A.L. FAAB Log: June 9, 2008

Shin Soo-Choo $6. Other bid $5.
It's hard to keep track of the Indians OF alignment at any given moment, but right now Choo looks like the favorite for regular AB. It's hard to look at his minor league numbers and assess what he'll do, as Choo has been jerked between the minors and majors since his Age 22-season in 2005. He was once a fairly highly regarded prospect, and he could hit 10-15 HR with a handful of steals if the gig does become full time.

Octavio Dotel $4.
Dotel won't close unless Bobby Jenks gets hurt, but he's put together some stellar numbers pitching in the 7th and 8th inning for the White Sox, particularly after a shaky start. Those in 5x5 leagues in particular should take a look at Dotel; his K/IP make him worth it even as a mere middle reliever.

Justin Masterson $3. Other bid $1.
Masterson's done a fine job filling in for Clay Buchholz, and he's on tap to get the Reds this week at Great American. While that might be a bad match-up for a lot of pitchers, Masterson's bread-and-butter pitch is a heavy sinking fastball that might help him more than it would other hurlers in that park. Masterson's ERA should rise, particularly since his G/F rate doesn't support the notion that he gets so many outs on the ground, but it looks to me like he's better than the Grade B John Sickels handed out this winter.

Matt Guerrier $3. Other bid $1.
Guerrier is one of the most unheralded relievers in baseball; his career ERA now stands at 3.15 after 283 1/3 major league innings. His value is limited to 4x4 Roto, but he certainly does have value in this format, and certainly would be one of a handful of candidates for saves if something happened to Joe Nathan.

Mike Aviles $3.
Rotoworld keeps insisting that Esteban German is the starting shortstop in Kansas City, but Aviles is the guy who keeps piling up AB since his call up late last month. He's the anti-Tony Pena: a good power guy whose fielding leaves something to be desired. He was written off as a prospect a couple of years ago, but his 10 HR and 1001 OPS in 214 minor league AB this year do whet the appetite. If he does wind up getting 250-300 AB, he could be a nice addition up the middle.

Matt Thornton $2.
A large part of the White Sox success this year has been due to their bullpen, and while additions Dotel and Scott Linebrink certainly have been a major factor, Thornton has also contributed a great deal. He's better than a LOOGY, but no more than a one inning guy, so his Roto value is limited to his ERA/WHIP. He's still a back of the staff guy in 4x4.

Kiko Calero $1.
So far, the A's have babied Calero since he came off the D.L. on May 31. He's only thrown 2 1/3 IP in three outings and Brad Ziegler looks like he's throwing more significant, end-of-the-game innings at the moment. Hold off on grabbing Calero in 4x4 until his workload increases.

Brett Clevlen $1.
Like Aviles, Clevlen is a fallen power bat prospect who isn't regarded too highly at this point in his career. On the other hand, Clevlen is three years younger than Aviles and has a BB/SO rate that suggests he could be a successful MLB hitter. The problem is that the window he has is narrow. Gary Sheffield should come off the DL soon, and there's a good chance that Clevlen goes back to the minors to play every day. It's more likely that Clevlen's opportunity this year comes if the Tigers crawl back into the race and he's traded to a non-contender.

Radhames Liz $1.
The knock on Liz has always been against his control, as no one's ever doubted his stuff. So far in his two major league starts, so good, but Liz's three walks in five IP today (along with the 91 pitches he threw) should give owners pause. He's got the Pirates this coming week, but even with what should be a favorable match-up he's someone to claim only if you can reserve him and spot start him. Liz certainly could be great, but mastering your control in the majors isn't an easy task.

Al Reyes. Claimed by 5th place team.
Reyes has been a solid middle relief guy, but wasn't Joe Maddon's first choice to close with Troy Percival on the shelf. As a result, Reyes' value is somewhat reduced. Percival should be back late this week, so Reyes probably won't pick up any saves in the short-term.