Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Chone Figgins, 3B/OF
43/150 for .287/.325/.440 with 1 HR, 13 RBI, 22 R, 13/15 SB%,
and a 9:22 BB:K.

Figgins' total fantasy contributions already relatively approximate the stats I expected him to post for the entire year. Instead the injuries to Troy Glaus and Garret Anderson make Figgins the full-time #2 hitter, splitting his time between third base and center field. Since he normally posted good plate discipline in the minors, along with both lofty steal totals and a solid stolen base success rate, Figgins at least appears capable of maintaining his current skills over the balance of the season. I still don't expect Figgins to play every day indefinitely due to a questionable OBP dragged down by a decreasing 3.80 #P/PA, however a .275 BA and another two dozen steals make him a good target for anyone who needs help in those categories.

Baltimore: Brian Roberts, 2B
49/188 for .261/.330/.346 with 1 HR, 11 RBI, 31 R, 17/20 SB%,
and a 19:17 BB:K.

Roberts still hasn't recovered from a slump that began essentially when Jerry Hairston returned from the disabled list. Fortunately, he still owns a .10 walk rate, .90 contact rate, 1.06 G-F, and an 85% SB success rate, a quality skill set that offers significant upside to both the Orioles and fantasy owners. My only concern is that Roberts could continue slumping given the loss of patience indicated by a career-worst 3.68 #P/PA. Selling high in single-season leagues isn't a terrible idea if his lofty steals totals can net you a quality replacement with better recent numbers, however generally target Roberts since his plate discipline and speed skills still give him $30 upside.

Boston: Manny Ramirez, OF
66/186 for .355/.445/.661 with 14 HR, 37 RBI, 33 R, 1/3 SB%,
and a 31:39 BB:K.

Manny owns a career-high .355 BA right now, however a 1.12 G-F and .79 contact rate limit his power potential compared to his recent marks. The weak contact rate also indicates his BA will drop closer to his .318 career norm. Of course, Ramirez obviously ranks among the best batters in baseball, but unless you need a significant boost immediately, wait until his averages slip slightly and Nomar returns in a couple weeks before looking to add Ramirez to your team.

Chicago White Sox: Willie Harris, 2B/OF
46/144 for .319/.371/.382 with 0 HR, 13 RBI, 19 R, 8/9 SB%,
and a 13:24 BB:K.

While his minor league stats certainly support this performance, Harris' .213/.255/.262 career major league performance prior to this year gives us little hope that he can hold a .300 average. Yet a career-best 3.89 #P/PA demonstrates developing plate discipline, and a 2.11 G-F suggests Harris increasingly realizes how to utilize his speed skills. You still shouldn't expect a significant qualitative contribution from him over the balance of the year, however generally wait since I see no reason Harris won't steal another twenty bases this year if he holds his lineup spot.

Cleveland: Matt Lawton, OF
59/183 for .322/.392/.486 with 8 HR, 30 RBI, 38 R, 11/12 SB%,
and a 17:39 BB:K.

Yes, Lawton's current performance compares favorably with his success during his days in Minnesota, but his surprisingly weak skills don't support this level of offensive effectiveness. With a .79 contact rate significantly below his .88 career norm, his BA should fall under .300 by the All-Star break. A 1.68 G-F, in combination with his weak contact skills, similarly leaves him little chance of matching his previous high of 21 homers. The one reason to keep Lawton rather than deal him now is that he should be able to triple his current steal total thanks to these developing speed skills, however know that he likely won't continue contributing much in most categories barring a sudden skill increase.

Detroit: Rondell White, OF/DH
57/179 for .318/.391/.531 with 8 HR, 35 RBI, 32 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 19:30 BB:K.

White ranks among the AL RBI leaders and owns good stats in every category save steals. Of course, he also obviously owns a very poor health history and hasn't posted skills like a 1.76 G-F and 3.55 #P/PA since his Montreal days. Even if your team needs continued contributions from White, try to deal him for a safer option.

Kansas City: Kelly Stinnett
10/34 for .294/.351/.471 with 2 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 2:9 BB:K.

Since Benito Santiago doesn't seem particularly likely to remain with the struggling Royals all season, Stinnett could find regular playing time over the next few months. Of course, he certainly won't hold his current averages, and unimpressive plate discipline makes him a poor choice as anything more than roster filler. Yet a .45 G-F also gives him more upside than most backup catchers, making Stinnett an acceptable target to replace one of the increasing number of injured starters.

Minnesota: Mike Cuddyer, 3B/2B/OF
29/121 for .240/.319/.438 with 5 HR, 21 RBI, 18 R, 1/4 SB%,
and a 14:28 BB:K.

On team with a few quality offensive threats, Cuddyer's continued playing time seems more closely lined with a continuous stream of players headed to the disabled list than as a reward for performance or development. While a .90 G-F is a welcome improvement from two seasons averaging nearly a 1.50 mark, a .77 contact rate leaves even his .240 BA vulnerable to drop. His quantitative contributions similarly look elevated given his overall skills right now, and the return of Matt LeCroy, Corey Koskie, Nick Punto, and Luis Rivas could curtail his playing time severely. Highlight Cuddyer's respectable power numbers and versatility as you shop him.

New York Yankees: Hideki Matsui, OF
56/175 for .320/.431/.531 with 8 HR, 30 RBI, 41 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 33:33 BB:K.

These stats aren't a shock given his multiple MVP awards in Japan, however Matsui's significant across-the-board improvement still surprises me. At least both his 3.85 #P/PA and 1.52 G-F rank as welcome developments after his unimpressive 2003 marks, giving Matsui the necessary support to maintain this level of production. Of course, his OPS jump of nearly 175 points appears only as a result of his increased performance against right-handers, but I see no reason he won't maintain his current value. Target Matsui if you can afford a four-category offensive threat capable of exceeding $30 thanks to developing skills and a cushy lineup slot.

Oakland: Eric Byrnes, OF
44/148 for .297/.377/.459 with 4 HR, 15 RBI, 28 R, 7/7 SB%,
and an 18:29 BB:K.

After swapping Ted Lilly for Bobby Kielty and acquiring Mark Kotsay, Oakland appeared ready to exile Byrnes back to the bench. Instead, his success at the top of the order leaves him in a regular role for the indefinite future. His 4.07 #P/PA, .66 G-F, and 100% SB success rate all demonstrate welcome skill growth, which nicely compensates for a slightly decrease contact rate. I suspect Byrnes might repeat the second-half slump he suffered last season, however as long as the Athletics remain confident in his skills, wait with the expectation that he'll continue contributing helpful all-around numbers.

Seattle: Jolbert Cabrera, 2B/UT
27/91 for .297/.312/.363 with 0 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 2/2 SB%,
and a 1:18 BB:K.

The approaching rebuilding for the Mariners should include trading Colbert to a team that will place him in an even smaller role, although he should see less at-bats even if he stays in Seattle since he isn't a part of the team's future. Despite improving to a 3.69 #P/PA, his .01 walk rate, .80 contact rate, and 1.57 G-F render the 31-year-old utilityman largely useless to fantasy teams. I expect his BA soon will fall, reflecting his eroding skill, making now an excellent time to deal Cabrera; his average, SB upside, and versatility might make him valuable to an injury-depleted team.

Tampa Bay: Tino Martinez, 1B
41/138 for .297/.385/.500 with 7 HR, 25 RBI, 23 R, 0/1 SB%,
and a 19:24 BB:K.

Returning to the AL East obviously agrees with the 36-year-old veteran as he appears on pace for his best season since his heyday with the Yankees. More importantly, a 3.85 #P/PA, .88 G-F, and .14 walk rate coincide well with the skills Martinez demonstrated during his most productive years. Unfortunately, his .83 contact rate does not mesh quite as nicely, indicating a strong likelihood that Martinez's BA will fall near his .273 career norm by season's end. Receiving commensurate value for him likely will be difficult, but at least attempt to shop Martinez while his average still hovers near .300.

Texas: Laynce Nix, OF
36/114 for .316/.352/.623 with 8 HR, 22 RBI, 22 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 7:37 BB:K.

Mike Young might no longer look like the AL MVP, but he normally manages respectable value despite questionable skills. Conversely, Nix appears on the edge of fantasy free fall. The 23-year-old barely belongs in the majors yet will start nearly every day thanks to the health problems of Brian Jordan, Kevin Mench, and Mark Teixeira. Only a 3.90 #P/PA offers much hope for Nix as a .68 contact rate and 1.42 G-F, combined with a likely scalding Texas summer, should force his averages to plummet. Look to deal Nix while his .975 OPS and long-term upside will enable you to extract an established player with more immediate fantasy potential.

Toronto: Reed Johnson, OF
51/167 for .305/.361/.455 with 5 HR, 27 RBI, 20 R, 2/4 SB%,
and a 10:29 BB:K.

The most prominent overachieving Blue Jays all appear on Toronto's disabled list right now, though Johnson's sterling recent stats make him a logical choice. While his 3.69 #P/PA and .83 contact rate aren't atrocious by any measure, a 2.00 G-F leaves him with little obvious power potential. His .273/.333/.364 performance against right-handers also leaves him in need of a platoon partner an experiment the Jays briefly attempted earlier this year. I expect Toronto to find a stronger alternative to Johnson no later than next season, and I also believe he will lose both playing time and effectiveness until the return of the injured Jays displaces Johnson from the everyday lineup. Deal him now before he reverts to the limited role his skills suggest he deserves.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League overachieving batters.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Hopefully, the most direct effect of Mondesi's new deal with Anaheim will involve Casey Kotchman receiving the extra minor league seasoning he apparently requires given his all-around poor skills. Unfortunately, with Vlad, Guillen, and Mondesi starting every day, along with the potential returns of Tim Salmon and Garret Anderson, the regular at-bats currently enjoyed by Jeff DaVanon, Chone Figgins, and Shane Halter all should dwindle. Despite DaVanon's impressive skills, his value appears at a zenith unless he learns to play first base.