Brandon Wood (3B - Angels)
Brandon Wood was called up yesterday; but, with Vlad Guerrero and Torii Hunter landing on the DL, he still does not have a consistent place to find at bats. Wood ripped up Triple-A last year with a .296 / .375 / .595 line, and has continued along that path this year by posting a .313 / .367 / .592 line. At this point, Wood seems to have learned all he can possibly learn in Triple-A, and has proven that he's ready for some consistent major league action. Wood has plenty of experience at both SS and 3B and is believed to be capable of handling either in the majors, which should increase his playing opportunity. If he had an everyday position carved out already, I would be telling you to run to your waiver wire in AL-only leagues. But, as of now, his stay looks to be a brief one.
Jeff Mathis (C - Angels)
Vlad and Torri hitting the DL also means that Mike Napoli will see everyday DH duties, which clears the way for Jeff Mathis to step in at catcher on an essentially everyday basis. Mathis is currently chugging along with a .198 / .287 / .294 line in 126 AB this year, while also sporting a 32.5% K rate to boot. You might be wondering why I am telling you about a seemingly brutal hitting catcher picking up extra at bats. The reason is that Mathis does own a career .784 minor league OPS and is widely-known to be better than his '09 major league numbers would indicate. He's a good short-term option in AL-only leagues.
Scott Downs (RP – Blue Jays)
Scott Downs made his return from the DL by picking up the save on Friday night against the Orioles. He was brilliant yet again and retired all three batters (2 via strike out) without allowing a base runner. I just want to remind everyone of how tremendous Downs has been this season. He has shown the complete package for a pitcher of any kind by posting a 9.22 K/9, a 1.65 BB/9, and a 50% GB rate. Downs has never been even close to this good before in his career and is already 33 years old, which has kept me skeptical all season. But, he has increased his velocity in all 5 years that he has been in the majors, and the peripherals are just too strong to continue to doubt. He has the look of a top-tier closer in the 2nd half.
Ben Zobrist (2B – Rays)
Ben Zobrist continued to roll last night by drawing two walks and stealing his 11th base of the season. A quick reality check here with Zobrist. Zobrist is a very good and very disciplined hitter to be certain. His career slash line of .318 / .429 / .459 and EYE of 1.29 in the minors are both quite impressive. The only aspect of his great production that I am still dubious of is the 17 HR. In fact, Zobrist only managed to hit 23 HR in his entire 5 year minor league career. I know, he has always been a tall, skinny kid who had yet to grow into his body. I am willing to buy the fact that he is presently in the prime power years of his career; but, I am not willing to buy the current 36 HR pace per 500 AB. Zobrist will continue to hit for a very nice average while also making some power and speed contributions, but I do expect the power to begin to taper off.
Yuniesky Betancourt (SS - Royals)
The Royals acquired Yuniesky Betancourt from the Mariners on Friday. With Willie Bloomquist and Tony Pena currently occupying the SS position, Betancourt should actually find many at bats in Kansas City. He is a pretty dreadful hitter with a .279 / .302 / .393 career slash line; however, he has shown the ability to hit for a decent average. I don't know about you, but I would take a .279 BA from my SS in an AL-only league any day of the week. Just don't expect contributions in any other categories.
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