Twinsportal.com | Minnesota Twins News, twins Scores, Game Recaps & Commentary - <div>Fantasy baseball waivers and the acquisition of fantasy baseball free agents can make or break a season. You may have adjusted your fantasy baseball cheat sheets over and over during spring training. If your team remains the same after Opening Day, though, you'll probably have trouble competing in your rotisserie baseball league.</div><p></p>Do you need to add players to replace your fantasy baseball busts? Which players can you ignore? KFFL.com's <i>Diamond Market </i>series gives you the fantasy baseball tips and advice you need to sort through the masses quickly.<p><h3>KEY</h3><p><b>Acquire </b>- Add player (in most circumstances)<br><b>Watch</b> - Track player; consider adding if trend continues<br><b>Pass</b> - Do not add player (in most circumstances)<p><h3>Third Basemen</h3><p><h4>Ruben Gotay, Atlanta</h4><p>With third baseman <b>Chipper Jones</b> (quadriceps) facing a possible stint on the disabled list, Gotay should continue to see time at the hot corner. He has made an appearance at third base in eight straight games and hit in the two-spot in the last three. However, Gotay is just a .253 career hitter who has never shown much speed or power. Place him on your watch list exclusively in NL-only leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>NL-only</i>: Watch<p><h3>Shortstops</h3><p><h4>Brandon Fahey, Baltimore</h4><p>Fahey was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, June 27, and is expected to see some time at shortstop. This is his second stint in the majors this season, and in 28 at-bats, Fahey has posted a .214 average and just two RBI. He is nothing more than a watch-list candidate in AL-only formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Watch<p><h3>Outfielders</h3><p><h4>Nick Swisher, Chicago White Sox</h4><p>Swisher has been on a hot streak during June, hitting .307 with five home runs, 18 RBI and 21 runs scored. He has reached the 20-home run plateau three times in his career, including 35 home runs and 95 RBI in 2006 with the A's. If you are looking for a solid outfield acquisition, grab Swisher in any format.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Luke Scott, Baltimore</h4><p>Scott is proving his power surge last month (five home runs) was no fluke with his June numbers. The offseason addition has hit eight homers in June to go along with his .333 average and 13 RBI. He's just five home runs shy of establishing a new career high and appears to be relishing his first opportunity at regular playing time. Consider grabbing Scott in any format and ride his current hot streak until it peters out. However, only consider him if you don't have to give up a significant contributor as Scott does not have a proven track record.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Jim Edmonds, Chicago Cubs</h4><p>Apparently, Edmonds still has something left in the tank. After hitting just .178 with six RBIs in 90 at-bats with the Padres earlier this year, Edmonds has posted a .302 average with seven home runs, 22 RBI and 11 runs since joining the division-leading Cubs. A big chunk of his improvement has come in June with a .338-6-19 line in 68 at-bats. Edmonds should be acquired in deeper mixed formats until his hot streak ends.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Gregor Blanco, Atlanta</h4><p>Blanco is expected to continue starting in left field even after outfielder <b>Mark Kotsay</b> (back) returns to the lineup, which he is expected to do Tuesday, July 1. Blanco has been on a hot streak of late, recording four straight multi-hit games and a .333 average over his last 16 contests. Still, Blanco remains an option exclusively in NL-only formats, though he could be on some watch lists in deeper mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Andruw Jones, Los Angeles Dodgers</h4><p>Jones' (knee) shot at redemption looks close to fruition. The injured center fielder is expected to begin a minor league assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas shortly, with Jones aiming to return when the second half of the season kicks off July 18. Jones has struggled during his first campaign in Los Angeles, hitting just .165 with two home runs and seven RBI in 133 at-bats. A low average could have been expected, but his low power totals were a disappointment. If you are struggling for power in deeper mixed formats, Jones could be someone to grab as a potentially high-upside acquisition. He has hit more than 25 home runs in every season since 1997.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Denard Span, Minnesota</h4><p>Span spent two-plus weeks in April with the big-league club before being demoted to Triple-A Rochester. However, another injury to outfielder<B> Michael Cuddyer</b> (finger) has opened up a spot for Span in the majors. Span was hitting .340 with 32 runs and 15 stolen bases for Rochester in 156 at-bats this year. Despite his solid Triple-A numbers, he should only be on watch lists until it is determined how much playing time he will receive.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Watch<p><h4>Matt Joyce, Detroit</h4><p>Joyce received a call-up Sunday, June 29, after outfielder <b>Magglio Ordonez </b>(oblique) landed on the disabled list. Joyce had been working in right field for Triple-A Toledo and provides the Tigers with a left-handed bat in a lineup dominated by right-handed batters. He could be a decent power option but should just be considered in AL-only formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Delwyn Young, Los Angeles Dodgers</h4><p>With outfielder<b> Juan Pierre</b> (knee) heading to the disabled list, Young could see a boost in playing time. However, he has posted a modest .289-1-4 line with five runs in 76 at-bats this year. Young does not contribute in enough categories to make him an option in anything more than NL-only leagues. His value in those setups is contingent on the duration of Pierre's stint on the disabled list.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Designated Hitters</h3><p><h4>Billy Butler, Kansas City</h4><p>The Royals' designated hitter to start the season, Butler was sent down to the minors at the end of May to rediscover a power stroke that had deserted him up to that point. After raking against Triple-A pitching for almost a month, Butler was recalled to the majors Saturday, June 28. He is not worth adding in shallow mixed setups, but a speculative owner should add him in deeper mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Starting Pitchers</h3><p><h4>Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati</h4><p>Cueto threw 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball Saturday, June 28, dropping his ERA to 4.68 in the process - the lowest it has been since April 24. His recent start was his third straight solid outing and fifth in six tries. He has also been better on the road this month (17 1/3 innings, four runs), where he has struggled most of the year. If you are looking to boost your pitching in any format with a high-upside prospect, Cueto is a decent option.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Eric Hurley, Texas</h4><p>With just two wins and a 5.30 ERA in the minors, Hurley's promotion midway through June likely didn't garner much attention outside of AL-only leagues. However, he has shown improvement in each of his four starts, lowering his ERA from 6.00 after his first start to 3.57 following his June 29 outing. His strikeouts haven't come as easily as they did in the minors - 532 strikeouts in 573 lifetime minor league innings - but he could be a decent watch list candidate in deeper mixed leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Josh Johnson, Florida</h4><p>Johnson's (elbow) road back from Tommy John surgery could finally be coming to an end. The 6-foot-7 hurler threw 5 2/3 innings for Double-A Carolina on Sunday, June 29, giving up five runs on 11 hits and one walk. He is scheduled to make another rehab start Friday, July 4, but could return shortly thereafter. Johnson has only made more than four appearances once in a season (2006), but he recorded 12 wins and posted a 3.10 ERA during that campaign. Johnson should be on watch lists in deep mixed leagues and should be a solid, but risky pickup in NL-only formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>NL-only</i>: Watch<p><h4>Luis Mendoza, Texas</h4><p>Starting pitcher<b> Kason Gabbard</b> (elbow) landed on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation Saturday, June 28, opening up a spot in the rotation for Mendoza. The 24-year-old has made six appearances (three starts) this year, compiling a 5.40 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP in the process. He looks set to remain in the rotation for the time being, making him worth consideration in AL-only formats exclusively.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Collin Balester, Washington</h4><p>Balester, the Nationals' second-best pitching prospect heading into 2008 according to <i>Baseball America</i>, is expected to be called up Tuesday, July 1, from Triple-A Columbus. With Columbus, he's posted a 9-3 record with a 4.00 ERA in 78 2/3 innings this season, boosted by his 4-0 record and 2.82 ERA in June. He is expected to get an extended look in the majors. If you are looking for a high-upside option in NL-only leagues, Balester could be an intriguing option. Hold off on grabbing him in any mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p></p>

Fantasy baseball waivers and the acquisition of fantasy baseball free agents can make or break a season. You may have adjusted your fantasy baseball cheat sheets over and over during spring training. If your team remains the same after Opening Day, though, you'll probably have trouble competing in your rotisserie baseball league.

Do you need to add players to replace your fantasy baseball busts? Which players can you ignore? KFFL.com's Diamond Market series gives you the fantasy baseball tips and advice you need to sort through the masses quickly.

KEY

Acquire - Add player (in most circumstances)
Watch - Track player; consider adding if trend continues
Pass - Do not add player (in most circumstances)

Third Basemen

Ruben Gotay, Atlanta

With third baseman Chipper Jones (quadriceps) facing a possible stint on the disabled list, Gotay should continue to see time at the hot corner. He has made an appearance at third base in eight straight games and hit in the two-spot in the last three. However, Gotay is just a .253 career hitter who has never shown much speed or power. Place him on your watch list exclusively in NL-only leagues.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
NL-only: Watch

Shortstops

Brandon Fahey, Baltimore

Fahey was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, June 27, and is expected to see some time at shortstop. This is his second stint in the majors this season, and in 28 at-bats, Fahey has posted a .214 average and just two RBI. He is nothing more than a watch-list candidate in AL-only formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
AL-only: Watch

Outfielders

Nick Swisher, Chicago White Sox

Swisher has been on a hot streak during June, hitting .307 with five home runs, 18 RBI and 21 runs scored. He has reached the 20-home run plateau three times in his career, including 35 home runs and 95 RBI in 2006 with the A's. If you are looking for a solid outfield acquisition, grab Swisher in any format.

Shallow mixed: Acquire
Deep mixed: Acquire
AL-only: Acquire

Luke Scott, Baltimore

Scott is proving his power surge last month (five home runs) was no fluke with his June numbers. The offseason addition has hit eight homers in June to go along with his .333 average and 13 RBI. He's just five home runs shy of establishing a new career high and appears to be relishing his first opportunity at regular playing time. Consider grabbing Scott in any format and ride his current hot streak until it peters out. However, only consider him if you don't have to give up a significant contributor as Scott does not have a proven track record.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
AL-only: Acquire

Jim Edmonds, Chicago Cubs

Apparently, Edmonds still has something left in the tank. After hitting just .178 with six RBIs in 90 at-bats with the Padres earlier this year, Edmonds has posted a .302 average with seven home runs, 22 RBI and 11 runs since joining the division-leading Cubs. A big chunk of his improvement has come in June with a .338-6-19 line in 68 at-bats. Edmonds should be acquired in deeper mixed formats until his hot streak ends.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Gregor Blanco, Atlanta

Blanco is expected to continue starting in left field even after outfielder Mark Kotsay (back) returns to the lineup, which he is expected to do Tuesday, July 1. Blanco has been on a hot streak of late, recording four straight multi-hit games and a .333 average over his last 16 contests. Still, Blanco remains an option exclusively in NL-only formats, though he could be on some watch lists in deeper mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
NL-only: Acquire

Andruw Jones, Los Angeles Dodgers

Jones' (knee) shot at redemption looks close to fruition. The injured center fielder is expected to begin a minor league assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas shortly, with Jones aiming to return when the second half of the season kicks off July 18. Jones has struggled during his first campaign in Los Angeles, hitting just .165 with two home runs and seven RBI in 133 at-bats. A low average could have been expected, but his low power totals were a disappointment. If you are struggling for power in deeper mixed formats, Jones could be someone to grab as a potentially high-upside acquisition. He has hit more than 25 home runs in every season since 1997.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
NL-only: Acquire

Denard Span, Minnesota

Span spent two-plus weeks in April with the big-league club before being demoted to Triple-A Rochester. However, another injury to outfielder Michael Cuddyer (finger) has opened up a spot for Span in the majors. Span was hitting .340 with 32 runs and 15 stolen bases for Rochester in 156 at-bats this year. Despite his solid Triple-A numbers, he should only be on watch lists until it is determined how much playing time he will receive.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
AL-only: Watch

Matt Joyce, Detroit

Joyce received a call-up Sunday, June 29, after outfielder Magglio Ordonez (oblique) landed on the disabled list. Joyce had been working in right field for Triple-A Toledo and provides the Tigers with a left-handed bat in a lineup dominated by right-handed batters. He could be a decent power option but should just be considered in AL-only formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
AL-only: Acquire

Delwyn Young, Los Angeles Dodgers

With outfielder Juan Pierre (knee) heading to the disabled list, Young could see a boost in playing time. However, he has posted a modest .289-1-4 line with five runs in 76 at-bats this year. Young does not contribute in enough categories to make him an option in anything more than NL-only leagues. His value in those setups is contingent on the duration of Pierre's stint on the disabled list.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
NL-only: Acquire

Designated Hitters

Billy Butler, Kansas City

The Royals' designated hitter to start the season, Butler was sent down to the minors at the end of May to rediscover a power stroke that had deserted him up to that point. After raking against Triple-A pitching for almost a month, Butler was recalled to the majors Saturday, June 28. He is not worth adding in shallow mixed setups, but a speculative owner should add him in deeper mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
AL-only: Acquire

Starting Pitchers

Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati

Cueto threw 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball Saturday, June 28, dropping his ERA to 4.68 in the process - the lowest it has been since April 24. His recent start was his third straight solid outing and fifth in six tries. He has also been better on the road this month (17 1/3 innings, four runs), where he has struggled most of the year. If you are looking to boost your pitching in any format with a high-upside prospect, Cueto is a decent option.

Shallow mixed: Acquire
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Eric Hurley, Texas

With just two wins and a 5.30 ERA in the minors, Hurley's promotion midway through June likely didn't garner much attention outside of AL-only leagues. However, he has shown improvement in each of his four starts, lowering his ERA from 6.00 after his first start to 3.57 following his June 29 outing. His strikeouts haven't come as easily as they did in the minors - 532 strikeouts in 573 lifetime minor league innings - but he could be a decent watch list candidate in deeper mixed leagues.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
AL-only: Acquire

Josh Johnson, Florida

Johnson's (elbow) road back from Tommy John surgery could finally be coming to an end. The 6-foot-7 hurler threw 5 2/3 innings for Double-A Carolina on Sunday, June 29, giving up five runs on 11 hits and one walk. He is scheduled to make another rehab start Friday, July 4, but could return shortly thereafter. Johnson has only made more than four appearances once in a season (2006), but he recorded 12 wins and posted a 3.10 ERA during that campaign. Johnson should be on watch lists in deep mixed leagues and should be a solid, but risky pickup in NL-only formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
NL-only: Watch

Luis Mendoza, Texas

Starting pitcher Kason Gabbard (elbow) landed on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation Saturday, June 28, opening up a spot in the rotation for Mendoza. The 24-year-old has made six appearances (three starts) this year, compiling a 5.40 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP in the process. He looks set to remain in the rotation for the time being, making him worth consideration in AL-only formats exclusively.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
AL-only: Acquire

Collin Balester, Washington

Balester, the Nationals' second-best pitching prospect heading into 2008 according to Baseball America, is expected to be called up Tuesday, July 1, from Triple-A Columbus. With Columbus, he's posted a 9-3 record with a 4.00 ERA in 78 2/3 innings this season, boosted by his 4-0 record and 2.82 ERA in June. He is expected to get an extended look in the majors. If you are looking for a high-upside option in NL-only leagues, Balester could be an intriguing option. Hold off on grabbing him in any mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
NL-only: Acquire