This week we look at nine guys that should be able to be obtained at a discount and they may even be on the DL.  All of these players have significant upside and significant risk, but they could make a difference to a team in need of second half help.
Troy Tulowitzki (SS, Rockies): Despite the hefty contract given to him by the Rockies, Tulo is hardly a sure thing to return to last year’s form.  Between the torn tendon in his left quad and his limited big league exposure there are questions about his ability to help a fantasy team this year - especially if his mobility is somewhat impaired down the stretch. He’s expected back around mid to late July and might be worth a gamble for those last two months.
Curt Schilling (SP, Red Sox): Schilling is still Schilling, a thinking man’s pitcher with plus stuff. The question is how much stuff is left in that arm between injury and age. No doubt he’s got guile on his side and he’s not far out from beginning to throw a bullpen session.   That said, he’s a good free agent pick up, but he’s too risky to trade much for.
Brad Hawpe (OF, Rockies): The underachieving Hawpe has clearly been bothered by something all season and the hamstring issue he currently faces could be part of it. Certainly between his less than stellar performance and the injury you might well find an owner or two foolishly willing to part with him at a discount. He’s the least risky player on this list based on his career numbers and how minor the injury really is.
Hank Blalock (3B, Rangers): Between a hamstring issue and carpal tunnel syndrome, Blalock has had a hard go of it this season and is floating as a free agent in many leagues. The 27 year old is in his prime and if he can overcome his injuries and get 300+ AB he could easily park another 10 in the seats and pile up some runs and RBIs the rest of the way.  He’s recently announced he is planning on adapting to first base so he might add a little versatility too. He could be back in a couple of weeks.
Gary Sheffield (OF/DH, Tigers): When healthy can Gary still hit? That is the question. After a .265-25-76 campaign last season (in just under 500 AB) there is no reason to believe that the 39 year old Sheffield won’t heat up with the warmer weather once he comes off the DL. However his .213 average plus that injury equals disgust for a lot of owners so you might be able to get him for very little.
Jeff Keppinger (SS/3B, Reds): Keppinger is less than a month away from returning to the Reds lineup and his .324 average with 5 home runs and 2 steals suggest that this guy will slot right back into the lineup. He’s in his prime and should score plenty of runs. He might be worth grabbing and stashing if the price is right, mainly because you can slot him into two infield positions.
John Smoltz (SP/RP, Braves): Smoltz only makes this list because of his almost inevitable return to the bullpen for Atlanta. Somewhere someone isn’t happy as they drafted Smoltz to start. That might create an opportunity for you to grab him at a cheap closer price - especially if you play up the age and injury factors.
Eric Chavez (3B, A’s): if you need corner help, take a look at Chavez who looks to be no more than 2-3 weeks from returning. He’s still got enough power to hit 15+ down the stretch and will slot into the center of the A’s lineup when healthy meaning he’ll get plenty of RBI chances. However, his injury which is to his back, can be a very complicated issue and could cause him to need time off, or could even flare back up again at a moment’s notice.
Rocco Baldelli (OF, Rays): Baldelli hasn’t played a single game this year and has been recovering from a mitochondrial condition which causes extreme muscle fatigue but he’s certainly got plenty of talent. He’s expected to start a rehab assignment very soon and if all goes well could be back on the diamond by the end of June. He probably would be limited to DH duty, but since his bat is all that matters in fantasy ball that could be a real plus.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|