Stock Up

Desmond Jennings, OF, TB – Jennings is a much-ballyhooed prospect and a lot is expected from the youngster, just not this fast. Jennings has burst onto the scene with a .354 batting average, 3 homers, 10 RBI, 9 runs scored and 5 stolen bases in only 48 at-bats. No, he won’t keep up this pace for the rest of the season, but he will produce for your team. If you are in a keeper league and this guy is somehow still available, pounce now.

Hideki Matsui, DH, OAK – Matsui is on a tear. Godzilla is hitting .500/2/10/11 over the last two weeks and is a must have for his current hot streak. His position eligibility is tricky, but you likely don’t have a designated hitter/utility player hitting this well right now, so a pickup is warranted.

Josh Willingham, OF, OAK – Willingham was the subject of a lot of trade deadline rumors as an inexpensive and able-bodied outfielder. He’s playing a lot better than able-bodied right now, posting a .292/2/14/10 line over the last two weeks. If you need help in the outfield, this guy can surely get you what you need.

Jesus Guzman, 1B, SD – Guzman is not the player most thought would be manning first base for San Diego. But with Anthony Rizzo’s struggles and Kyle Blanks banishment to left field, Guzman has taken over and is fitting in quite well. Hitting .361/2/7/9/2 over the last two weeks makes him a guy worth considering if you need to grab a hot bat to help you with your playoff drive.

Rick Ankiel, OF, WAS – Ankiel has power, but he is also very streaky. He’s in the middle of one of his hot streaks, so now is your chance. Over the last two weeks, Ankiel has hit .308/3/10/9 so ride out the hot streak while the getting is good, but always be ready to cut bait quickly with Ankiel as the hot streak will come to a screeching halt.

Mike Carp, OF, SEA – Another prospect with hype, Carp has a bright future. But the future isn’t now and this hot streak will not last. You can enjoy the hot streak that he produced .348/2/13/6 over the last two weeks, but just know that it will likely end soon.

 
Stock Down

Pedro Alvarez, 3B, PIT – Alvarez came into 2011 with much anticipation that this would be his breakthrough season. After struggling at the plate and with injuries, this is mostly a lost season for the future star. The last two weeks have been a lot of the same for Alvarez’s season, hitting .222/3/1/4. Third base is a very thin position, but this guy isn’t your answer right now.

Aaron Hill, 2B, TOR – Hill’s 2010 was a washout due to injuries and many were expecting the power and average to return. Instead, he has flashed speed unseen in his big league career, but little else of quality from a likely early-to-mid round draft pick. The last two weeks have been very trying for Hill owners as he has gone .231/1/1/4/0. Owners can live with the putrid average as long as he’s producing in the other categories, but that isn’t the case right now. It may be time to look for a replacement.

Bobby Abreu, OF, LAA – Abreu is showing his age as the bat is slowing down. His last two weeks have produced .150/1/4/5/1 and the season hasn’t been a heck of a lot better. Though he has had a strong career, the sun is setting and he’s probably not worth a roster spot in the future.

Gordon Beckham, 2B, CWS – Like most of the White Sox team, Beckham has struggled all season. The last two weeks have been especially disappointing as he has hit .200/1/1/2. This guy has a lot of talent and plays a thin position, but he just hasn’t produced.