Dan Hudson - The White Sox have already brought their 2008 5th rounder up to pitch out of the bullpen, and those of you who can find value out of non-closer RP's would be well served to grab him. Even though Hudson was pitching in Ogden a year ago, the 22 year old has rocketed through the system with little problem this year, exhibiting solid control and fanning over a batter per inning at each stop. He also went 9-0 at AA and AAA combined, as if wins mean anything. I'd have to think that he's already a strong candidate for the 2010 rotation, so keeper leaguers would be even better served to grab him immediately.
Scott Feldman - Feldman finally ran out of gas after another five shutout innings last night against the A's, giving up six runs in the sixth and seventh to take his first loss since July. Feldman's increased reliance on his cutter has been, in my opinion, one of the biggest reasons for his success this year....he's had quite a bit of good luck on balls in play but not enough to justify his success on its own. His K rate is low for someone that is suddenly being viewed as a potential ace, so I expect a sizable amount of regression in 2010 (and possibly in his next few outings as well), but he has done enough with his control and GB% to justify a middle rotation slot in 2010.
Ryan Sweeney - Sweeney continued his hot hitting since the break (302/362/451 before last night) with three doubles and four RBI's against the Rangers last night. Frank Thomas says the guy is a future All-Star, and while that might be a stretch he definitely has taken a step forward this season. Sweeney is only 24, his AVG is being depressed a bit by some bad luck on balls in play, and he's added just enough power and patience in the second half this year to make him both a viable 5th OF down the stretch, and also an interesting sleeper come 2010.
Kevin Jepsen - The struggles of Brian Fuentes have opened the door for rookie Kevin Jepsen to possibly squeeze in a few saves down the stretch, which is probably a good thing for the Angels. Jepsen is averaging 96 with his fastball, has a contact rate against of barely over 70%, and would likely have significantly better stats if it weren't for horrible luck on balls in play (a BABIP almost 100 points above expectations). He is definitely a solid reliever add for the last few weeks, and he also merits consideration for your pen in 2010.
Ryan Raburn - Raburn is heating up down the stretch, cracking his 12th homer last night to bring his post-ASB line to 303/347/523. His AVG has been helped by a good dose of good fortune on balls in play, but the power is for real, and with Clete Thomas being the primary competition I have to think that at the very least Raburn needs to be in any lineup against left-handed pitching, and likely every day in most formats. There isn't much upside from here, of course.
