Justin Morneau - Just another huge game for Morneau as he helps his team and his fantasy owners make a run at the playoffs. He was 1-for-3 with a 3B but drove-in 4 and scored one, giving him 117 RBI and 88 runs for the season. People don't mention his name much, but he'll be high on MVP ballots at the end of the season. He's posting a 0.74 FPI to go along with his .911 OPS, .310 average, 168 hits, and 24.6 HR/AB rate. Sure we would love to see him hit 30 HR again for the 3rd straight year, but a .900+ OPS and high FPI gives him enough production to warrant a top round pick in next year's drafts (especially as players like Jimmy Rollins fall out of the first round).
BJ Upton - Well, I guess a torn labrum in left shoulder is a good excuse for not being able to break the double-digit mark for HR this season. But Upton is redeeming himself in other ways, hitting .346 to start September with a .400 OBP, 2-for-3 in stolen bases, and 4 runs scored. He still ranks 4th in the league in SB with 42 and has a .384 OBP for the season. His value will drop next year when he no longer has 2B eligibility and his forecasted HR total will likely come down. But, he'll continue to be a solid fantasy player in roto leagues due to his ability to swipe bags.
Raul Ibanez - Who could have predicted the huge second half from Raul Ibanez? The first half was just a typical, mediocre performance for Ibanez - 0.58 FPI, .273 average, OPS of .779, and a 33.6 HR/AB. A couple of days off in Mid July then led to a gigantic run of a .373 average, 1.099 OPS, 15.4 HR/AB, and a 0.96 FPI. Absolutely incredible from a guy who disappointed many fantasy owners after not being able to repeat his stellar 2006. Its anyone's guess how Ibanez is valued going into 2009. If nothing else, his full-season stats may greatly understate just how great he has been over the last two months. Thankfully, we have the winter to try to assess his potential for next year.
Shin-Soo Choo - Choo has four consecutive 2-hit games and is on an 11-game hitting streak for the Indians. The Cleveland outfielder is hitting .500 during those 11 games (21-for-42) with a 1.410 OPS, 3 HR, 10 RBI, and 36 total bases. He's attempted 2 steals, but has come-up short in both chances. Typically, Choo doesn't hit many fantasy radars but certainly deserves any mixed league consideration while he's hitting this well.
Zack Greinke - Three quality starts in a row for the Royals starter, but only has 1 win during those outings to show for it. He has actually given up 3 ER or less in 7 of his last 8 starts and, while he is likely owned by someone at this point, is a solid play for the next couple of weeks. He'll face the Indians again at the end of this week and will draw the Oakland card for the following week. As we all know, those are a couple of the worst offenses in the American League this year. Without favorable match-ups and a string of solid starts, Greinke is a good bet for a couple of more quality starts down the stretch.
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