Fantasy Baseball: Advice for the Stretch Run

As the fantasy season winds down, managers are constantly looking for ways to improve their teams. Though all "marquee" players are undoubtedly on an opposing manager's roster, not all players who can make a significant impact are taken. Here's a snapshot:

Add:
Mark Ellis, 2B- He hits for power, his average isn't terrible...and he'll fill in nicely in Chase Utley's absence. Catch the hint? Depending on what stats you need, also look at Ryan Theriot...they won't ease the pain Utley just gave, but they can keep your fantasy team from free-falling after losing that first-rounder.

Jon Lester, SP- He came back in dramatic fashion, holding the Cleveland Indians to 2 runs in 6 innings of work. While the BB/9 ratio isn't the best, he'll hold his own and get you some wins with a not-too-shabby ERA and WHIP.

Dustin McGowan, SP- Just look at his numbers and tell my why you don't want him. Okay, so they're not too overwhelming...however, I'm convinced he sustains his current paces at least (and those aren't bad), and he's making a case to be a solid No. 3 fantasy starter for every team.

Coco Crisp, OF- Maybe I have a man-crush on the Boston lineup right now, I dunno. I almost threw Kevin Gabbard on this add list, until I realized he's probably owned by everyone. So what was the point? Anyway, Crisp returned from a DL stint and is now crushing the ball, hitting for a .352 average while scoring 14 runs and driving in 18. He should still be a solid 3-category producer for you down the stretch.

Billy Butler, OF- With this one I'm taking a hint from most fantasy experts. Butler's been producing at the plate, hitting .349 with 22 RBIs in July. He won't crank the HRs like you want, and he doesn't score too often (13 R), but he won't damage any category, and that might be one of the bigger pluses here. It's worth checking out, no?

Watch:
Phil Hughes, SP- Okay, now I'm posting a Yankee, so maybe it's not all Boston after all. Hughes has been out for most of the year, but the New York top prospect is due to be back in the bigs sometime in the next week or so. If you desperately need pitching help, taking a risk on this guy may be one of your safer options.

Andrew Miller, SP- Another young pitcher, Miller has been good in his major league debut (as an SP), going 5-3 with a 3.78 ERA and averaging almost a strikeout per inning. He is a silent WHIP killer, but if you can take the hit, Miller's a decent choice for the stretch run.

Josh Fields, 3B- I don't totally trust him yet, but his past month's numbers don't lie: 6 HR, 19 RBI, and 14 runs scored (which isn't great, but not horrible). He's been on a tear in the last 7 games, so if you need a spark, this guy may be it for you.

Pedro Feliz, 3B- I may be reading wrong, but it seems as if he's close to acquired eligibility at the catcher position soon. If that happens, his stock rises dramatically. You'd be playing a third baseman at the catcher position! Talk about a steal. Just watch and see what happens, but if he does play enough games at C then he's a must-add.

Drop:
Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell, SP- Both hurlers are basically in the same boat at this point: Pittsburgh will limit their usage because the Pirates are out of it. The offense isn't supporting either of these guys, though neither has pitched well recently, with 10+ ERAs in each of their last starts. It's time to jump ship.

Luis Castillo, 2B- He was designated for Triple-A assignment yesterday, and his fantasy value is irrelevant for you now.

Hold:
Shane Victorino, OF- His production this year is too good to let go of, especially since he'll be back in 3 weeks. The high batting average and stolen bases he provides are tough to find elsewhere; letting him go now will only give you regret later.

Mike Napoli, C- As soon as he gets off the DL, he'll tear things up again in the Angels' lineup. Posting better numbers than top-5 catcher Jason Varitek in 100 less at-bats, if he can avoid the injury bug from here on out, he could be the difference for you in multiple categories.