After the first couple of weeks in the 2009 season, many fantasy baseball owners are wondering how to help their teams without trading away key talent. The answer lies in the bottom of the free agent barrel, where there is always good talent to be found if you know where to look.
The following players are currently available in my 10-team AL-only league. Each one brings something to the table, whether it be potential, consistency or good production at a tough position.
AL Hitters
Andruw Jones
Limited playing time has been just what this whiff-king needed to get his swing back in order. Barely making the Rangers out of spring training, he is 7-14 with a homer so far in 2009. The Texas lineup is tough to crack right now, but if he keeps performing, they will have to find a spot for him.
Brent Lillibridge
Only hitting .150 so far, but 3 steals make him an intriguing play. See if he can raise his average to gain more playing time and you've got a quality speedster on your hands.
Josh Anderson
Tigers' manager Jim Leyland likes him, and he has a couple of steals. He should continue to get decent playing time and he's young, so he has some upside.
John Buck
The best catcher on the free agent list, Buck already has 3 home runs. He's stuck behind Miguel Olivo for playing time in Kansas City, but has demonstrated the ability to hit the long ball over the years. Not a bad option for your backup catcher, but might make a weak choice for a starter.
Felix Pie
The Orioles' outfielder has not shown much ability to hit for average so far, batting just .147. Pie does have the tools to do everything on the baseball field, so this might be a really good time to pick him up when no one else is looking.
Trevor Crowe
If the Indians continue their losing ways, expect more playing time for the youngsters. That would mean more at bats for Crowe, who has 4 RBI and a .227 average.
Robert Andino
Acquired by Baltimore just before the season, Andino has filled in at the middle infield spots, and managed 4 hits in 12 at bats. He may see some more playing time with the injury to Melvin Mora.
Mike Sweeney
Old guys get no respect sometimes, yet Sweeney can still hit for average. He has 29 at bats already in a weak Mariner lineup that should give him plenty of opportunities to play.
Rod Barajas
Another catcher that can hit home runs, expect 15 dingers from Barajas this year.
Travis Buck
A little bit of a surprise that Buck hasn't been picked up, but past injuries have made owners gunshy. he's 4-19 so far with 3 RBI.
AL Pitchers
Brandon McCarthy
11 IP, 12 K, 4.91 ERA...Expect the ERA to be fairly high all year. Only add McCarthy if you can withstand the ERA hit, and are in need of Wins and Strikeouts.
Aaron Laffey
Just called up to take the place of Scott Lewis, Laffey is a guy that the Tribe would love to take over Lewis' rotation spot. So far, so good with 5 K's in 5.1 innings in his first start.
Sidney Ponson
The guy who knocked everyone's socks off in the World baseball Classic has pitched fairly well for the Royals after a rough spring. Ponson is another one to avoid unless you are desperate for a starter.
Robinson Tejada
When he throws strikes, he can be lethal. So far, Tejada has 7 K's in 3.2 innings to go along with no earned runs. He may find himself in the rotation if he keeps it up.
Mark Lowe
He looked so good two years ago, and then the injuries, and now he is finally getting his form back. He's got 6 K's in 5.1 innings, but will probably be relegated to middle relief for awhile.
Scott Linebrink
The quintessential middle relief guy, Linebrink has a 0.00 ERA in 4 innings to go with 6 K's.
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