Today's Fantasy Rx

Anaheim: Dallas McPherson, 23, 3B-L
14/39 for .359/.435/.897 with 5 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 2/2 SB%,
and a 6:14 BB:K for AAA Salt Lake(PCL).
84/262 for .321/.404/.660 with 20 HR, 69 RBI, 68 R, 6/11 SB%,
and a 34:74 BB:K for AA Arkansas(TL).

McPherson, who ranks behind only the Mets' David Wright among third base prospects, remains in the minors despite Troy Glaus' injury due to a combination of Chone Figgins' excellent play in Anaheim and McPherson's need to develop his defense and plate discipline. Of course, McPherson should win the starting job no later than next spring and immediately emerge as a double-digit contributor to fantasy teams. Spending the rest of this season in the minors similarly should enable McPherson to consolidate his offensive gains this season. Make every attempt to acquire McPherson once you see him available on free agent lists since he possesses the skills necessary to rank among the top half-dozen AL third baseman for the next decade.

Baltimore: Jose Leon, 27, 3B-R
3/21 for .143/.182/.286 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 1:6 BB:K for Baltimore.
51/151 for .338/.400/.709 with 13 HR, 38 RBI, 30 R, 0/1 SB%,
and a 14:33 BB:K for AAA Ottawa(IL).

David Newhan's stunning performance since joining Baltimore should keep Leon at Ottawa despite Melvin Mora's DL trip. However, if given the opportunity, Leon appears prepared to contribute in the majors. He owns sufficient plate discipline to maximize his impressive power potential, and although Baltimore doesn't need another right-handed slugger too desperately, Leon certainly could help a couple MLB teams. While you should wait until he finds consistent playing time before considering him, don't hesitate to add Leon to your roster if he begins producing in a regular role.

Boston: Carlos Febles, 28, SS/2B
66/256 for .258/.321/.355 with 3 HR, 28 RBI, 42 R, 13/15 SB%,
and a 20:41 BB:K for AAA Pawtucket(IL).

The former Royals' starting second baseman might join Boston by August if the Red Sox desire another middle infielder to replace Cesar Crespo. While he no longer appears to own the skills necessary to succeed as a big league regular, his passable plate discipline and respectable speed give him value as a bench player to many teams. Target Febles if Boston promotes him and you need a MIF with double-digit SB upside.

Chicago White Sox: Andres Torres, 26, OF-R
68/230 for .296/.356/.457 with 7 HR, 23 RBI, 38 R, 19/24 SB%,
and a 20:44 BB:K for AAA Charlotte(IL).

I certainly expect Torres to join Chicago by September, adding a solid pinch-runner, bunter, and defensive replacement to Ozzie Guillen's arsenal. Torres also could see the majors even sooner as an injury replacement, and his speeds skills alone make him a rather intriguing roto option. Unfortunately, his weak plate discipline makes him a probable BA drain, so make sure Torres seems set to play regularly before you target him.

Cleveland: Eric Crozier, 25, 1B-L
60/206 for .291/.376/.612 with 18 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 5/6 SB%,
and a 28:42 BB:K for AAA Buffalo(IL).

Although I don't expect Cleveland to give Crozier the promotion he deserves given the half-dozen solid outfielders at Buffalo, not to mention the presence of Travis Hafner and Ben Broussard in the majors, Crozier appears better prepared to produce for the Indians right now than Broussard. He owns excellent power potential and respectable plate discipline, so while the Indians desperately need a right-handed power bat, Crozier soon will merit a look in the majors. Attempt to acquire him, especially if promoted as an injury replacement.

Detroit: Warren Morris, 30, 2B-L
60/202 for .297/.356/.460 with 5 HR, 26 RBI, 35 R, 2/4 SB%,
and a 19:40 BB:K for AA Toledo(IL).

Both Danny Klassen and Morris qualify as acceptable options if the Tigers need an injury replacement in the middle infield, however neither player offers much upside for fantasy owners. Morris possesses no more than meager power and speed skills, and his unimpressive plate discipline leaves him unlikely to register more than a league-average BA. Ignore Morris unless he somehow lucks into another big league starting gig.

Kansas City: Mark Teahen, 22, 3B-L
26/96 for .271/.369/.406 with 1 HR, 13 RBI, 11 R, 0/1 SB%,
and a 13:28 BB:K between AAA Sacramento(PCL) and AAA Omaha(PCL).
66/197 for .335/.419/.543 with 6 HR, 36 RBI, 31 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 29:44 BB:K for AA Midland(TL).

Acquired from Oakland two weeks ago in the Carlos Beltran deal, Teahen easily qualifies as the Royals' third baseman of the future. He should supplant Joe Randa sometime next season, and although he lacks obvious home run power, his respectable plate discipline and consistently high doubles' total suggests he should develop the skills to regularly approach 20 homers. Definitely look to acquire Teahen as soon as Kansas City promotes him since he appears likely to reach double-digit value on batting average alone once he secures the starting job on the Royals' hot corner.

Minnesota: Luis Rodriguez, 24, 2B/IF-S
86/304 for .283/.354/.395 with 3 HR, 30 RBI, 39 R, 2/4 SB%,
and a 34:30 BB:K for AAA Rochester(IL).

Rodriguez's stats almost exactly echo his 2003 numbers, so although he offers little quantitative upside, his very good plate discipline supports consistently solid batting and on-base averages. He belongs in the majors and could outperform either of the Twins' regularly middle infielders. Unfortunately, Minnesota obviously doesn't prefer Rodriguez over their current options, so wait until he receives the opportunity he certainly deserves before rostering Rodriguez in any league.

New York Yankees: Andy Phillips, 27, 1B/3B-R
69/215 for .321/.402/.544 with 12 HR, 34 RBI, 42 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 29:27 BB:K for AAA Columbus(IL).
15/42 for .357/.383/.738 with 4 HR, 16 RBI, 8 R, 3/3 SB%,
and a 3:1 BB:K for AA Trenton(EL).

Yes, the newly-promoted Robinson Cano possesses more upside, but Phillips belongs in the majors now. His consistently solid plate discipline and intriguing power potential make him a useful asset, especially on a team without a viable right-handed power bat at first or DH. Of course, Phillips appears more likely to find playing time on a less veteran-dependent team, so hopefully New York moves him elsewhere by the deadline. Definitely target Phillips once he finds regular at-bats since he owns the skills necessary to approach $20 within a couple of seasons.

Oakland: Nick Swisher, 22, OF-L
63/243 for .259/.434/.502 with 14 HR, 49 RBI, 60 R, 1/2 SB%,
and a 76:59 BB:K for AAA Sacramento(PCL).

Swisher will begin next season as a starting Oakland outfielder, likely competing with new 1B/DH and current fellow Rivercat Dan Johnson for Rookie of the Year honors. Of course, Swisher also could contribute in the second half if the Athletics don't deal for a new left fielder, but despite Swisher's unimpressive 2003 stats, I see no reason he can't contribute in the majors very soon. While he possesses little speed, lacks the high contact rate usually necessary for a .300 average, and even might not hit 20 homers for a couple years, his defensive skills and plate discipline virtually insure a long-term role for Swisher in Oakland's outfield. After his impressive first half this year, Swisher ranks among the safest prospects to own in the game, so definitely attempt to acquire him immediately on any rebuilding team.

Seattle: A.J. Zapp, 26, 1B-L
89/295 for .302/.375/.546 with 18 HR, 58 RBI, 49 R, 0/0 SB%,
and a 35:100 BB:K for AAA Tacoma(PCL).

We might see Zapp in the majors instead of Bucky Jacobsen if Seattle moves John Olerud since Zapp owns almost as much offensive upside as Jacobsen yet also handles first base without difficulty. Of course, his abysmally high strikeout totals, including 178 K in 528 at-bats in the Texas League last year, make Zapp a definite gamble for any big league team. I suspect an organization that historically favors tools over skills as much as Seattle won't rush Zapp into the lineup. However, if he somehow begins starting regularly, a .66 contact rate shouldn't prevent him from producing respectable power numbers without a terrible batting average, so only ignore Zapp as long as he remains in the minors.

Tampa Bay: Midre Cummings, 32, OF-L
69/222 for .311/.413/.595 with 14 HR, 52 RBI, 47 R, 5/5 SB%,
and a 38:57 BB:K for AAA Durham(IL).

While I expect B.J. Upton and Joey Gathright to spend the second half starting for the Rays, Cummings also merits another look since he appears far better prepared to contribute to Tampa's offense than Fred McGriff. The journeyman now owns the power and plate discipline necessary to contribute even in a reserve role. Target Cummings in deep leagues where you need any available quantitative sleepers.

Texas: Marshall McDougall, 25, 3B/IF-R
43/142 for .303/.361/.556 with 9 HR, 35 RBI, 18 R, 1/1 SB%,
and a 13:26 BB:K for AAA Oklahoma(PCL).
23/73 for .315/.383/.493 with 2 HR, 14 RBI, 73 R, 0/0 SB%,
and an 8:12 BB:K for AA Frisco(TL).

Look for McDougall in any Rangers' trade rumors this month. While Texas obviously doesn't need another infielder with Hank Blalock and Mike Young both signed for several seasons, the Rangers either could deal the versatile McDougall or offer Alfonso Soriano for a couple of top young pitchers, ceding second to Eric Young now and McDougall in the near future. Yes, McDougall doesn't possess particularly impressive offensive potential, but he owns respectable plate discipline and developing power. His upside as a power-hitting infielder in Texas makes him a definite player to target once he reaches the majors.

Toronto: Glenn Williams, 26, 3B/IF-S
78/300 for .260/.310/.500 with 18 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 2/3 SB%,
and a 22:59 BB:K for AAA Syracuse(IL).

Currently in his third season on the SkyChiefs, Williams' developing power soon should warrant a trip to Toronto. Although he lacks decent plate discipline, the Blue Jays need of a switch-hitting infielder with some pop, and Williams appears ready to contribute even in a limited role. Unfortunately, fantasy owners likely should ignore him to avoid any potential BA problems, but Williams also offers at least as much offensive upside as Chris Woodward, so don't forget about him completely.

We'll continue tomorrow with National League hitting prospects.

Today's Fantasy Rx: While several deserving players once again missed making the All-Star team barring a need for injury replacements, the All-Star Final Vote at least lets us attempt to rectify two egregious errors by electing Frank Thomas and Bobby Abreu. Both players merit starting nods, so please go vote for Thomas and Abreu, in true Chicago style, as often as possible.