Overbay Traded to Toronto!
Playoff Run
Pickups as the season winds down
Dennis Jenders
The end of the season is approaching, and if you have been winning so far you should be poised for a playoff run. In my league I am currently tied for the top spot and have been looking for some offensive help at the OF and U spots.
Like many teams I spent a first round choice on Carlos Beltran and he has yet to pay dividends this year. It seems as if teams hoping he would have another hot August and September may have to wait a bit longer until he heats up. After diving for a ball and colliding with Mike Cameron Beltran found himself dizzy and might face surgery.
So if you are looking to shore up your bench, and possibly a starting position here are some players to consider:
Corey Patterson. Admittedly he has been poor this year. Patterson cries out with potential but his free swinging ways does not a lead-off man make. So the Cubs responded by sending him to AAA in hopes that he could figure things out. Well Patterson hasn't changed one bit and he didn't exactly tear the cover off the ball either. But he demonstrated his power and after being recalled finds himself starting again. From here on out he could hit 7-10 homers and maybe 30 RBIs. That potential is worth it - but don't get mad when he bats .216 with 2 HRs and 12 RBIs, because that is certainly possible too. But who else will you find with such potential?
Jeff Francoeur. Frenchy is my favorite rookie. After being recalled by the Braves he has simply crushed the ball. He continues to swing freely like our friend Patterson but a .382 average, 9 HRs, 26 RBI and 23 runs in 102 at bats aren't bad at all. For a waiver wire pickup he could power your team down the stretch. His lack of walks and free swinging could mean a slump is around the corner but you can't pass up a hot bat.
Justin Morneau. He continues to display some power every so often and his pure potential makes you want to take a chance. I nabbed him looking for a replacement and will continue to hope he produces. If there is a chance he gets hot in the final month it'll be no different than hoping for Beltran to find his running shoes and hitting stick.
And on the pitching side...
Jaret Wright. Well the Yankees look vulnerable this year, but the offense can still pack a punch. Whether Jason Giambi found the juice once again or just got lucky his bat is powering the offense. Wright will make two starts this week and after looking stellar in his rehab he could win at least five games, and maybe more. If he was dropped in your league hit the wire now.
John Thomson. Thomson returned with a thud posting a no-decision this past Saturday. After giving up four runs on eight hits he didn't look stellar. But he has proven he deserves to be on a team and with the Braves offense he has a good chance to finish the season strong.
Mike Hampton. A fellow Brave he has returned from the DL and landed with a thud as well. But Hampton who is 5-2 on the year looked great before hurting himself and landing on the DL in May. He made an appearance in July where he lasted only 2 innings resulting in five runs. That might not sound good, but again the Braves continue to play well and although you won't get the K's from Hampton you could see him return to form. Another good guy to stash as the playoffs approach.