against the Indians. (Updated 08/25/2010).

Wuertz, Michael, R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Wuertz has done his job for the most part filling in for Bailey, but with the All-Star closer almost set to return, Wuertz will go back to being a middle reliever. Once that happens, Wuertz's Fantasy value lies in mixed leagues that utilize true middle men. (Updated 08/18/2010).

Mujica, Edward, S

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Mujica is nothing more than a low-end middle reliever for the deepest of NL-only leagues that use true middle men at this point. (Updated 06/29/2010).

Escobar, Kelvim, P

Shoulder - 60-day DL. Out for the season (Updated - 5/21/10)

Escobar has been on the DL since April 30. He had surgery earlier in May to repair a torn capsule in the front of his shoulder and is out for the season. Escobar has no Fantasy value at this time. (Updated 05/21/2010).

Medlen, Kris, S

Elbow - 15-day DL. Out for the season (Updated - 8/11/10)

Medlen began the season in the bullpen but proved plenty capable of holding down a rotation spot, going 5-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 starts. He has decent strikeout potential and a low walk rate for a pitcher with his limited experience, so he could make an impact in Fantasy when he returns. He won't be worth drafting in 2011, though, since he figures to miss most of the season. (Updated 08/18/2010).

Thatcher, Joe, R

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Thatcher has worked his ERA down from 9.00 to 1.74 and is becoming an effective left-handed arm out of the bullpen. If he keeps this progress, then Thatcher will be a nice add in Fantasy leagues that use true middle men. However, he has limited upside with no save chances in his near future. (Updated 06/02/2010).

Davis, Ike, 1b

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

Davis has hit safely in six of his last seven games, going 8 for 27 (.296) with three RBI and three runs scored. Davis is owned in 50 percent of Fantasy leagues, as the rookie has been inconsistent all year. As he gains experience Davis will develop into a solid Fantasy player. The slugger is a low-end option in deeper mixed leagues, when hitting. (Updated 08/26/2010).

DeJesus Jr., Ivan , SS

No information available at this time (Updated 8/30/10).

DeJesus has long-term potential as a middle infielder, but the others here are nothing more than organizational depth at this point. Ignore them in all Fantasy leagues. (Updated 03/17/2010).