1. Drew Stubbs (OF - Reds) - Stubbs was kept out of the lineup on Wednesday with knee issues after getting hit there by a pitch in Tuesday's game. Stubbs has been basically fantasy irrelevant in July with no HR and no SB through 50 AB. This is a deep slump for Stubbs who was looking like a like for 20 HR / 40 SB before this blip. If Stubbs is dropped, he deserves the claim simply for his power and SB potential. He's usually good for about 3-4 HR and 7 SB per month. With Thursday as an off-day for the Reds, Stubbs essentially gets two days off and should be back in action on Friday.
2. Ricky Nolasco (SP - Marlins) - It seems like when Nolasco blows-up, he doesn't leave anything on the table. In just 1.1 IP, Nolasco allowed 9 hits, 9 ER, and 2 BB before being removed from the game and ultimately earning his 7th loss of the season. Nolasco had a decent QS going, hurling 5 straight starts of 3 ER or less and 6 IP or more. This is the 2nd time this year where Nolasco has allowed 8 ER or more and he allowed 6 or more on 3 separate occasions on 2010. For the season, Nolasco is now posting a 4.08 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. You take away the two crazy games of 8+ ER allowed and his ERA drops to 3.09 and 1.19 WHIP. If you're in weekly leagues, he has killed you in those two weeks, but is mostly a 3.00 / 1.20 type of pitcher and should be valued accordingly.
3. Jason Isringhausen (RP - Mets) - Izzy has been getting a lot of work since K-Rod was dealt to the Brewers. Perhaps its the way for the Mets to showcase him as more trade bait. He has hurled 4.0 IP in the last 4 days and has earned a save and a win. He recorded 6 K's during his new role over the last 3 games as well. He's definitely the best option for fantasy owners looking for a quick save or two over the next week, but it certainly seems like all of the speculation points to Isringhausen being dealth before the end of the month. Enjoy it while it lasts as he will likely be dealt to a team to be setup man.
4. Dan Uggla (2B - Atlanta) - Uggla's turnaround continues as he extended his hit streak to 12-straight games on Wednesday. He's still hitting under .200, but he is having a serviceable July for a second baseman, hitting .267 with 5 HR and 10 RBI. For Uggla, the key here is that the HR stroke is back. His AB/HR over the last three seasons was 17.5 and he's currently at 21.1. Uggla looks poised to have a big 2nd half and is certainly off to a nice start. Keep an eye on him over the next day or two, as he was removed from the game yesterday after tweaking his calf.
5. Cameron Maybin (OF - Padres) - Maybin has been on fire. He is currently riding a 6-game hitting streak with 3 multi-hit games and 5 SB during that span. Maybin is putting it all together right now, but he has mostly been a big fantasy disappointment since being called-up in 2007. In almost 850 AB, he has recorded a lowly .317 OBP, .254 AVG, and little to no power with an ISO of .133. With his recent speed boost on the base paths, he becomes more of a fantasy consideration with a total of 17 SB on the season. However, he would have to really remain hot for another week or two to gain my confidence about his ability to finish the season on a mixed-league worthy high-note. There are plenty of higher-OBP options on the waiver wires with that kind of SB potential. You can look for speed elsewhere.
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