Rubby De La Rosa – While it would seem De La Rosa would be the perfect fit as the Dodgers closer, he’s the replacement for Jon Garland as the Los Angeles number five starter. The Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year in 2010 gets his fastball up in the high 90s making him lethal when it’s going right. Like any 22 year old pitcher control is his issue, but with three BB’s in his last 14 innings pitched, De La Rosa is heading in the right direction. With a solid changeup and an improving slider, we are looking at a potential number two starter in the Los Angeles rotation for years to come. Owned in one percent of ESPN leagues, De La Rosa should be picked up in all keeper leagues and head to head leagues with the Padres coming to Chavez Ravine. A matchup play in the mean time, scoop up De La Rosa as his second half could be special.
Rajai Davis – A hot bat is a hot bat, so it’s hard to ignore what Davis has been up to lately for the Blue Jays. A notoriously streaky hitter, Davis for the last three seasons has been either all or nothing when it comes to months. June was a month to avoid Davis as he finished with a .163 BA, but as soon as it hit July, his bat started to head in the right direction. While the month is just over a week in his 273 BA and four SB’s is a positive sign. July has been a favorite month of Davis in recent history, in 2009 he finished the month with a .405 BA and 2010 with a .328 BA. Yes, I do see a trend when it comes to Davis and it’s a wave I would ride if I need steals and runs. With his recent slump, owners have dumped Davis but in all 12 team mixed leagues he needs to be picked up and in your lineup. A solid three category player for this weekend and the foreseeable future, Davis could be a top 30 outfielder from here on out.
Kyle Seager – The Mariners are doing the unthinkable in 2011, staying competitive while bringing in a youth movement. After calling up Dustin Ackley, Seattle is calling upon Seager to replace the statue at third base they call Chone Figgins. Before being called up Seager was in Triple A raking with a line of .455/.500/.673 in 55 at-bats. The Mariners will depend on Seager to raise the team’s batting average which is dead last in baseball sitting at .226. Seager hit .330 in over 1,200 at bats in the minors so the Seattle offense is trending in the right direction. With third base being such a thing position, Seager is worth a flier in 12 team mixed leagues and a must own in keeper/dynasty leagues.
Paul Maholm – I am not sure if it’s harder to believe the Pirates are playoff bound or that Maholm is the real deal? While the book is still out on both, Maholm’s 3.08 ERA and 1.22 WHIP has been extremely impressive as we reach the midway point of 2011. While many are quick to criticize Maholm because of his low strikeout rate, Maholm has been unlucky with the Pirates offense taking a breather when he takes the mound. In his second start of the week, Maholm duels with the Cubs who have yet to score a run against the south paw in two starts this season.
