Here is your weekly fantasy update, as Tampa Bay and St. Louis are only a couple games back of their respective leagues’ wildcard leaders, and look to gain that ground in the last week of the season.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Matt Kemp, CF, Dodgers

While the Dodgers have been eliminated from the playoff race, Matt Kemp is playing like every game is going to win them the pennant. In the last 7 days, Kemp has gone 14-25 (.560 AVG) with 4 doubles, and 4 home runs. Kemp also managed to drive in 8 RBIs, and score 11 runs. Kemp was simply a monster last week, and he surely made a massive impact in every fantasy league.
(Honourable mention: Juan Rivera, OF, Dodgers, .429 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Joey Votto, 1B, Reds

The Canadian slugger had a terrible week for the eliminated Reds, managing to get only 2 hits in 23 plate at-bats, which gives him a .087 batting average. He also managed to draw only 3 walks, while striking out 8 times. To put some icing on the proverbial cake, Votto was also caught stealing and grounded into 3 double plays.
(Dishonourable mention: David Wright, 3B, Mets, .091 AVG, 1 RBI, 10 K)

Rookie to watch – Salvador Perez, C, Royals

The Kansas City catcher has been solid offensively since being called up, with a .338 batting average and 18 RBIs. Last week Perez was 9-17 (.529 AVG), with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs, as well as 4 runs scored. If Perez can sustain this offensive production next year as a catcher, he will be a fantastic late round draft pick for next year.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Chris Parmelee, 1B, Twins

Another rookie, Parmelee has certainly benefited from Justin Morneau’s injury. The first baseman has been great so far this season, with a .389 batting average and a whopping .468 on-base percentage. He manages to walk more than he strikes out (12.9 BB%, 9.7 K%) which is quite impressive for a young player, and was 14-29 (.483 AVG) with 3 home runs and 9 RBIs last week. Parmelee, like Perez, could also figure into being a great pickup next season, so make sure to keep an eye on him as the season comes to an end.

Here is your weekly fantasy update, as the Detroit Tigers have clinched the American League Central division, and the Red Sox try to lock up the wild card spot with the Rays right on their heels.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers

A huge off-season pickup for the Rangers, Beltre has had a great year, aside from the time he has spent injured. Beltre had another great week at the plate, going 11-24 (.458 AVG) with a monstrous 5 home runs and 8 RBIs. The Rangers third-baseman also hit 2 doubles and scored 6 runs, while only striking out twice.
(Honourable mention: B.J. Upton, CF, Rays .444 AVG, 10 R, 7 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Casey McGehee, 3B, Brewers

The big third baseman had a terrible week to match his poor season, going 1-16 (.063 AVG) with 1 RBI, no walks, and 4 strikeouts. He also managed to ground into a double play, to put the icing on the cake. It’s going to take a huge amount of improvement for McGehee next season if he wants to continue being a lock for third base in Milwaukee.
(Dishonourable mention: Shane Victorino, CF, Phillies, .080 AVG, 1 RBI, 5 K)

Rookie to watch – Joe Benson, OF, Twins

The September call-up had a fantastic week, in which he managed to hit 5 doubles and a triple. He was 9-18 (.500 AVG), and he scored three runs. While the Twins aren’t playing for anything but development this late in September, it is nice to see some of their younger players succeeding at the major-league level after the team’s injury ridden and terrible season.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Mark Ellis, 2B, Rockies

The long-time Athletic had some success this week on his new team, going 9-21 (.429 AVG). Ellis didn’t display very much power, having only one extra base hit, but he managed to score 4 runs and drive in 3. He also stole two bases while hitting a home run. Ellis is only 3.1% owned in ESPN leagues so he should be an easy pickup.

Here is your weekly fantasy update, as the BBWAA ponders the possibility of having a pitcher for each of this year’s MVP awards.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Jason Bay, OF, Mets

The man who chased the money and left Boston had a great week, racking up 10 RBIs and hitting 3 home runs. Jason Bay went 12-27 (.444 AVG) while scoring 5 runs and hitting 4 doubles. He also drew a walk and stole a base. While it is refreshing to see Bay finally performing well, he is going to need to have a fantastic year offensively next season to be deemed worthwhile of an upper-round draft pick in a fantasy league.
(Honourable mention: Victor Martinez, C/DH, Tigers, .440 AVG, 2 HR, 9 R, 12 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox

The Red Sox’s fan favorite second-baseman had an uncharacteristically poor week, as he went 4-32 (.125 AVG) with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. He was also not only failing to hit throughout the week, but also to reach base, as he did not manage to draw a single walk in 32 plate appearances.
(Dishonourable mention: Kelly Johnson, 2B, Blue Jays, .115 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

Rookie to watch – Josh Reddick, OF, Red Sox

Reddick earns his second title as the “rookie to watch” of the week by going 11-21 (.524 AVG) with a home run and 2 RBIs. Reddick also scored 6 runs while hitting 4 doubles. Reddick is still readily available to be picked up, as he is only 9.4% owned in ESPN leagues and that figure barely changed at all over the last week (-0.7%).

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Justin Turner, 2B, Mets

The 26 year-old second-baseman went 12-28 in the week, good for a .429 AVG. While he didn’t manage to hit any home runs, his 10 singles and 2 doubles add enough value on their own. Turner also drove in 3 runs while scoring 2, and drew 2 walks. Turner is only 14.9% owned in ESPN leagues, so there is a good chance that he is still available if you need a boost to your team’s batting average.

Here is your weekly fantasy update, as the world watched Detroit’s Justin Verlander win his 20th game before September had even begun.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Austin Jackson, CF, Tigers

The young Detroit center-fielder had a great week, in which he went 16-32 (.500 AVG) with a pair of home runs and three triples. While Jackson walked in only one of his 32 plate appearances, he managed to score a whopping 10 runs throughout the week, while driving in 5 RBIs. He also managed to steal two bases, something that every fantasy team is always in need of.
(Honourable mention: Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals, .500 AVG, 3 HR, 7 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Adam Jones, CF, Orioles

The streaky center-fielder was brutal last week, where he went 3-27 (.111 AVG). He managed to drive in and score 2 runs, but with such a low batting average, any value from those runs is lost. To make things worse, Jones also grounded into two double plays while striking out 7 times throughout the week.
(Dishonourable mention: Lance Berkman, OF, Cardinals, .105 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI)

Rookie to watch – Brett Lawrie, 3B, Blue Jays

Lawrie earns his second title of “Rookie to watch” after having another great week. Lawrie went 9-28 (.321 AVG) with 2 homeruns and 6 RBIs. The rookie second-baseman also scored 3 runs, and stole 3 bases. If you didn’t manage to pick him up last week, it is too late – he’s now 100% owned in ESPN leagues.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Gerardo Parra, OF, Diamondbacks

Parra had a fantastic week, in which he hit 2 triples, walked 6 times, and did not strike out. He went 10-18, which was good for a monstrous .556 batting average. Parra also hit 2 doubles, which brought his extra base hit total for the week even with his total singles. Solid power and contact numbers, along with an owned percentage of less than 1 in ESPN leagues, make Gerardo Parra our Waiver Wire player of the week.

Here is your weekly fantasy update, as the division races that will create the excitement of the last month of the season begin to take shape.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox

The ex-Padre continued his MVP-bid season with another fantastic week, going 12-31 (.387 AVG). Gonzalez hit 5 homeruns and drove in 10 runs, helping the Red Sox to win 7 of their last 10 games, keeping them 2 games ahead of the Bronx Bombers. If Gonzalez can keep up this hot streak it is going to be a true challenge to stop the Sox in the postseason.
(Honourable mention: Howie Kendrick, 2B, Angels, .409 AVG, 4 HR, 5 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Alcides Escobar, SS, Royals

One of Milwaukee’s big pieces of the Zach Greinke trade had an absolutely brutal week. Escobar went 0-18, reaching base only once in his 21 PA through a walk. He also scored a single run. While Escobar is regarded as a fantastic defender, something which allows him to remain in the starting lineup on an MLB team through a slump like this, such a skillset does not help your fantasy team in the least.
(Dishonourable mention: Geovany Soto, C, Cubs, .043 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI)

Rookie to watch – Kyle Seager, 3B, Mariners

Could the Mariners have finally found an heir to Beltre’s throne? The young rookie third baseman had a stellar week, going 14-24 (.583 AVG). The average alone is enough to earn him a roster spot, but he also contributed more by scoring 7 runs and driving in 2. While the homerun totals were not there – he only hit 1 – 6 of those 14 hits were doubles, which is a great ratio of extra base hits to singles. Also, he is only 6.1 % owned in ESPN leagues so he should be a relatively easy pickup.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Russell Martin, C, Yankees

The Yankees catcher had a great week, in which he went 7-13 (.538 AVG), with 2 home runs, 1 of which was a grand slam, and 7 RBIs. Martin has not been seeing everyday-starter playing time, but with a week like that, do not be surprised if he begins to see more, as Posada becomes more and more familiar with the bench, with the postseason drawing closer. Martin is 54.7% owned in ESPN leagues, with that increasing by 10% in the last 7 days, so if you are in need of a catcher with some pop, Martin may be your man.

Here is your weekly fantasy update, as we all watch to see how the recently traded players will fare with their new clubs.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees

The Yankees’ everyday second-baseman had a monster week, in which he went 13-28 (.464 AVG) with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs. Cano also scored 9 runs and stole two bases, while walking 6 times. Look for Cano to continue his strong season, during which he has hit .301 with 18 home runs and 75 RBIs.
(Honourable mention: Alex Gordon, 3B/OF, Royals, .520 AVG, 2 HR, 10 R)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Carlos Lee, OF, Astros

The last remaining starting outfielder for the Astros after the trade deadline had a brutal week, in which he was 0-22. He drew two walks and was even walked intentionally once during this slump. The strange thing is that he only struck out one time during those 22 at bats, so it seems like he was just unable to hit it where the fielders weren’t.
(Dishonourable mention: Eric Thames, OF, Blue Jays, .000 AVG, 8 K)

Rookie to watch – Dustin Ackley, 2B, Mariners

Ackley earns his second title as the rookie to watch this week, as he went 8-20 (.400 AVG) with 2 triples and a home run. He also drove in 5 runs and scored 5 runs, while walking 5 times. Surprisingly, he had no stolen bases, which is something you can usually count on from a player with his top tier speed.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Jose Constanza, OF, Braves

The young outfielder was hot in his first week in the big leagues, as he went 9-23 (.391 AVG). While his power was virtually nonexistent – all of his hits except a double were singles – his 0.1% owned percentage in ESPN leagues makes him almost guaranteed to be available. As long as his owned percentage stays down, I would keep an eye on him for another week. If he continues his success, he could be an extremely easy pickup to fill the role of backup outfielder.

It was a wild week that included some star players being traded to new teams, something that can greatly affect the outcomes of the upcoming weeks in your fantasy league. The Phillies, as they have now become accustomed to, made a splash on the trade market by pulling off another blockbuster deal at the deadline, acquiring Hunter Pence from the Astros for some highly touted prospects. Carlos Beltran was traded to the Giants.  A package of Cardinals, including young outfielder Colby Rasmus, went to the Jays, who sent back a package of players including recently acquired starting pitcher Edwin Jackson. These trades could have a huge impact in your league, as Pence will now be hitting with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, Beltran will no longer be hitting with Jose Reyes on base, Rasmus will be hitting in front of the dangerous Jose Bautista, and Edwin Jackson will have the Cardinals lineup to support him.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks

Upton was the subject of many trade rumours in the offseason, and this week he showed why the Diamondbacks just could not give him up. He was a staggering 12-24 (.500 AVG) at the plate, with 5 home runs and a monstrous 14 RBIs. He also scored 10 runs, and stole 2 bases. He only struck out 3 times, and he managed to make up for even that by walking 3 times as well. Simply put, Upton was a monster this week. He managed to contribute enough this week to make any team dangerous in your fantasy league.
(Honourable mention: Hideki Matsui, DH/OF, Athletics, .533 AVG, 16 H, 8 RBI, 8 R)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Aramis Ramirez

After being the Stud of the Week in last week’s edition, Ramirez has fallen to the bottom of the barrel. He only managed 2 hits in 24 at-bats, which leaves him with a brutal .083 AVG. He managed to hit one home run, but he only got two hits in the entire week, so his value is completely lost in his other hitless nights. He managed to drive in 3 runs, but that is a far cry from his previously fantastic production.
(Dishonourable mention: Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B, Red Sox, .095 AVG, 2 H, 2 RBI)

Rookie to watch – Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals

The man who moved Billy Butler from first base had a great week, managing 13 hits in 32 at-bats, which was good for a .406 AVG. He also hit a home run and 4 doubles, with 6 RBIs. He scored 5 runs and walked twice, all the while managing to pick up a stolen base. If you have the need, you might want to pick him up fast: He’s 95.2% owned and that increased 8.9% last week, so if you need a solid backup, or even a starting first-baseman and you are in a deep league, Hosmer may be your man.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Desmond Jennings, LF, Rays

The heir to Carl Crawford’s throne in Tampa’s left field showed that he could fill Crawford’s shoes this week. He managed to go 11-26 (.423 AVG) with a home run and 8 RBIs. The production didn’t stop there, as he managed to score 6 runs, walk 6 times, and steal 4 bases. Jennings has always been a top prospect, and this weekend he showed that he can provide value in every offensive category of fantasy baseball. If you are looking for someone to fill in for the outfield, Jennings could be a great solution. The only suggestion I have for you is to pick him up fast: he’s now owned in 91.9% of ESPN leagues, which increased a whopping 87.1% in the last 7 days.

It was a wild week that saw heat levels rise high enough to end Roy Halladay’s streak of 63 consecutive road games in which he pitched at least 6 innings, and Orlando Hudson narrowly avoided a career ending injury after diving head first into a wall.  Here is your weekly fantasy update.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs

Aramis Ramirez has been having a great season, and his second appearance as the Stud of the Week since the inaugural post is no mistake. While this last week did not feature any players with more than 5 home runs or 9 RBIs, Ramirez still had a week that deserves recognition, going 9-22 (.409 AVG) with 5 doubles and 3 home runs. He drove in 9 RBIs and scored 5 runs, continuing to perform well above the level that he was expected to before the season began. Ramirez is now batting .304 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs throughout the season’s entirety, but, unfortunately for his owners, the Cubs have a record of 40-60, which means that they will not be trading for any protection for Ramirez any time soon.  (Honourable mention: Jhonny Peralta, SS, Tigers, .524 AVG, 11 H, 8 RBI)

Fantasy Dud of the Week – Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds

The Reds second baseman did not contribute very much to his team in the 4-team NL Central race. He had 1 hit in 19 at-bats, and it was only a single. That hit, and a stolen base, was his total offensive contribution for the week. It goes as no surprise that Cincinnati cannot keep up with the other teams in their division with such a void in their lineup. If there is one positive outlook on this, it is that because the Reds are still in the division race, there is a good chance that they will be buyers at the trade deadline, and may acquire another impact hitter to protect Phillips, which may help his offensive numbers.  (Dishonourable mention: Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies, .091 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 9 K)

Rookie to watch – Josh Reddick, OF, Red Sox

Reddick continued his strong rookie season for the Sox, in which he has batted .372 so far. While he is not much of a home run hitter, he managed to send two out of the park this week, while scoring 6 runs and going 8-24 (.333 AVG). He’s also hitting in the same lineup as red-hot hitters Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia, as well as the always dangerous Adrian Gonzalez, so as long as he continues to hit well he will be able to provide your team with a good amount of RBIs and runs scored. If you drafted Carl Crawford in the first or second round, you, like the Red Sox, need to find another outfielder to play well, and Josh Reddick may just be that solution for your team, at least for the short term.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Will Venable, OF, Padres

Will Venable is a player who usually provides his contributions to the team through his speed and defence, but this week he also managed to help the Padres with his offense. He went 6-17 (.353 AVG), and took four walks, which allowed him to score six runs. Venable also played his usual game, stealing 3 bases. Venable’s position allows him to backup a multitude of players on your team if they get hurt, and he is only 1.3 % owned in ESPN leagues, so you should be able to easily get him if you need a stopgap outfielder who can steal bases and score runs.

The first half of the season is over, and the National League was victorious for the second consecutive year in the annual All-Star Game. Here is a review of some of the players that stood out before the all-star break; some of these players may have been either make-or-break high draft picks for your team, or a team in your league, or they are players that you might consider picking up for the second half.

Stud of the first half, American League: Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox

When Gonzalez was traded to the Red Sox last year, every non-Red Sox fan was terrified of how dangerous he could be offensively with the Green Monster as his home field. Gonzalez made sure that all of those fears were realized, as he has hit .354 with 17 home runs and 77 RBIs. This season is a perfect example of a power hitter making a transition from the National League to the American League, and finding massive success. A-Gon will finally get the recognition he deserves as a hitter by being in a lineup which allows him to drive in a huge amount of runs, and by playing in a stadium which turns fly balls that were previously opposite field fly-outs into home runs and doubles. This combination ensures that Gonzalez is going to be a high first round draft pick in every fantasy baseball league for years to come. (Honourable mentions: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays, .336 AVG, 31 HR, 65 RBI; Curtis Granderson, Yankees, .271 AVG, 25 HR, 65 RBI)

Stud of the first half, National League: Matt Kemp, CF, Dodgers

Center field is a position where offensive production is a bonus. Players like Peter Bourjos are serviceable center fielders for MLB teams because they offer value on defense in a position that demands it; Matt Kemp, however, has been somewhat of a fantasy baseball monster, hitting .313 with 22 homeruns and 27 stolen bases, while driving in 67 runs. He’s on pace for a 40 HR – 40 SB season, which is certainly something special for a player of any position.  The fact that he plays a position without many strong offensive players makes him that much more valuable to your fantasy team. (Honourable mentions: Jose Reyes, Mets, .354 AVG, 15 3B, 30 SB; Prince Fielder, Brewers, .298 AVG, 22 HR, 73 RBI)

Bust of the first half, American League: Adam Dunn, 1B, White Sox

Before coming to the White Sox, Adam Dunn was a model of consistency: from 2005 to 2010, he hit no less than 38 homers and no more than 40 each year, while posting an on-base percentage in the high .300’s. Over the first half, however, Dunn has hit only 9 home runs with a .160 AVG and a .292 OBP. This is, quite obviously, a massive decline from his expected production that had been so consistent while he was playing for Washington and Cincinnati. (Dishonourable Mention: Hideki Matsui, Athletics, .209 AVG, 6 HR, 34 RBI)

Bust of the first half, National League: Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals

In the offseason Jayson Werth managed to sign the fifteenth most lucrative contract in baseball history, for $126,000,000 of total value. Needless to say, he should be performing at a premium level. Unfortunately for Nationals fans, they may have to wait for Bryce Harper to make the MLB roster before they can have another impact outfielder. Jayson Werth has batted .215 throughout the first half, which ties him with Manny Burriss of the Giants. Who? Exactly. Werth has also hit only 10 home runs, and his slugging percentage is down almost 200 points from last season. If he doesn’t find his old swing soon, he’s sure to be crowned as the second “Vernon Wells” of the 21st century (who, coincidentally, also signed for $126 million back in 2008 with the Blue Jays). (Dishonourable Mention: Dan Uggla, Braves, .185 AVG, 15 HR, 34 RBI)

Rookie of the first half, American League: Michael Pineda, SP, Mariners

Being successful in the MLB when you are 22-years-old is an accomplishment in itself, but Pineda has managed to put together a fantastic season with an all-star appearance. Pineda has been strong in all facets of pitching, already having thrown 113 innings of 3.03 ERA baseball with 113 strikeouts and only 37 walks. He’s also averaging 95.0 MPH on his fastball, which ties him for fourth in the majors. He’s looking like a fantastically talented young pitcher, and he is certainly the backup that King Felix needs and the Mariners have been lacking since Cliff Lee’s departure. (Honourable mention: Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles, .260 AVG, 17 HR, 41 RBI)

Rookie of the first half, National League: Danny Espinosa, 2B, Nationals

While Werth has certainly been a complete letdown so far in Washington, Espinosa has been a sign of the team’s bright future. He has only posted a .242 AVG, but he has hit 16 homeruns and driven in 52 RBIs. He’s also managed to post an OPS of .793, which is impressive for such a young second baseman. While Espinosa has been striking out a fair bit (22.2% of his plate appearances are strikeouts), it is four percent lower than last year, and at 24 years of age he has a lot of time left to improve his plate discipline. He’s also stolen 12 bases, a welcome addition to any fantasy team. (Honourable mention: Freddie Freeman, Braves, .274 AVG, 13 HR, 43 RBI)

Player to watch for the second half, American League: Michael Brantley, CF, Indians

A lot of people have been wondering what exactly has allowed the Indians to win so many games throughout the first half, and while much of the praise has been (rightfully) directed toward the team’s fantastic pitching, Michael Brantley has provided solid production for them on offense. He has hit for a .270 AVG so far, with 36 RBIs and a very solid 51 runs scored. He’s also stolen 12 bases and received 34 walks. Brantley has also played quite a few games in left field this season, which allows him to be a fantastic bench player for anyone’s fantasy team. Brantley is only 61.7% owned in ESPN leagues, which means that there’s a good chance you could have him backing up, or even starting, on your fantasy team for the second half.

Player to watch for the second half, National League: Chase Headley, 3B/OF, Padres

Headley has put together a very productive season in San Diego, while flying under the radar. He’s hit .300 with a .390 OBP and a .791 OPS, through the first half, while driving in 32 RBIs and scoring 34 runs. The value that he loses from having only hit 2 home runs so far, he makes up in that fantastic on-base percentage. He’s also thrown in 8 stolen bases and taken 45 walks, which is solid for any bench player on a fantasy team. Headley’s positional versatility allows him to fill in for any of your injured (or slumping) starting players at third base and in the outfield. He’s also owned in only 66.9% of ESPN leagues, so pick him up if you’re in need of someone to backup your outfield, or to provide a lot of hits and walks.

With the 2011 MLB Season already at the halfway mark, fantasy baseball owners may be looking for that extra edge that will bring them a league championship come September.  We here at TotalProSports want to give you owners that edge, and we believe we have hired the right man to do just that.  His name is Matt and he will be providing you all with his weekly fantasy baseball round-up each weekend for the remainder of the season.  The following is Matt’s inaugural post with TPS, so please join us in giving him a warm welcome and continue checking out his work if you want to take your fantasy team to the top of your league.

Fantasy Stud of the Week – Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs

Aramis Ramirez earned the title of being the Stud of the Week by going 12-29 (.414 AVG), with a league leading 6 home runs. Those home runs also brought in a lot of runners, as he recorded 9 RBIs and 9 runs scored. Power numbers like these are a fantastic addition to any team, as Aramis Ramirez may have been the player to turn the tables in one of the games in your league this week. Make sure to keep an eye on the Cubs if you have Ramirez on your team because they could become either buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. However, the Cubs’ third baseman might get left behind while other offensive players are traded away – making it harder for him to drive in and score runs – because he recently said he will veto any trade.

Fantasy Dud of the Week – DeWayne Wise, CF, Marlins

DeWayne Wise continued to perform his role as a backup CF. He did this, however, receiving almost an everyday starter’s playing time, which allowed him to post a brutal line of 2-23 (.094 AVG), with no walks, RBIs, runs, or stolen bases. DeWayne Wise normally provides his value defensively, not offensively, which is exactly the type of player that you want to avoid having on your fantasy baseball team.

Rookie to watch – Dustin Ackley, 2B, Mariners

There are few players that can spend less than two years in professional baseball and be ready for the major leagues, but Ackley proved that he is one of those special talents last week, posting a line of 7-19 (.368 AVG) with 2 walks, 3 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Ackley certainly looks like he is going to prove himself at the major league level. Make sure to pick him up fast if you’re in the market for him.  He’s only 55.7% owned in ESPN leagues but that increased a whopping 8.1% over the last week alone.

Waiver Wire Player of the Week – Clint Barmes, SS, Astros

Barmes may be a soft hitting middle-infielder, but last week he showed that he could be a valuable player on many teams in deep fantasy leagues. Going 10-19 (.526 AVG) is a great contribution from someone who is only 0.4% owned in ESPN leagues, and therefore easy to acquire. While he only posted 3 runs scored and 2 RBIs, he hit 6 doubles, the most in the majors, which makes him a solid pickup for a team with extra base hits being used in the scoring. He could also be especially useful if you have an injured middle-infielder like Martin Prado or Jed Lowrie on the DL, allowing him to fill in until they return.