Ryan Freel $13. Other bids $2, $2, $1.
Freel's with his third major league team and in his second American League go-around this season, this time with the Royals. He figures to fill in as a super-sub, though it seems like the Royals already had signed Willie Bloomquist to a two-year deal to fill that role. Freel's value is entirely wrapped up in his SB potential. He's done very little this year in that department, and while injuries have played somewhat of a factor, Freel's at the age where players of his caliber sometimes fall of the map quickly and entirely. Be wary.
Mark Rzepczynski $7. Other bid $3.
Fangraphs provided a nice write-up of Rzepczynski after his Major League debut, comparing him to Justin Masterson. The results weren't as stellar today against the Orioles, but Rzepczynski did an even better job of keeping the ball on the ground. That's going to be the key to his success; he's not overpowering by any means, and benefited greatly from an extremely generous strike zone in his debut against the Rays. Long term, I see Rzepczynski as a #4, though he is the kind of poised and polished pitcher who could jump to that level pretty quickly.
Gary Matthews $3. Other bid $1.
With both Torii Hunter and Vlad Guerrero hitting the DL, Matthews' value gets a temporary boost. He'll probably get most of the starts in CF with Hunter out. Matthews has done very little to date to justify a Major League roster spot - let alone a starting gig - but he could be one of those guys who moves the chains if he's starting 5-6 times a week. If you're really lucky, maybe Matthews will turn back the clock and have a hot week. But I doubt it.
Juan Cruz $1.
Sean White Claimed by 7th (tie) and 4th place teams.
See my recent write-up about risers and fallers among A.L. middle relievers. Both Cruz and White are unlikely candidates for saves, so if you're buying either one of these pitchers, it's for the rate stats and the odd vulture win.
Aaron Bates $1.
Bates garnered some attention among prospect watchers when he punished Cal league pitchers in 2007 to the tune of a 1048 OPS, but since Bates was 23 years old, wiser minds said to wait and see how he held up at higher levels. Bates really didn't, so he went from borderline prospect to emergency replacement. Sure enough, he's up now for the Red Sox due to Mike Lowell's lingering problems and Jeff Bailey's nagging injury. Bates won't be up for long and though he does provide a little power potential, probably isn't worth the FAAB throw.
Kam Mickolio $1.
Mickolio is a pitching prospect for the Orioles who brings serious heat but has always had problems controlling it with any kind of consistency. That seems to have changed this year as he walked a relatively low 3.2 batters per nine while keeping his K rate high. Mickolio might be worth a pick-up if you have George Sherrill and are worried about a potential trade, but Mickolio is probably more of a long-term closer bid than a bid for 2009.
Raj Davis. Claimed by 12th, 10th, 7th (tie), and 7th (tie) place teams.
Though he hit his second HR today, Davis' game has always been speed, speed, speed. He only has 11 SB this year but stole 29 last season and is a streaky baserunner. Even with limited playing time, Davis is still worth a roster slot if you have room and really need the swipes, but keep in mind that since he offers little else across the board he's probably only suitable if you have a lot of power spread across your entire offense.
Ramon Santiago. Claimed by 7th and 7th (tie) place teams.
Adam Everett looks like he's finally hitting a wall in Detroit, but Santiago's numbers have arguably been weaker than Everett's in the last 2-3 weeks. Santiago needs to play almost every day to provide decent Roto value, but it doesn't look like he's going to barring an injury.
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