Today's Fantasy Rx

Note: The beginning of most stat lines includes the following data: H/AB for BA/OBP/SLG.

Arizona: Craig Counsell, SS/3B/2B
43/158 for .272/.385/.367 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, 28 R, 6/8 SB%,
and a 28:20 BB:K.

Counsell's torn thumb ligament appears healed, and his return gives the Diamondbacks a needed on-base weapon at the top of their lineup, as well as another solid infielder with the flexibility to play a few positions. A .18 walk rate gives him excellent value to both the Diamondbacks and his simulation owners. His stunning 4.43 #P/PA also increases his value as a leadoff man, although neither a 1.97 G-F nor Counsell's .87 contact rate indicates much power potential. We're likely to see a small bump in his batting average and he'll contribute a fair numbers of runs and RBI, however only wait with Counsell if you weren't counting on him to reach at least a dozen steals this year.

June Underachiever: Lyle Overbay, 1B
Old stats: 42/159 for .264/.357/.390 with 3 HR, 17 RBI, 13 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 22:40 BB:K.
Recommendation: deal.
Stats since recommendation: 20/68 for .294 with 1 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 10:20 BB:K.

Previous Underachievers: April: Junior Spivey; May: Tony Womack.

We'll continue tomorrow with American League underachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Rotohelp favorite Jose Acevedo returned to Cincinnati last night with a stunning start against Milwaukee. He pitched 7 innings, striking out 6 batters and posting a 6-7 G-F ratio while allowing only 2 walks and 2 hits. Like any Reds' pitchers, Acevedo remains at extreme risk for qualitative disasters, but he also easily could emerge as the team's best starter by the end of the season. He dominated at AAA Louisville, registering a 6-2 record and 3.43 ERA as a swingman while compiling a 57:20 K:BB in 60.1 IP over 29 G(3GS) with 56 H and 5 HR allowed. I see no obvious deficiencies in these skills, and as he won't turn 25 until December, Acevedo looks ready to contribute to both the Reds and any fantasy team that can afford the occasional ERA and WHIP hits.