Available Fantasy Baseball Studs

The Best Major League Baseball Fantasy Players Available This Week

Jul 17, 2007

This list contains a lot of veterans who have underperformed for large chunks of the 2007 MLB season. But, each of these guys seems poised for a brilliant second half.

Studly Hitters

Sheffield started this season out very slowly, prompting concerns that age and injuries had finally slowed down the 38-year old hiting machine. But Sheff picked it up in May and June, and he has been outright smokin' in the month of July. Over the past seven days, he has been red hot, batting .467 with 2 home runs, 6 RBI, 4 runs scored and 4 stolen bases. Expect the streak to continue, as the Tigers play the Twins this week, a team against whom Gary has hit .385 this season.

For those of you who used up a high draft pick or an inflated auction price to acquire Dye, don't despair. Not just yet. Yes, Dye has been less than a shadow of his 2006 self, hovering in the low .200s all season long without any power or run production. But the man has shown signs of life lately, and it could be a harbinger of good things to come. In his last 10 games, he's hitting a respectable .250, but he's added 4 home runs, 9 RBI and 8 runs scored. Right now, he is owned by only 73% of leagues nation-wide. Now may be the time to pick up this traditionally strong hitter for a song.

In the past ten games, Glaus has hit a Rogers Hornsby like .424, which raised his 2007 MLB season batting average from .276 to .296. He's also hit 3 home runs, driven in eight and scored seven runs. On July 16 against the Yankees, he went 3 for 4 with 2 homers, a triple and a walk. He's batting .714 against the club this season, so it may be a good idea to pick him up if you can (he is not owned in 10% of fantasy leagues), and if you already have him, then by all means start the guy.

Studly Pitchers

The Sandman has surely been one of the biggest early-season disappointments in 2007. But lately, it's become clear that Mo has righted the ship. After posting an ERA over 12.00 in his first eight starts, Rivera has been the Mariano of old, putting up an earned run average below 1.50 over his last 28 outings. This week he has 3 saves, a 0.00 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP. He's owned in most leagues, but can be picked up in about five percent of fantasy baseball circuits. There is no reason this guy should be a free agent. And from here on out, owners with Rivera on their roster should pencil him in every night.

He may be the new Rivera. The man is hot every week. No surprise that over the past five game since the All Star break, Putz has 3 saves and an ERA of 0.00. In fact, he hasn't given up an earned run since June 2. Right now, he may be the Cy Young and the MVP candidate in the American League.

Ray has had some serious problems this season. Just three weeks ago, his ERA had ballooned to 5.15; not very impressive for a guy who was supposed to be one of the AL's top closers in 2007. But recently, Chris has straightened it out. In his last five appearances, Chris is 1-0, with 3 saves, just one hit in five innings, and his ERA is 0.00. Ray is avaliable in 16% of fantasy leagues nation-wide, but it is time to close that gap to zero. He looks poised for a strong second half.

Those are your top guys for this week. Keep your eyes peeled for Fantasy Sleeprs who can help your team right now.

The copyright of the article Available Fantasy Baseball Studs in Baseball is owned by James Lincoln Ray. Permission to republish Available Fantasy Baseball Studs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.