Picking Up and Dropping Off
Picking Up:
1. Clint Barmes, SS Rockies -- How about a .450 average with 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 runs scored and 4 stolen bases since the All Star Break? Now this is the Barmes we all remember from last year. Look for him to continue his hot hitting in the second half as long as he avoids the stairs.
2. Rob Quinlan, 1B Angels -- The demotion of Kendry Morales puts Quinlan front and center as the Angels' starting first baseman. He's got average power potential, but he has shown throughout his career in the minors that he can get on base; career .377 OBP since 1999. He won't dazzle, but if you just need some extra help, he might be worth a look.
3. Daniel Cabrera, SP Orioles -- A risk? Yes. But he just might be worth it if you find yourself in need of some K's. If he can find a way to right the ship they way teammate Erik Bedard did, Cabrera could have a solid final two months. He's one to maybe stash away until he shows he's beaten his command problems.
4. Dmitri Young, 1B/DH Tigers -- The Meat Hook is back. After a stint in rehab, Young seems refreshed and ready to go. He's hitting .333 in his last 4 games and if he continues to hit, he'll see more playing time than bench time. He'll consistently be taking away at bats from Craig Monroe, Marcus Thames and Chris Shelton.
5. Ryan Church, OF Nationals -- We all saw him last year and early on in 2006 and were surprised to see him get sent to the minors. But with a hamstring injury to Alex Escobar, season ending surgery for Jose Guillen and the expected trade of Alfonso Soriano, Church is back and should get some solid playing time over the final two months of the season.
Dropping Off:
1. Mike MacDougal, RP White Sox -- He went from having solid value to zero value after being traded to Chicago. He's lost his status as a closer, so you can probably drop him now.
2. Jose Guillen, OF Nationals -- Didn't I say season ending surgery before? How about season ending Tommy John surgery? Dunzo.
3. Reggie Sanders, OF Royals -- Recent injury and current DL stint take away from any real good trade value now. Chances become slim on whether he'll ever make it to a quality lineup.
4. Derrick Turnbow, RP Brewers -- Demoted to middle relief after blowing 8 saves on the season; 4 in a row in the past week and a half. Don't drop him though as his banishment may not last. The team is more confident that he will fix his problems than they do in Danny Kolb holding down the job for the rest of the way.
5. Aramis Ramirez, 3B Cubs -- With Derrek Lee back on the DL, we could be seeing a second half similar to the first half. He's great when Lee's in the lineup, but struggles without him. So much for that 27 year old breakout season of crazy numbers.
1. Clint Barmes, SS Rockies -- How about a .450 average with 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 runs scored and 4 stolen bases since the All Star Break? Now this is the Barmes we all remember from last year. Look for him to continue his hot hitting in the second half as long as he avoids the stairs.
2. Rob Quinlan, 1B Angels -- The demotion of Kendry Morales puts Quinlan front and center as the Angels' starting first baseman. He's got average power potential, but he has shown throughout his career in the minors that he can get on base; career .377 OBP since 1999. He won't dazzle, but if you just need some extra help, he might be worth a look.
3. Daniel Cabrera, SP Orioles -- A risk? Yes. But he just might be worth it if you find yourself in need of some K's. If he can find a way to right the ship they way teammate Erik Bedard did, Cabrera could have a solid final two months. He's one to maybe stash away until he shows he's beaten his command problems.
4. Dmitri Young, 1B/DH Tigers -- The Meat Hook is back. After a stint in rehab, Young seems refreshed and ready to go. He's hitting .333 in his last 4 games and if he continues to hit, he'll see more playing time than bench time. He'll consistently be taking away at bats from Craig Monroe, Marcus Thames and Chris Shelton.
5. Ryan Church, OF Nationals -- We all saw him last year and early on in 2006 and were surprised to see him get sent to the minors. But with a hamstring injury to Alex Escobar, season ending surgery for Jose Guillen and the expected trade of Alfonso Soriano, Church is back and should get some solid playing time over the final two months of the season.
Dropping Off:
1. Mike MacDougal, RP White Sox -- He went from having solid value to zero value after being traded to Chicago. He's lost his status as a closer, so you can probably drop him now.
2. Jose Guillen, OF Nationals -- Didn't I say season ending surgery before? How about season ending Tommy John surgery? Dunzo.
3. Reggie Sanders, OF Royals -- Recent injury and current DL stint take away from any real good trade value now. Chances become slim on whether he'll ever make it to a quality lineup.
4. Derrick Turnbow, RP Brewers -- Demoted to middle relief after blowing 8 saves on the season; 4 in a row in the past week and a half. Don't drop him though as his banishment may not last. The team is more confident that he will fix his problems than they do in Danny Kolb holding down the job for the rest of the way.
5. Aramis Ramirez, 3B Cubs -- With Derrek Lee back on the DL, we could be seeing a second half similar to the first half. He's great when Lee's in the lineup, but struggles without him. So much for that 27 year old breakout season of crazy numbers.
posted by Howard Bender at
4:39 PM
