Believe it or not, there are still quite a few decent guys speckled throughout the free agency wire. While some of you are sweating it out, hoping to make a killer trade or get a rebound performance from your original draft picks, other are cutting the fat and picking up some new blood. Rather than let your own emotions and superstitions bring you down, be sure to give these guys a look and make room on your roster before it’s too late.
Michael Brantley Cleveland Indians OF
The Cleveland Indians have been hot! Since winning the second game of a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals on April 28th, the Indians have only lost twice since then thanks in part to Michael Brantley going 21-60 (.350) in that stretch. Prior to the run Brantley was batting around .272 with only four extra base hits. The only drawback to Brantley is his lack of stolen bases; however, his on-base percentage and runs scored (17) more than make up for his lack of quickness on the base paths. He’s currently owned in 14 percent of all leagues.
Brian Duensing Minnesota Twins SP, RP
Brian Duensing May still be listed as a spot starter; however, Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire realized last season that the veteran pitcher does better coming out of the bullpen. In his last 10 appearances Duensing has only given up one run and three total on the year, bring his ERA to an impressive 1.84. His WHIP (1.23) is a little shaky, but he makes up for it in long outings and is a near lock for a hold. He is currently owned in two percent of all leagues.
Gerardo Parra Arizona Diamondbacks OF
It’s a mystery why Gerardo Parra is still a free agent in any league, but strangely enough he’s only owned in 38 percent of all leagues. Parra has been the one saving grace in the outfield for the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting an impressive .315 with three home runs, four stolen bases and 24 runs scored. Parra was mostly seen as a defensive threat the last few seasons, but never got a lot of starts due to Justin Upton’s presence. With Upton gone Parra has been an offensive wrecking ball waiting to wreak havoc on National League pitching. Get him now!
Marco Scutaro San Francisco Giants 2B, 3B, SS
Judging by the 62 percent of people who own Marco Scutaro it’s clear that the other 38 percent are unaware that he’s currently on a 12-game hit streak in which he’s batting .434. That’s right; he’s nearly averaging two base knocks per game in his last 12. Not to mention he’s brought his average up 55 points to .305 on the season along with 20 runs scored. Scutaro knows two things: get on base and score. Get ‘em!
James Loney Tampa Bay Rays 1B
Whether you want to believe it or not, James Loney has the second-best batting average in baseball. At .376 he’s only three points behind Miguel Cabrera, a feat that no one ever expected Loney to come close to. Loney has currently crushed three home runs along with 20 RBI in only 109 at-bats this season. The one drawback to Loney is that he’s not an everyday player; however, he would make for a fantastic platoon guy on any squad. He is currently owned in 23 percent of all leagues and sure to be going fast once everyone else becomes aware of his numbers.