Are you ready to get back into action? Thursday's games mark the beginning of the pennant chases in both the real and fantasy realms. I'm stalking the leader following the return of Ricky Nolasco to fantasy prominence and a deal that brought me Derrek Lee and Dan Haren in exchange for Ryan Howard. Fortunately, I'd been able to pair Howard and Alex Rodriguez (I'm not afraid of some controversy in my virtual clubhouse) to thrust toward the top of the power categories. Can my squad deliver a big second half?
I'll add to the madness and offer you another challenge on top of this week's waiver review. You can join the new Baseball Hot Streak and compete for cash and fantasy glory. Your task is to pick a player each day to meet one of nine statistical categories. That's it. It sounds simple, but you and I will have our share of heartbreak over the course of the second half as our streaks are broken. There will be bullpen blow-ups to spoil superb outings from your starting pitchers. There will be runners cut down on bang-bang plays at the plate to thwart the selection of a two-RBI player.
I'll give you my first pick here and will be playing along in my blog on FOXSports.com. It's time to get it on with Manny Ramirez as a two-RBI contributor for the Dodgers in his first game before the adoration of the home crowd since his suspension. Wandy Rodriguez is a formidable opponent, to be sure, but I'll give some love to the multitude of Facebook, Twitter and email messages I've received referencing his return. I'm a man of the people!
Let's get back at it. I'll begin in Seattle with an outfielder shaping up to be a fine five-tool contributor in the second half.
Franklin Gutierrez, OF, SEA (8.4% owned)
Gutierrez has been on a tear since the end of June, hitting safely in 21 of his past 23 games. During this stretch, he's hit .391 (36-for-92) with six home runs, 17 RBI and 17 runs. He's also posted 11 multi-hit games in this period and has stolen five bases overall.
Troy Glaus, 3B, STL (38.8% owned)
Glaus is still several weeks from returning to the St. Louis lineup, but I feel I'd remiss if I didn't at least put him on the radar. He began his rehabilitation assignment earlier this week, and third base is an incredibly deep position (as evidenced by the next two entries), but a return to the lineup alongside Ryan Ludwick and Albert Pujols would be beneficial to anyone.
Gordon Beckham, SS/3B, CWS (5.2% owned)
I'm optimistic that Beckham's game continues to rise with the temperatures in Chicago during the humid summer months. The ball explodes out of U.S. Cellular Field in the summertime, and I'm hopeful a few of those come off Beckham's bat. He's hit safely in 12 of his past 16 games, batting .367 (22-for-60) with five doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI.
Joe Crede, 3B, MIN (10.5% owned)
Crede's a player to watch during the early part of the second half. He generated 14 home runs, 11 doubles and a triple in the first half, a solid rate of one dinger per 9.69 at-bats. He improved his production as the All-Star break approached, batting .279 (17-for-66) with four home runs and 10 RBI. The Twins open the second half in Texas, where the ball could start flying out of the park with the summer heat.
Kendry Morales, 1B/OF, LAA (22.6% owned)
We'd been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Morales as a full-time player and power broker for fantasy owners. That's finally happened in 2009, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Angels. Morales ripped 41 extra-base hits in the first half with 49 RBI. He hit safely in 16 straight games to close the half out (appearing as a pinch-hitter with a walk in the final game against the Yankees).
