September first has come and gone, and that means a lot of new faces around the league.  There is always a lot of buzz this time of year because some of the top prospects in the league get a chance to show what they have at the major league level, while others ride the pine on contenders and use the time to see what it’s like to be on the big league team.  Even though some of the top prospects in the league won’t see a lot of playing time, there are still plenty of September call ups that can help your team in the fantasy baseball playoffs.

I’m stretching a little with this pick, and maybe assuming a little too much, but now that he’s on the Chicago Cubs I expect Daniel Bard to return to form.  Cubs executive Theo Epstein knows Bard from experience with the Red Sox, and if Bard gets time with the Cubs down the stretch he will get time to prove himself for next season.  Expect Bard to get an opportunity, could be as a starter or in relief, and expect a change of scenery to do him some good.  If he returns to his form that would bring you a great strikeout rate.

Erik Davis has one start under his belt, and while his ERA and WHIP weren’t to die for, he did get credit for the win and recorded nine strikeouts in only 5.1 innings pitched.  With the Washington Nationals nearly out of the playoff picture, they have an elimination number of 10, they are going to be able to give some of their youngsters time to shine.  If Davis can continue to strike out batters at that rate, he is worth a waiver claim if you are lacking in that stat and need a boost in the playoffs.

If you’ve paid any attention to the minor leagues in the last two seasons then you know who Billy Hamilton and you know what he brings to the table.  The Cincinnati Reds have finally called the speedster up, and while he’s not going to get a lot of play time on the playoff contending Reds, he is going to get plenty of time to pinch run.  Hamilton is good for one thing, and much like with Davis with his strikeouts, if you need help in stolen bases you should pick him up, because when he gets in the game you can almost guarantee that it is going to be to steal a base.

This next guy got called up before September, the end of July to be exact, but Kole Calhoun is one guy you should look out for for sure.  Calhoun is batting cleanup for the Los Angeles Angels, and with guys like J.B. Shuck and Mike Trout setting the table for him he is going to have plenty of opportunities to produce.  In just over a full month in the Angels lineup Calhoun has scored 17 and knocked in 17 with five home runs.  The Angels have a chance to spoil the postseason plans of both the A’s and the Rangers down the stretch, and you can expect Calhoun to be a big part of the offense as they try and do it.