2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Advice & Analysis
 
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CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH (credits below)
This week we take a look at two young lefties in Colorado and a two former major leaguer's sons who recently got the call. 
 
SP- CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH (COLORADO)- The 6'4" lefty continues to impress as he struck out 10 batters and allowed only one run last night in seven innings of work. In his first two starts Christian has a 1-0 record, 17 K's, 1.00 WHIP and a 1.38 ERA. Friedrich who shares the same agent as Cliff Lee, worked out with Lee in the off season changing some of the dynamics of his motion and release point. It looks like the youngster will remain in the rotation for the near future with these type of numbers. If you have the roster space he is definitely worth a pick up right now.
 
RP- REX BROTHERS (COLORADO)- Another young Rockie lefty with closer of the future aspirations is the leader in games pitched for all rookies this year with 19. Brothers has suffered the growing pains as many rookies do going 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA and 1.97 ERA. Even more troubling is the fact that righties own him with a .444 BAA. On a bright note Rex has struck out 17 batters in only 12.2 innings of work. For now Brothers is a watch and see guy with potential to help you in the holds and strike out categories.
 
RP- RAPHAEL DOLIS (CHI CUBS)- Dolis is now 4 for 6 in save chances as he garnered the save last night against the Cardinals. For the season he owns a 2-2 record with 3.22 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. His walk rate is alarming and if that doesnt improve we will see Carlos Marmol reinserted into the closer role at some point in the season. For now Dolis can be a source to help you in the save category just be prepared for him to lose the job at some point during the season.
 
2B- STEPHEN LOMBARDOZZI (WASHINGTON)- Stephen who's father with the same name played as a major leaguer in the 80's has played well in limited action this year for the Nat's. He currently owns a .306 BA in 62 AB's and has the highest OBP off any rookie with a .386 mark. He has also logged two 30+ SB seasons in the minors adding to his potential value at the NL level.  Lombardozzi for now has value in NL leagues only but is worth keep an eye on.
 
1B/OF- SCOTT VAN SLYKE (LOS ANGELES)- The son of former major league all star outfielder Andy Van Slyke has got the call to the majors. Scott came up last Wednesday when the Dodgers placed Juan Rivera on the DL. Van Slyke owns a AA batting title and has the potential to be a four category roto star adding HR's , RBI's and some SB's into the mix. It is unclear how much the Dodgers will use him right now with Bobby Abreu and Jerry Sands in the picture so I recommend a wait and see approach for the time being.

(February 23, 2011 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America)

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Addison Reed (credits below)
This week we take a look at another two rookies out in Oakland and the reason why in Boston they are starting to ask the question: Kevin who ?
 
 
RP- ADDISON REED (CHI SOX)- Reed has been lights out in Chicago this year in his 9 innings of work. Reed has struck out 12 batters, has a 0.00 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. Manager Robin Ventura removed one rookie from the closer role in Hector Santiago, now he has another rookie Chris Sale in the role. It is just a matter of time before Reed, the team's true closer gets his shot. I recommend keeping an eye on the situation and being ready to grab Reed at any time.
 
RP- RYAN COOK (OAKLAND)- Cook like Reed above has been lights out in the Oakland bullpen with a stat line consisting of 14 games, 14 2/3 Inn, 0.00 ERA, 14 K's and 8 holds. Even more impressive is he has only given up three hits in those 14+ innings. As Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes continue to be inconsistent the door is opening for Cook to slide into the closer role. Keep a wait and see approach on this situation.

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SS- TYLER PASTORNICKY (ATLANTA)- Tyler who beat out Braves prospect Andrelton Simmons for the starting gig has been pretty much mediocre so far as he owns a .271 BA , 1 HR and just 8 RBI's in 85 AB's. The key to his game is his speed though where he averaged 36 steals per season in the minor leagues but for some reason he has not even attempted a stolen base yet in the majors. For now he should only be owned in N.L. leagues only.  
 
3B- WILL MIDDLEBROOKS- (BOSTON)- Middlebrooks who was called up to play third base when the Red Sox placed Kevin Youklis on the DL is off to a flying start for the Bosox as he owns a .381 BA, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 1.361 OPS and a stolen base in just 21 AB's. While no one expects him to continue at this torid pace, he does own impressive power numbers in the minor leagues and may be just what is needed in Boston to jump start the hapless Redsox offense. If Will continues to hit like this, the Red Sox will have no choice but to keep him in the lineup even when Youklis returns from the DL. Pick him up ASAP if you are willing to take the chance.
 
OF- MICHAEL TAYLOR (OAKLAND)- The A's called up one of their top prospects in Taylor to replace starter Coco Crisp who was placed on the 15 day DL. Taylor a Stanford product is 6"5" and has all the tools to succeed at the major league level.  He has just 8 AB's this year and owns a .250 BA. He is worth a flier if you need help in the OF especially flying under the radar with phenoms Bryce Harper and Mike Trout already called up.

(September 3, 2011 - Source: Leon Halip/Getty Images North America) 

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Jarrod Parker (credits below)
Last week I touted Drew Smyly, Wade Miley and Kirk Nieuwenhuis as players to add. This week we take a look at two of MLB's top prospects and another young hurler getting his chance in Oakland.

SP-JARROD PARKER (OAKLAND)- The 23 year old righty got his first major league start last week against the White Sox going 6 1/3 innings allowing only one earned run and striking out five. It is unclear as of now what the A's plans are for Jarrod who is a top 30 prospect on the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery. He has the stuff to be an ace pitcher but for now I recommend a wait and see approach with Parker.

SP-PATRICK CORBIN (ARIZONA)- Corbin who is a native of upstate NY in my neck of the woods got his first MLB start on Monday as he earned a win over the Marlins. In the game he struck out six batters in 5 2/3 innings but did end with a 4.76 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP. Corbin was lights out in spring training this year as well as in his few minor league starts at Mobile in AA. The 22 year old lefty may find himself in the Diamondbacks rotation for good and is definitely worth a look going forward.

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C-DEVIN MESORACO- (CINCINNATI)- The Red's catcher of the future has played well in his limited role as a part time catcher. In 30 AB's he is hitting .300 with one HR and 3 RBI's. Mesoraco has been splitting time with Ryan Hanigan, a 31 year old with very little upside. It is only a matter of time before he gains the status of full time catcher. Take a wait an see approach as the season continues with him. For now he isnt worth having on your roster.

OF- BRYCE HARPER (WASHINGTON)- The "natural" has arrived for the National's, as injuries have made it necessary for Harper's services with the big club. Bryce started in the OF this weekend in Los Angeles where he played well going two for six with a RBI. The biggest question facing us all right now is how long will the National's stay with the 19 year old at the major league level and if he does stay will he hit against left handed pitching where he has struggled mightily in the past. If he is available he is a must add if you have the roster space.

OF-MIKE TROUT (ANAHEIM)- Trout who has been scorching minor league pitching for the last three years has been recalled to jump start a very anemic Angels offense. In his first 11 AB's he has one hit and is currently hitting .091. Last year Mike hit .220 in 123 AB's but did have five HR's and four stolen bases. The 20 year old is clearly a future star and it will just be a matter of time before he gets things figured out at the big league level. For now he is a must add but be prepared for inconsistency with his numbers across the board.

(April 24, 2012 - Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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KIRK NIEUWENHUIS (credits below)
This week we look at four promising lefty starters and a center fielder taking Citi Field by storm! 
 
SP-DREW POMERANZ (COLORADO)- The promising young lefty will have some growing pains this year as he learns how to deal with Coors field. Currently Pomeranz owns a 0-1 record with a 6.75 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. The 30th ranked propsect in all of baseball is showing positive signs though averaging a strike out per inning in his brief nine innings of work. Pomeranz isnt worthy of a roster spot as of now but he can be valuable especially in head to head leagues when he gets two starts in a week.
 
SP-WADE MILEY (ARIZONA)- Miley was lights out last night as he limited the Phillies to two hits while striking out seven in six scoreless innings. Wade is now 2-0 with a 1.84 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP on the season. While his numbers are certainly impressive I recommend taking a wait and see approach as to how Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson is going to handle the pitching situation out in the desert. Miley started for DL ridden Daniel Hudson last night and top pitching prospect Trevor Bauer is a phone call away from being added into the big league clubs rotation. If you have a roster spot available he is definitely worth an add.
 
SP- TOMMY MILONE (OAKLAND)- Milone reminds me of a so far of a young version of Mark Buehrle, he doesnt throw real hard and will not strike out many but has excellent control and is a serviceable pitcher if you need ERA and WHIP numbers. He currently owns a 2.00 ERA , 0.80 WHIP and three wins. Even more impressive was his win out in Anaheim against a solid Angels team last week Pitching in Oakland half of his games can only help the young lefty where Barry Zito and Mark Mulder flourished in the past. He is not flashy but you could do worse as your 4th or 5th starter.
 
SP-DREW SMYLY- (DETROIT)- Drew has been very impressive so far this year with a 1.12 ERA averaging nearly a strike out an inning in 16 innings pitched. On Sunday he held down the vaunted Ranger lineup striking out seven getting a no decision. Smyly is the team's number five starter and looks like he has cemented himself in that spot with his early season success. He is definitely worth an add if you have room on your roster especially on a World Series contending team like Detroit.
 
OF- KIRK NIEUWENHUIS (NY METS)- Kirk has already become a Mets fan favorite for his all out hustle approach to the game bringing fans back to remember another young phenom who burst onto the scene named Lenny Dykstra. He currently owns a .327 batting average with two HR's and four RBI's. "Captain Kirk" owns a career minor league BA of .280 and has also shown some speed and pop as well. Manager Terry Collins will have some decisions to make when Mets projected 2012 centerfield starter Andres Torres returns from the disabled list with a bad calf muscle.
 

BRYCE HARPER WATCH- 
Bryce finally hit his first home run last week for Syracuse as he continues to struggle against AAA pitching. Harper currently owns a .234 batting average with a one HR and two RBI's. He continues to struggle both against left hand pitching and defensivley in CF.

(March 1, 2012 - Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images North America) 

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Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Matt Moore (credits below)
Welcome back to the Rookie Report, week 3. As always, everyone is waiting for that moment when they can brag to their buddies that they were ahead of the curve and knew that their "phenom" was ready to dominate the Bigs. Unfortunately, there is this thing called "reality" and it's rare that a rookie can actually live up the hype early on. So let's check in on some of our favorite rookies of 2012 and see where they stand so far...

SP/RP-MATT MOORE (TAMPA)- The 2012 expert's consenus pick for the Rookie of the Year award has struggled early on this season in his first two starts against Detroit and Boston.  Moore currently owns a 0-1 record sporting a 5.54 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. The word after his last start in Boston was that he may be "tipping" his pitches which I am sure the Ray's coaching staff will fix quickly. A tough start for the 6'2" lefty but do not fret just yet. Not an easy task for a rookie to go into Detroit and Boston. Better days are on the way.
 
SP-WEI-YIN CHEN (BALTIMORE)- Chen has one major league start under his belt which was against the Bronx Bombers. In that start he went 5 2/3 innings striking out six while sporting a  3.18 ERA. Chen, a lefty from Taiwan sports a 94mph fastball and has an excellent command of three pitches. Pitching in the A.L. East will not help him much but keep an eye on his progress as the season continues.
 
SP-RANDALL DELGADO (ATLANTA)- Delgado had a nice outing in his first start of the 2012 season as he limited the Astros to one run over five innings striking out six batters. This week we will learn a little more about him as he gets the Mets on Tuesday and the Diamonbacks Sunday. He won the club's fifth starter over top prospect Julio Teheran which means the Braves must like what they see out of him. Delgado is definitely worth a roster spot if you have room although when Tim Hudson comes back he will be in jeopardy of losing his spot in the rotation.
 
C-JESUS MONTERO (SEATTLE)- Montero is holding his own for the Mariners so far in his first 10 games holding a .286/1/5 line. Jesus seems to be settling in now after he was hit in the head with a pitch near the end of spring training. Seattle has allowed him to catch only a handful of games so far this year which should bode well in the long run for Montero's stamina.  Safeco field may hold him back a bit but this is a star in the making. Sit back and enjoy the numbers.
 
1B/OF-YONDER ALONSO (SAN DIEGO)- Alonso who was acquired in the trade of Matt Latos to the Reds has struggled so far posting a .257/0/2 line with a .639 OPS. Yonder comes over with much hype although I am not sure why based on his minor league numbers which are nothing staggering. The most HR's he hit in a minor league season was 15. If you have him on your roster drop him like a bad habit there are too many better options out there.
 
 
BRYCE HARPER REPORT- Harper is currently batting .244 for Syracuse without a HR and just one RBI. He also has three errors already this season in only 11 games as he works in center field.


(April 14, 2012 - Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America) 
 

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Yoenis Cespedes (credits below)
The Rookie Report returns for the first of our weekly 2012 Tuesday editions. We start  2012  with a look at a Japanese flame thrower and a 26 year old slugger from Cuba.
 
SP- YU DARVISH (TEXAS)- Darvish was shaky in his first major league start last night as he took on the Seattle Mariners. The much hearalded Japanese phenom went 5.2 innings walking four batters while giving up eight hits and finishing with a 7.92 ERA. Darvish was a popular sleeper pick this spring with a ADP of 119.  I recommend patience with him while he gets the jitters out and works out the kinks. He clearly has great stuff and it will only be a matter of time until he settles down. 
 
SP/RP- LANCE LYNN (ST. LOUIS)-  Currently the number five starter for the Cardinals, pitched a gem his first time out against the Brewers allowing only one run, striking out eight in 6 2/3 innings. Lance who got the win also only allowed two hits and finished with a 1.35 ERA. Lynn played a major relief role for the Cards in last year's World Series run and has been lights out in his brief MLB career. For now he occupies disabled list star pitcher Chris Carpenter's spot in the rotation.
 
RP- HECTOR SANTIAGO (CHI SOX)- Santiago is a hot commodity right now after being named the White Sox closer by manager Robin Ventura. Santiago already has two saves but a 4.50 ERA. I expect some growing pains out of the 24 year old lefty and he is not a sure thing. He also does not have a proven minor league track record. My advice is to proceed with caution.
 
SS- ZACK COZART (CINCINNATI)- Zack has gotton off to a great start going 7-14 for a .500 BA. While I certainly do not expect the .500 avg to continue, I think he is in an excellent spot to have a great year with the Reds. Occupying the number two spot in the Cincy lineup batting in between Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto is a no brainer. His minor league numbers show some pop as well so I dont think it is unreasonable to see Cozart post a .290/13/60 line with double-digit stolen bases.
 
OF- YOENIS CESPEDES  (OAKLAND)- The 26-year old Cuban born phenom has been mashing the ball since his opening day start in Japan with the A's. Currently he has three home runs, seven RBI's and a .250 batting average. On the down side he has struck out nine times in only 16 AB's. I see the makings of a classic long ball slugger here so we need to get ready to take the good with the bad. If Cespedes still remains on your waiver wire stop reading this and grab him right now. 
 
BRYCE HARPER WATCH - Harper has began his season at AAA Syracuse where he is working in center field. Through five games he is hitting .278 with no home runs and just one RBI. 


(March 28, 2012 - Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Drew Pomeranz (credits below)
SP- DREW POMERANZ (COLORADO) - Drew, the key piece in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade made his first major league start for the Rockies holding the Red's scoreless for five innings. Pomeranz had a 4-3 record and a remarkable 1.78 ERA in 20 starts in the minors. He should get 2-3 more starts and could be useful down the stretch for your fantasy team.

SP/RP- MATT MOORE (TAMPA BAY) - Matt was recalled from Durham Sunday night by the Rays who are making a late push for the wildcard spot in the A.L. East. In 27 minor league starts he held a 12-3 with a 1.92 ERA. As for now he is expected to pitch in middle relief but may be called on to start due to a late scratch of a Ray's starter. Moore should be grabbed in all dynasty type formats and can be useful on a roto team as a middle reliever.

C- WILIN ROSARIO (COLORADO) - Wilin will receive the majority of the late season starts at catcher according to manager Jim Tracy. Rosario, considered a top prospect hit 21 home runs at AA Tulsa this year. Any Rockies player is always worth a look although they only have six of their remianing 16 games at home. If you need help at catcher why not take a chance?

C- SALVADOR PEREZ (KANSAS CITY) - The 21 year old Perez who is expected to be the starter next year for the Royals is hitting .295 in just under 100 AB's for the Royal's. Perez looks to be getting most of the playing time in September for the Royals and can be useful to help your team in the batting average category down the stretch.
 
2B- JEMILE WEEKS (OAKLAND) - Weeks is absolutely lighting it up for the A's since his call up in June. In 350 AB's this season Week's is hitting .302 with 21 stolen bases and 44 runs scored. Weeks continues to shine although fellow rookie second sacker's Brett Lawrie and Dustin Ackley still garner the headlines. Worth a look down the stretch if needed.

3B- BRENT MOREL (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) - Morel had the first multi home run game last week against the Indians. He is (7 for 14) is his last six games and has started to look much more comfortable at the plate. Brent has had a rather pedestrian season hitting only .255 with seven home runs in 355 AB's. He is still an A.L. only option at this time.


Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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(September 10, 2011 - Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino
 
 
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Kimbrel celebrates (credits below)
RP- CRAIG KIMBREL (ATLANTA)  Kimbrel broke the rookie save record last week and now has 42 saves on the season. In addition he has a 4-2 record, a 1.57 ERA and 113 K's in 68 innings of work. On top of all this he has the major's longest scoreless streak at 36 2/3 innings and heads all relief pitchers in strike outs...  WOW !!

SP- WADE MILEY (ARIZONA) Miley has done well in his four starts going 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA. He has a high WHIP at 1.60, but that will eventually come down as he learns to pitch at the big league level. The young lefty is worth a pick up in mixed leagues if you need a decent pitcher on a first place team.

SP- HENDERSON ALVAREZ (TORONTO) Alvarez pitched a gem last night against Boston as he continues to show flashes of brilliance at the MLB level. His ERA now after six starts is 2.95. In addition he has pitched 14 consecutive scoreless innings. The Blue Jays will continue to run him out there every fifth day so grab him while you can.

SP- ZACH STEWART (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) Stewart tossed a gem last night throwing a complete game one-hit shutout, just missing a perfect game against the Twins. For the season he is 2-3 with a 4.56 ERA. Maybe Zach has turned it around after his last two starts, keep an eye on him.  

C- JESUS MONTERO (NEW YORK YANKEES) Jesus had quite a day yesterday as he hit two home runs against the Blue Jays in the Yankees win. The much heralded prospect is finally here and it remains to be seen how much the Yankees will use him in September. If you need help at catcher, take a chance, just monitor his situation to see how much playing time he will get.

OF- ALEJANDRO DE AZA (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) De Aza has been raking the ball lately since his call up to replace Alex Rios in CF for the Chi Sox. In his last 12 games he has a .364 BA, with two homers and 11 RBI's. De Aza is a 10 year minor leaguer and is finally getting his chance. Ride him while he is hot and be ready to dump him once the ride is over.


Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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(August 31, 2011 - Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images North America)

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino

 
 
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Dayan Viciendo (see credits below)
SP-ERIC SURKAMP (SAN FRANCISCO) - Surkamp who was 10-4 with a 2.02 ERA for AA Richmond, pitched well against the Astros last week in his major league debut, giving up only one run in six strong innings. Eric is expected to pitch again September 6th and stay with the club through September. He may be a sleeper pitcher down the stretch for your team if you need pitching help, especially since he has been a dominant pitcher in the minor leagues. Keep an eye on him.
 
SP- BRANDON BEACHY (ATLANTA) - Brandon has quietly put a stellar rookie season in for the Braves. In his last four games he is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA. For the season he is 7-2 with 128 K's in only 114 innings. He also sports just a 3.31 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Beachy is a converted reliever and an early season DL stint should benefit fantasy owners because he will not reach his innings limit by the end of the year.
 
RP- STEVE CISHEK (FLORIDA) - Cishek has picked up two saves in the past week for the Marlins. For the season the 6'5" righty has a .278 ERA while averaging over one K per inning. With closer Leo Nunez struggling badly right now this might just be your chance to pick up some saves for your roto team. Hard to say what the Marlins will do for the month of September but why not give Cishek a chance?
 
3B- DAYAN VICIEDO (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) - Viciedo made quite an impact in his first major league game of 2011 hitting a three run home run Sunday against the Mariners. Dayan was hitting .296 with 20 HR's and 78 RBI in AAA before the call up. Also he hit .308 with five HR's in limited action for the Chi Sox in 2010. This guy can hit and the White Sox are committed to playing him here on out. He is a MUST pick up if you need help at the corner position.

3B- MIKE MOUSTAKAS (KANSAS CITY) - Moose is finally coming along in his third month at the major league level. He is currently 19 for his last 39 with seven RBI's. He has raised his BA from .181 to .231. Mike is a top prospect for the Royals and he seems to be finding his stroke now. I still recommend leaving him on the waiver wire although if you are in a deep league and need help grab him while he is hot!
 
3B- KYLE SEAGER (SEATTLE) - Seager is currently the number one waiver wire pick up in CBS leagues following his .769 batting in a series versus Cleveland last week. Kyle is a .328 career minor league hitter and should join fellow rookie second baseman Dustin Ackley in the Seattle infield for years to come. He has a great track record and is another case of "get him while he is hot".

(February 20, 2009 - Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America)

Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino
 
 
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Alex White (credits below)
SP- ALEX WHITE (COLORADO) - White who was the key acquistion in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade will start tonight for the Rockies. He is recovering from a tendon injury to his pitching hand. The 6'3" lefty with a mid 90's fastball has an excellent minor league resume and is a must pick up in all leagues if you need pitching help down the stretch.
 
C- RYAN LAVARNWAY (BOSTON) - The Red Sox recalled Ryan last week from Pawtucket where he was hitting .301 with 16 HR's and 47 RBI's in 55 games. In the weekend series against Kansas City he promptly hit .333 in 15 AB's. Lavarnway has 30 HR this year between AA and AAA ball and 22 the year before while also hitting over .290. With the injuries to David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis, Ryan may just stick around. He is a useful American League add right now and a mixed league add if he can get enough at bats.
 
C- TYLER FLOWERS (CHICAGO WHITE SOX) - Flowers now gets his chance with A.J. Pierzynski on the disabled list. In his brief major league stint so far he is hitting .315 with one home run and three RBI. Flowers has shown some pop in the minors and is now getting his chance at the big league level. He is useful in American League only formats only for now.
 
1B/OF- BRANDON ALLEN (OAKLAND) - Allen who came over to the A's from the Diamondback's this year is .275 with three home runs and nine RBI's in just 58 AB's. Manager Bob Melvin has said that he likes the kid and he will get plenty of playing time. Allen has been starting over regular first baseman Conor Jackson in an attempt to inject some power into the relative light hitting A's lineup. He is a must add in American League only leagues at this time.
 
OF- BEN REVERE (MINNESOTA) - Revere has been a full time starter in the Twinkies outfield since Delmon Young was sent packing. Ben currently owns a .256/0/20 line with 23 stolen bases. Needless to say if you need help in the SB category then he is your man. His minor league stats should a career .326 batting average so in time he will logically become a better hitter but for now he is pretty much a one category player.
 
OF- KYLE BLANKS (SAN DIEGO) - Blanks is raking the ball right now in San Diego. In his last eight games he is 11 for 29  with three home runs and seven RBI. Blanks has been a top prospect for the Padres and as long as he his hitting he should get every chance to shine. The 6'6" 270 pounder has the potential to carry you to a title down the stretch. He is a must have in all National League formats.
 
OF- CASPER WELLS (SEATTLE) - Wells has been starting for the Mariners since he came over from the Tigers in late July. In August Wells is hitting .340 with six home runs and 13 RBI. His 2011 stat line shows a .282/10/26 line which is solid rookie year. I am pretty sure he is owned already in A.L. formats but if not grab him quick.
 
BRYCE HARPER WATCH - Bryce was placed on the seven day disabled list with a strained hamstring and is probably going to be out for the remainder of the season according to Nationals big league manager Davey Johnson. There are only a few minor league games left for this season so I can not see the Nationals taking a chance on hurting their number one prospect.


(February 26, 2011 - Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images North America)


Written by John Marino exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Advice, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, The Rookie Report, John Marino, Bryce Harper