Today's Fantasy Rx

Arizona: Luis Gonzalez, OF
75/276 for .272/.383/.533 with 14 HR, 40 RBI, 55 R, 2/4 SB%,
and a 50:41 BB:K.

The surprise here is that Gonzalez still hasn't succumbed to the elbow surgery he eventually should need. While the 36-year-old isn't enjoying a banner season, he continues to produce a strong set of stats for a team essentially out of the playoff picture. Career-best marks of a 4.12 #P/PA and .68 G-F actually give Gonzalez significant upside as long as he remains in the lineup. Of course, considering he likely will require several months to return to full health, expect him to miss the last couple months of the season. Regardless of your position in the standings, talk up his impressive skills as you attempt to deal Gonzalez as soon as possible for any package relatively comparable to the $25+ he should earn when healthy.

Atlanta: Nick Green, 2B
43/154 for .279/.345/.390 with 2 HR, 17 RBI, 21 R, 1/3 SB%,
and a 12:33 BB:K.
29/77 for .377/.443/.455 with 0 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R, 0/3 SB%,
and a 6:9 BB:K for AAA Richmond(IL).

I doubt even the Braves expected Green to perform so nicely as the temporary replacement for the injured Marcus Giles. Green hadn't exceeded a .266 BA since his debut season back in 2000, so both his stunning averages at Richmond and his above-average MLB BA appear unsupported by both his skills and statistical history. However, a 3.63 #P/PA isn't bad, and a .94 G-F suggests Green possesses the power potential to hold a .450 SLG in the majors once he fully develops. The 25-year-old should head back to the bench once Giles returns next month, but only shop him now if you can exchange him for a starter who appears more likely to continue receiving regular at-bats.

Chicago Cubs: Todd Hollandsworth, OF
47/148 for .318/.392/.547 with 8 HR, 22 RBI, 28 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 17:26 BB:K.

With Sammy Sosa, Moises Alou, and Corey Patterson all healthy and Hollandsworth now hurting, his fantasy value continues to diminish. Career-worst marks of a 3.34 #P/PA and 2.07 G-F also only suggests Hollandsworth's averages will continue to fall. Hopefully you've enjoyed his run over the last two months since nothing here suggests he possesses the skills or a good chance to see the playing time necessary to warrant continued deployment in standard leagues. Look to deal Hollandsworth while he remains in the lineup during interleague play since I doubt anyone in your league will express much interest in this declining fourth outfielder in the second half.

Cincinnati: Wily Mo Pena, OF
32/120 for .267/.313/.483 with 7 HR, 22 RBI, 12 R, 2/2 SB%,
and a 7:45 BB:K.

The persistent injury problems beguiling Austin Kearns mean Cincinnati will get to watch Pena play right field for the next two months. While Jacob Cruz and Ryan Freel also remain in the lineup a few days a week, the 22-year-old Pena owns the early performance to warrant a starting job, and he could continue to hold an OPS around .800. Unfortunately, neither Pena's 3.64 #P/PA nor a 1.58 G-F look like particularly strong marks. His .63 contact rate also leaves him extremely vulnerable to extended BA slumps. I expect Pena to enjoy a bright future, and his stats this season probably will convince Cincinnati to deal Kearns for a long-term solution somewhere up-the-middle, but the likelihood of his production declining over the balance of the season means you should shop Pena before his BA falls toward his .241 career norm.

Colorado: Aaron Miles, 2B
63/201 for .313/.341/.403 with 2 HR, 19 RBI, 28 R, 4/6 SB%,
and a 9:20 BB:K.
18/54 for .333/.345/.389 with 0 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 2/4 SB%,
and a 2:4 BB:K for AAA Colorado Springs(PCL).

Registering a .256/.244/.500 while platooning with Luis Gonzalez over the first six weeks of the season merited Miles a AAA ticket. Posting a solid average for two weeks in the minors earned him a recall, and his .361/.395/.435 performance on a 6:9 BB:K in 108 June at-bats not only will keep him playing everyday, it makes him a Rookie of the Year candidate. Miles' problem is that a 2.17 G-F indicates little power and a 3.76 #P/PA doesn't correlate with his poor .04 walk rate. Of course, holding a .90 contact rate in Colorado will keep anyone employed, however recognize that you only should target Miles for a BA boost. His minor league stats strongly suggest a .300 BA in Coors is feasible, but he won't contribute significantly in any other category.

Florida: Damion Easley, SS/IF
24/95 for .253/.349/.495 with 4 HR, 16 RBI, 12 R, 2/3 SB%,
and an 11:15 BB:K.

The 34-year-old former Detroit All-Star earned releases from both the Tigers and Rays in the spring of 2003 despite my expectation of a strong rebound. Apparently I only missed on the year since Easley's career-best averages make him a vital contributor on a probable playoff team. All his skills remain in line with the marks he posted over his best years at the end of the last decade. Easley even probably should start every day over the slumping Alex Gonzalez, although I understand why the Marlins prefer to play the youngster for defensive purposes. Yet, while Easley won't earn more than a couple of bucks this season barring a severe injury to Luis Castillo, he certainly won't hurt your middle infield. Look to acquire him if you see him on free agent lists and you need the MIF upgrade.

Houston: Adam Everett, SS
70/257 for .272/.313/.358 with 3 HR, 14 RBI, 45 R, 7/8 SB%,
and a 10:39 BB:K.

The idea that Everett might start the All-Star game revolts me even though Houston hosts this year. He contributes little positive to the Astros, and Jimy Williams' insistence on batting Everett second seems responsible at least for some of Houston's offensive malaise. Hopefully Williams soon will realize that Carlos Beltran belongs in the #2 hole, although I expect Everett owners don't share that dream. His respectable BA and seven steals give him several dollars of value in a terrible season for NL shortstops. Of course, a career-worst 3.38 #P/PA leaves him with a terrible .04 walk rate, and he doesn't possess the strength to take advantage of a .89 G-F. Perhaps he might approach double-digit value if he attempted to take advantage of his intriguing speed skills by hitting more groundballs, but I simply see little upside for his fantasy value right now. Take advantage of the publicity surrounding his All-Star candidacy to deal Everett while his value appears peaked.

Los Angeles: Cesar Izturis, SS
90/301 for .299/.331/.372 with 2 HR, 26 RBI, 33 R, 12/16 SB%,
and a 15:30 BB:K.

While Izturis' position as perhaps the second-best all-around NL shortstop in the first half appears due mostly to the extended slumps of Edgar Renteria and Orlando Cabrera, I see enough skill development here to suggest that he could maintain his current averages. A career-best 3.43 #P/PA combines with his .300 BA to make him nearly acceptable as a top-of-the-order hitter, especially since his strong speed skills match up nicely with a 2.04 G-F. He obviously owns little power and doesn't present an obvious roadblock if the Dodgers decided to upgrade by acquiring Renteria, Cabrera, or even Nomar this winter, however Izturis similarly offers fantasy owners a surprisingly dilemma. My recommendation is to risk the possible BA erosion since his SB production will keep him at double-digit value, so only shop Izturis if you see a way to exchange him for a significant power upgrade.

Milwaukee: Keith Ginter, 3B/2B
56/208 for .269/.341/.447 with 8 HR, 29 RBI, 24 R, 3/3 SB%,
and a 20:57 BB:K.

Wes Helms' injury provided Ginter with a mostly unexpected full-time job in the first half. Unfortunately, both his 4.08 #P/PA and 1.13 G-F indicate unwelcome decreases in his patience and power potential. Of course, Ginter remains an above-average offensive threat at either of his primary positions, and the long-term contract awarded him earlier this year demonstrates Milwaukee's faith in his continued development. The 28-year-old could post unexpectedly impressive numbers if he can bump his contact rate over .72, but he at least remains very useful as middle infielder or cornerman for now. Wait until the eventual Junior Spivey trade secures Ginter's starting job for the rest of the season before either moving or seeking to add him ro your team.

Montreal: Tony Batista, 3B
56/257 for .218/.250/.354 with 10 HR, 33 RBI, 26 R, 8/9 SB%,
and a 11:27 BB:K.

While Batista's BA isn't acceptable, his quantitative production exceeds his 2003 pace as 8 steals already exceed his previous career high. His failure to take advantage of two hitter-friendly home parks concern me, but I see little overall chance in the skills of the 30-year-old third baseman. Frankly his poor averages make little sense since a career-best .89 contact rate, in consideration of his statistical history and correlating skills, suggest the potential for Batista to post a .280/40/115 season. Perhaps a potential trade to a contender will help Batista perform closer to those expectations, however as long as you can keep players dealt to the other league, look to acquire him since I still see dramatic upside in his skill set.

New York Mets: Eric Valent, 1B/OF
32/121 for .264/.333/.430 with 4 HR, 16 RBI, 15 R, 0/1 SB%,
and a 13:20 BB:K.

Karim Garcia's injury allowed him to survive the acquisition of Richard Hidalgo, but Valent's sporadic playing time leaves him vulnerable to additional roster machinations. Of course, after failing to bump his career OPS over .400 in three previous cups-of-coffee, Valent's surprisingly strong 2004 finally establishes his credentials as a capable backup. Although he hasn't tallied even ten at-bats against southpaws, his .800+ OPS versus right-handers gives him decent value both to the Mets and fantasy teams, especially since a .83 G-F indicates promising power potential. Don't view Valent as more than outfield roster filler, however considering the injuries ransacking many roster this season, feel free to target him if you need short-term help.

Philadelphia: Jason Michaels, OF
21/68 for .309/.440/.456 with 3 HR, 10 RBI, 13 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 16:20 BB:K.

The Phillies' new starting centerfielder could hold the job indefinitely after his .364/.481/.523 performance in 44 June at-bats, especially since his .295/.377/.514 in 220 at-bats prior to this season indicates these numbers aren't a fluke. Michaels' statistical history indicates he also should begin hitting better against right-handers with regular playing time, so he appears capable of maintain these averages indefinitely. Yes, Philadelphia could trade for a more established starter, promoted Marlon Byrd, or give Ricky Ledee the job once he heals, but the 28-year-old Michaels merits a long look for now. Take advantage of any opportunity to acquire him since he easily could clear double-digit fantasy value despite barely playing for the first two months of the season.

Pittsburgh: Craig Wilson, OF/1B/C
83/281 for .295/.371/.548 with 15 HR, 42 RBI, 48 R, 2/3 SB%,
and a 24:78 BB:K.

An everyday job means that Wilson should reach career highs in every quantitative category by an All-Star game that he easily could attend. Of course, his .178/.250/.337 June performance tanked his averages after two months of a .355/.433/.656, although Wilson's current marks also appear slightly lower than expected. A career-worst 1.25 G-F demonstrates decreasing power potential, and I see no overt improvement in his other skills. I suspect Wilson will rebound after the three-day vacation he appears likely to receive since playing every day and acting as Pittsburgh's primary backup catcher leaves little opportunity for rest. Use his current slump to acquire Wilson cheaply, especially if you can use his position flexibility to upgrade at catcher.

San Diego: Phil Nevin, 1B
83/285 for .291/.372/.467 with 11 HR, 50 RBI, 37 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 34:59 BB:K.

I'm fairly impressed with Nevin's performance this season considering the extent of his complaints about Petco Park. He hasn't registered more than 13 homers since 2001, however his BA and RBI production remain solid. While San Diego continues to shop him, likely with the goal of moving Ryan Klesko back to first base, the Padres should not seek to cast aside Nevin. He continues to crush lefties, and a 4.01 #P/PA adds needed patience to their order. Although he isn't a great player to target, he fills a niche market for teams that need a significant RBI boost despite a high ranking in homers.

San Francisco: Deivi Cruz, SS
37/115 for .322/.365/.461 with 1 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 0/1 SB%,
and an 8:9 BB:K.
13/42 for .310/.348/.452 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 3:2 BB:K for AAA Fresno(PCL).

The Giants' new starting shortstop looks like a welcome upgrade over the offensively inept Neifi Perez. San Francisco loses little by making this switch since Cruz remains an impressive fielder, and although he won't hold his current averages unless he unexpectedly maintains a .92 contact rate, he still shouldn't hurt you if needed as roster filler. Unfortunately, Cruz's skills generally appear unchanged compared to his recent marks, so he should slump toward a .270/.310/.390 by the end of the season. Most owners should shop him for someone with more overall upside if see an appropriate opportunity.

St. Louis: Tony Womack, 2B
75/249 for .301/.346/.402 with 3 HR, 22 RBI, 40 R, 14/15 SB%,
and a 19:32 BB:K.

Although the 34-year-old no longer possesses extraordinary speed skills, he appears capable of maintaining his current production thanks to welcome, nearly across-the-board skill development. St. Louis still seems somewhat likely to upgrade at second base or left field by the trade deadline, however if you need a dozen steals or a BA boost, I see no reason not to target Womack. He at least won't hurt you and could finish the year around a $20 value.

We'll continue tomorrow with American League overachieving pitchers.

Today's Fantasy Rx: Please refer to yesterday's Rx if you can vote more times for All-Star starters.

Several players listed above offer welcome opportunities for savvy owners. Immediately attempt to move Luis Gonzalez, Todd Hollandsworth, and Adam Everett if you own him, and then look to add players like Tony Batista, Jason Michaels, and Craig Wilson. A Hollandsworth-for-Michaels swap might be the best reasonable move any NL owner can make right now.