It may seem like the Major League Baseball season is in its final stretch with the Yankees running away with the AL East, however, each Major League team still has more than 30 games remaining on the schedule. That means that there is plenty of fantasy baseball forthcoming. Here's a look at six players who have remained hidden for much of the season, but are playing large roles for their respective teams as we enter September.
Alfredo Aceves, RP, Yankees
It's tough to be a high-performing New York Yankee and yet avoid the radar, but that is exactly what long reliever Alfredo Aceves has done so far this season. The 27-year-old right-hander improved to a remarkable 9-1 after picking up from where Joba Chamberlain left off on Sunday. Aceves tossed three shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 3.88 and his WHIP to a sensational 1.04. Aceves has sensational command, with just a dozen walks compared to 53 strikeouts. Used mostly as a starter last season, Aceves impressed with a 1-0 record and 2.40 ERA in 30 innings. Now in his second year, Aceves may eventually return to starting, but even in the dreaded role of middle reliever, Aceves has enjoyed some solid value with great control and a surprising quantity of wins. With the Joba Rules in effect, Aceves should factor into several more decisions as the Yankees limit Chamberlain's total of pitches, instead relying on the bullpen to win games
Sean West, SP, Marlins
At 6'8, 240 lbs. Marlins southpaw Sean West is an intimidating figure. Unfortunately, West's imposing presence doesn't match his finesse style of pitching. Regardless, West has made his mark recently with three wins in his last four starts. On Sunday, West scattered seven hits and two walks in six innings of work. He tied his career high with seven strikeouts and allowed just one earned run. The 23-year-old rookie improves to 6-5 with a decent 4.22 ERA. West has now limited the opposition to three earned runs or fewer in each of his last five starts. With several games remaining against the struggling Nationals and injury-riddled Mets, West should remain hot for the remainder of the season.
Felix Pie, OF, Orioles
Just when it looked as though the Baltimore Orioles had quit on the defensive-minded Felix Pie, the one-time Cubs' phenom heated up like never before. The former light-hitting Pie has regained the Orioles left-field position by blasting four homeruns in the last seven games. What makes the recent power surge so surprising is the fact that Pie entered the season with just three homeruns to show for 260-career at-bats. Pie now has seven homeruns this season in 184 at bats. Suddenly, Pie is once again a prospect at just 24-years old. He should enjoy an ample tryout for the remainder of the season to prove that this recent hot streak is not a fluke. Pie first gained the attention of baseball scouts throughout the country in 2006 at Triple-A, by belting 15 homeruns with 17 steals as a 21-year-old prospect for the Chicago Cubs. Three years later, Pie may be ready to finally cash in on the great potential.
Paul Byrd, SP, Red Sox
While Paul Byrd may be a winner in reality, he is a role player when it comes to fantasy. You will be hard-pressed to find a pitcher of his acumen who strikes out fewer batters. Despite making at least 30 starts in each of the last three seasons, Byrd has failed to strike out as many as 90 batters in a season during that span. The 38-year-old marks his return to the Major Leagues as a fresh arm, while most ball players are feeling the effects of playing throughout the dog days of summer. Byrd showed little rust in his first appearance in nearly a year. He limited the Toronto Blue Jays to three hits and no runs over six innings en route to a win. If you are looking for a pitcher who offers a decent WHIP and solid wins, Byrd's your man.
Alex Gonzalez, SS, Red Sox
While the Yankees are on cruise control into the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox have been wheeling and dealing in an attempt to enter through the backdoor. While they added plenty of star power including All-Star catcher Victor Martinez and former closer Billy Wagner, the player who may mean the most is shortstop Alex Gonzalez. After an injury-plagued tenure with the Cincinnati Reds, Gonzalez has heated up with the Red Sox. In 15 games, Gonzalez has three homeruns, three doubles, seven RBI and a .296 average. As a result, Boston has provided Gonzalez with the full-time shortstop gig while Nick Green returns to the bench and Jed Lowrie takes his .143 season average back to the disabled list.
Milton Bradley, OF, Cubs
Sure, the damage may be done, and the Cubs may have little chance at a playoff spot, but Milton Bradley may still have something left to provide fantasy managers. The injury-prone bust isn't anywhere close to the 22 homeruns and .321 average that he posted last season in Texas, but he is riding a hot streak that includes nine runs, 12 hits, two homeruns, and five RBI over the last six games. Since the All-Star break, Bradley is hitting .315 with 28 runs in 38 games. The hot-tempered, 31-year-old outfielder may be a disgrace in reality, but he still has a shot at a strong finish in fantasy baseball.
