May Flavors (extended list)

Here is who I suspect will make some big moves forward in the month of May (this does not include players most likely already drafted in mixed leagues and just sucking at this point)-

HITTERS-

Ryan Raburn, Tigers: 2b, OF- quietly getting more and more ab's and hitting in the middle of a pretty decent offense.

Brandon Wood, Angels: 3b- not real sure about this guy as he has thus far only been successful as a singles hitter at the MLB level.  He's worth a flier but he's more likely to be a streaky hitter if his career ever gets headed in the right direction.  How many failed Angels 3b'ers have there been now?

Austin Kearns, Indians:OF- is hitting very well right now and had a few decent seasons in the not so distant past.

Drew Stubbs, Reds: OF- Dickerson is out a while which opens more ab's for Stubbs.  Lance Nix may play into the mix as well.  Stubbs has k'd like crazy so far.  But his bb's are up from last year and his OBP is over .300.  I think he could take off really soon.

Reid Brignac, Rays: SS,2b- he's finally starting to take a walk.  If that continues he could keep Sean Rodriguez on the bench more than he already is.  Brignac is a 2b to keep an eye on, although he has to be rated lower than Raburn at this point.

Fred Lewis, Bluejays: OF- acquired from the Giants.  Looks like the everyday LF job could be his if he starts to hit.  He's got sb potential and could potentially put together a 20/20 season yet. 

Eric Young, Jr., Rockies: 2b,OF- Young has been tried in the OF recently and could cost a struggling Dexter Fowler some ab's.  At 2b he could see some playing time as well.  He's stolen 264 bases over the past 4 years in the minors, albeit not the best sb% in the world.  

Nate Schierholtz, Giants: OF- all he's done this year is hit (I jest).  He's not hit for power yet though.  But that could be what's coming next.  No homers yet, but he has 7 doubles in only 48 ab's. His approach against RHP is much better this season, now he just needs to be moved up higher in the order on a consistent basis.

PITCHERS-

 Koji Uehara, Orioles: RP, SP- looks like there is a window open for him to either move into the starting rotation or closer role.  He had a pretty decent season last year for his first trip through the AL. 

Cla Meredith, Orioles: RP- Jim Johnson being sent down does not leave the O's many closing options.  Mike Gonzalez is still about 3 weeks away, assuming he comes back and does well.

Evan Meek, Pirates: RP- No fail Dotel has not exactly lived up to his billing.  Meek could be closing sooner than later.  

And don't forget about these guys (AAA/ DL players) -

Mike Aviles, Royals: SS,2b- had a terrific Spring but was sent to Omaha anyway (the word was lingering throwing issues).  The KC infield has gotten off to a better hitting start than expected.  But don't forget about Mike.  If called up, he could quickly jump into a role of, at least, a mid-level AL only middle infielder.

 Chien-Ming Wang, Nationals: SP- out until at least late May.  But once he's healthy he's sure to slide into the Nat's rotation.  The Nats' bullpen is much better than the past, so if you are desperate for pitching just keep an eye on the progress of CMW.

Mat Gamel, Brewers: 3b- a pretty highly rated prospect who is currently recovering from injury.  And there is not exactly a position for him once he returns as Casey McGehee seems to be holding serve at 3b.  But should Rickie Weeks fall into his annual tailspin, Gamel could get some ab's. 

Felipe Lopez, Cardinals: 2b, 3b-  Currently on the DL.  The Cards have got to be thinking their defensive options at 2b.  Skip has muffed enough plays already, but the StL hot start has been able to overlook that til now.  I suspect when Felipe is back he will be given every chance to win the everyday job at 2b and that the Cards move Skip to a 4th OF or late inning defensive replacement for Colby Rasmus.

Aaron Miles, Cardinals: 2b- see above, but Miles gets a look only if Lopez does not come back soon.  That's all conjecture, of course.  And besides BA, Miles won't provide much help at all.  He's currently in Memphis, though I think he'll switch cities with Jon Jay fairly soon.

Kelvim Escobar, Mets: SP- nothing says the baseball season is in full swing like Escobar being on the DL.  But his return is not that far off and he had some decent years in the past.  He's certainly not going to turn any fantasy team's pitching staff around but could prove useful.

Joe Blanton, Phillies: SP- I've never really liked this guy.  But he is due to return soon and Kyle Kendrick is doing everything he can to ensure a rotation spot for Joe.

Ross Ohlendorf, Pirate: SP- yes, he's a Pirate.  And owning a starting Pirate pitcher is not that  sexy.  But he's the best Pirate SP IMO and could prove useful to some, especially those in super duper deep NL Only Leagues.

Jeff Francis, Rockies: SP- Francis could come back some time before the All Star break.  Sometimes these mid-level type players go undrafted when they start the season on the DL.  So it may be worth checking if he is available.  Expecting the 2006-07 version of JF would be a bit too optimistic at this point.  

Huston Street, Rockies: RP- he shouldn't be available in most leagues.  But sometimes these guys fall through the cracks, especially in leagues that don't have a DL spot.  The closer job will be awaiting upon his return, minus a few tune-up innings at the MLB level.

Coco Crisp, A's: OF- should be back in a few weeks, if not sooner.  The A's used to have an aversion to any sort of running game, perhaps they still have the Money Ball reputation.  But actually that started to change around the 2006 season.  Up until then, the A's were usually lingering around the bottom of the AL in stolen bases.  From 2002-2005 the A's averaged about 43 stolen basis a year.  In 2006 they jumped up to the middle of the pack in the AL with 61.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009 they had team totals of 52 (last), 88 (7th), 133 (4th).  So I think it's a safe bet that the A's try to run again in 2010.   They are on pace as a team to steal 90 bags this year, even with Coco not in the lineup yet.

BIG QUESTION MARKS-

Chris Young, Padres: SP- on the DL (again) with lots of potential upon his return (again) except this time the Padre rotation is not so desperate.  The main issue here is whether the Pads can get him healthy enough to trade him off for something.  There could be some teams interested.

Freddy Sanchez, Giants: 2b- the main question here is where do the Giants stick this guy once he returns?  Maybe Juan Uribe moves to the OF?  There may be some room there, but maybe not enough for the Giants' liking.  

Kelly Shoppach, Rays: C- something says to me that years from now Shoppach will be telling his grandkids about that 2008 year in Cleveland.  But that's about where the "good ole' days" story end.  He's due back in Tampa around the All Star break, if not sooner.  But I would not get real excited at this point, even when he finally returns.

Edwin Encarnacion, Bluejays: 3b- ok Edwin, we are still waiting.  Funny how when I used to own EE,  my fantasy teams would perform equally well (or equally poor) whether he was active or on the DL.