Aaron Hill (2B - Blue Jays) - Another dinger for Aaron Hill gives him an incredible 33 for the year. That pace is a HR for every 19.3 AB. His next best was 35.8 when he hit 17 HR in 2007. After that, the guy barely ever went yard, totaling 11 HR in his other 3 seasons in a total of 1,112 AB. That's a pretty incredible jump and absolutely came out of nowhere this season. He was definitely serviceable in 2007, but this year is off the charts. Tough to say just how much value to put into Hill heading into 2010. He'll likely be chosen too high based on just one year's results. I'd let another owner take a chance at him and leave your 2B pick for the right time and at the right VAM.
Howie Kendrick (2B - Angels) - We knew Kendrick had the potential to hit for high average, but since being recalled from Triple-A on July 4th, Kendrick has the best average in the league with a .383 (62-for-166). As a second baseman, he's still widely available in a ton of fantasy leagues based on some of the major services and could make a huge average and run impact in the final days of the season. If you're struggling with your 2B option, you need to consider Kendrick. He'll likely be a top-12 pick heading into 2010 drafts.
Alex Rodriguez (3B - Yankees) - If you were one of the brave that took A-Rod despite all of the preseason PED allegations and hip injuries, congratulations - the risk has definitely paid off. He already has 2 HR this week, which is especially important for head-to-head fantasy matchups. But despite missing an entire month of the season, he still has full-season type numbers. He has hit a total of 27 HR, driven-in 89 RBI, has an OBP over .400, and a .923 OPS. He certainly isn't the A-Rod of a few years ago, but I think some off-season rest and less distractions could mean a big year for A-Rod. He may drop in the first round in 2010, but I certainly won't let him drop too far.
Matt Wieters (C - Orioles) - The Matt Wieters patience is really paying off now. After a few cold months in his first days as a big leaguer, impatient fantasy owners (and I had my doubts as well) began to write-him-off and put him in the Alex Gordon category: fantastic potential, but we'll wait and see if it ever materializes. That's behind us now. He's really breaking out in September - hitting .339 this month with a .400 OBP, 2 HR, 10 RBI, and 10 runs. Out of the catcher spot for the final games of the year, Wieters may be the guy that is putting you over the top. Kudos for sticking with him if you still have him.
David Aardsma (Closer - Mariners) - Closers are dropping like flies in the American League this week. Aardsma is suffering from a stiff back that kept him from being used in a save situation on Tuesday night. The Mariners went with Mark Lowe instead who converted his 3rd save of the year. The injury doesn't look that serious and Aardsma could be ready as early as Wednesday depending on how the back reacts when he gets to the ballpark today. Aardsma was likely a free agent pickup in your league and he's been one of 2009's big surprises. He is posting a 2.03 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and has successfully converted 35 saves in 39 opportunities.
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