BY ROB SHAW
FANTASYFANATICS.COM
It’s an exciting period in both fantasy and reality as new talents are emerging in the Major Leagues. In the fantasy world, managers are zeroing in on specific categories to either make up ground, or extend a lead. Among the specialists I will bring to your attention will be some up-and-coming youngsters such as Stephen Drew and Cody Ross, players entering their prime such as Kelly Shoppach, Marlon Byrd, and Mike Jacobs and some oldies but still goldies such as Jeff Kent, Melvin Mora, and Mike Cameron.
CATCHER:
KELLY SHOPPACH, INDIANS
Indians catcher Kelly Shoppach has made the best out of an extended tryout as a starter for the Indians while replacing the injured Victor Martinez. A second-round pick by the Red Sox out of Baylor in 2001, following a dismal Major League debut in 2005 (he went 0-15), Shoppach was included in a deal that sent Coco Crisp to the Red Sox. In 518 career Major League at-bats Shoppach has posted impressive numbers with 22 homeruns, 73 RBI, 81 runs scored and a .255 average. So far in 2008 Shoppach has 12 homeruns, 39 runs and 35 RBI. If in need of a catcher, Shoppach is a great option, and at the age of 28 with 20 homerun potential, he may eventually land as a starting catcher role for another team.
FIRST BASE:
MIKE JACOBS, MARLINS
Marlins first baseman Mike Jacobs makes his monthly appearance in the bargain bin because of his one-dimensional play. Coming into the 2008 season, Jacobs had blasted 37 homeruns over the past two seasons. At the age of 27, Jacobs is still relatively young, indicating his 25 homeruns so far this season are a sign of things to come. After hitting 20 homeruns in his first season with the Marlins in 2007, Jacobs took a step back in 2007 with just 17 round-trippers (He did play in 22 fewer games than 2007). Jacobs has already eclipsed last year’s total, and can possibly hit as many as 32 homeruns this season. The .251 batting average can use some work, but as a .264 career hitter, his hitting should improve.
SECOND BASE:
JEFF KENT, DODGERS
Among the many players helped out by the addition of Manny Ramirez, Jeff Kent’s turnaround has been the most profound. The likely Hall of Famer with the most career homeruns by a second baseman collected three hits Monday night to lift his batting average to .268. Kent now has six RBI over the past four games, and nine hits over his past 5 starts. For the season, Kent has been a little disappointing with 11 homeruns and 52 RBI, following 20 homeruns and 79 RBI a season ago. With the Dodgers in contention, and Manny offering plenty of protection, expect Kent to swing a hot bat for the remainder of the season.
SHORTSTOP:
STEPHEN DREW, DIAMONDBACKS
Entering this season, Drew was a sleeper candidate, but with Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, and Jimmy Rollins setting the standard at shortstop, and more proven commodities such as Derek Jeter, Miguel Tejada and Rafael Furcal playing shortstop, Drew was not expected to be a fantasy starter this season thanks to the rare offensive depth at the most demanding defensive position. However, while Troy Tulowitzki and Jeter have struggled, Drew has improved dramatically. The former first-round pick is in the midst of a 13-game hitting streak that has raised his average from .268 to .280. He also has two homeruns during that span to set a new career high with14 homeruns. Aside from steals, Drew can aid a struggling fantasy team in any category.
THIRD BASE:
MELVIN MORA, ORIOLES
The Baltimore Orioles are somehow hanging around the .500 mark because of the grit of veterans such as Kevin Millar, Aubrey Huff, Luke Scott, and most recently the hot bat of Melvin Mora. In 10 games this month, Mora has two homeruns, 15 RBI, and 15 hits. Last month, Mora smashed five homeruns with a staggering 26 RBI in just 25 games. For the first time in more than two years, Mora is a fantasy find. His current statistics include 17 homeruns, 79 RBI, and a .262 average. If Mora is traded to a contender in the final months, he will no longer be available on the waiver wire, as his fantasy value skyrockets.
OUTFIELDERS:
MIKE CAMERON, BREWERS
Offering a rare combination of power and speed, veteran centerfielder Mike Cameron is a solid option on the waiver wire. Of course, Cameron’s game does come with some negatives, as he is prone to strikeout and has struggled throughout his career to offer a respectable average. On that note, Cameron is batting just .231 this season with a staggering 94 strikeouts in 81 games. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for some power or speed, Cameron has three homeruns in his past nine games and four stolen bases in his past six. Playing for the slugging Brewers only helps his fantasy value.
MARLON BYRD, RANGERS
There is no outfielder hotter than Marlon Byrd. In his past eight games, Byrd has 10 runs, two homeruns, nine RBI, two steals, and 17 hits. The recent hot streak lifted Byrd’s numbers from a discouraging start after he lost his starting job during the off-season after the Rangers signed Milton Bradley and traded for outfielder Josh Hamilton. Byrd, once a top prospect for the Phillies, drew raves last season when he reached career highs with 10 homeruns, 70 RBI, and a .307 average in 109 games played. The 31-year-old now finds himself two homeruns shy of his career high with another month and a half left to play.
CODY ROSS, MARLINS
Cody Ross is one of the streakiest hitters in the league, who can do more damage than anyone when he heats up. Fantasy managers should take notice; the Marlins centerfielder is showing signs of a hot streak. Last season, the 27-year-old hit 12 homeruns in just 66 games, while hitting .335. The year before, Ross smacked 11 homeruns in 91 games, but batted just .212. All told, Cody Ross has 23 homeruns in 157 games over the past two seasons with 76 RBI and 75 runs. Those numbers tell us that Ross has some pop to his bat, and could enjoy some success if given a full 500 at bats to work with. This season, Ross is enjoying an opportunity to play everyday. His 17 homeruns are a career high, though his average is less than stellar at .252. However, considering Ross began the season just 7-for-51, his .274 average since then doesn’t look all that bad. Of course, what matters most is what he has done lately. Ross is riding a six-game hitting streak with five runs and a homerun. It’s not a bad idea to get this young talent in your lineup right now.
