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| June 26th, 2008 JunkyardJake.Com |
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Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals, SS
In his first extended major league assignment, Aviles is certainly making a favorable impression. After taking over the shortstop job from the remotely hitting Tony Pena, Aviles has stepped in with 3 HRs and a .339 average in 16 games. Aviles success is not really too surprising, as he has improved consistently over the past three seasons at the AAA level. He had 8 HR and a .264 average in 2006, then improved to 17 HRs and a .295 average in 2007. Before his callup, he had hit 10 homeruns in 51 games for AAA Omaha. He looks like he could offer nice power at the SS position, so he makes sense even in a mixed league format.
Available in 47% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Kevin Slowey, Minnesota Twins, SP
Slowey is one of those underrated pitchers that can produce surprising good results, despite lacking an awe-inspiring fastball. This young hurler normally throws fastballs in the high 80's, and also throws a curveball, slider and a changeup. What makes Slowey a solid pitcher, is that no matter what he throws, they generally go exactly where he wants them to. He was knocked around a little during his short major league trial in 2007, but his minor league stats were very impressive that year - 133 innings, a 1.89 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and only 18 walks. He did get bombed for 8 runs versus the White Sox a few weeks ago, but over all, he has had 4 quality starts in his last six outings.
Available in 59% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
David DeJesus, Kansas City Royals, OF
After failing to crack single digits on the homerun scale from 2004 through 2007, it's easy to see why DeJesus has never been known for his power hitting prowess. For some reason he has been cranking out more dingers this year - he already has 8, and is finally on pace to exceed the magic singe-digit barrier. DeJesus is also delivering the solid batting average that was expected from him after last season's dropoff to .259. For the season, he is at .305, and has had equal success against lefties (.295 BA) and righties (.310 BA).
Available in 43% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Charlie Morton, Atlanta Braves, SP
We know the Braves organization has a long history as a pitcher-producing factory, but even they have to be slightly surpised by the sudden turnaround in the fortunes of Charlie Morton. Before 2008, Morton was roming around the Braves minor league system walking everybody, and typically producing an ERA of around 5.00, with an ugly WHIP. After working on his mechanics, 2008 was a completely story. At AAA Richmond before his callup, Morton had a 2.05 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He has decent stuff, including a 90 MPH sinking fastball, and a solid curveball, so Morton is worth keeping an eye on if he can prove that his improved command is not a fluke.
Available in 75% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Jeff Clement, Seattle Mariners, C
Clement was called up from the minors in May, and didn't accomplish much, but the Mariners say that they are sticking with him this time around. I guess we can believe that when we see it, but in any event, he is definitely worth considering for your fantasy squad right now if you are thin at the catcher position. Clement grades very high on the power scale, and has been an especially prolific HR hitter in the minors during 2008. After 20 HRs in 2007 for AAA Tacoma, the young catcher has 14 in only 47 games this year. (This translates into about 37 HRs over a typical minor league season.)
Available in 71% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Other Players To Consider:
Jeff Keppinger,Cincinnati Reds,SS
Available in 64% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Kelly Shoppach,Cleveland Indians,C
Available in 81% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Chris Iannetta,Colorado Rockies,C
Available in 61% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Seth McClung,Milwaukee Brewers,SP
Available in 80% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
Chris DavisTexas Rangers,3B
Available in 95% of all CBSSportsline leagues.
