The end of April is rapidly coming to a close, and things are looking to be way more interesting than many could have imagined. By now you’re getting a fair understanding of how your lineup is going to look for the rest of the season. In a few spots you’re doing well, but there can always be room for improvement. Even though the time for making trades is starting to get hot, it’s not too late to pick up a last minute free agent off the wire to help sweeten a potential deal or to have make a few spot starts when your top guys have a day off. Here are the Top-five best guys available now.
Brandon Crawford San Francisco Giants SS
Believe it or not, San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford is in the Top-25 in total bases on the season. More impressive than that is the fact that he’s crushed five home runs and knocked in 13 runners as well. This is a HUGE deal considering the fact that Crawford hit four home runs all of last season. It should be noted that he played in 143 games in 2012 compared to the 24 thus far in 2013. He’s currently on pace to setting career highs in almost every statistical category, and he’s only owned in roughly 57 percent of all leagues. Get him now!
Nate McLouth Baltimore Orioles OF
If there has been one guy still available in most leagues who’s currently on a tear, it has to be Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nate McLouth. In his last seven games McLouth has raked in 11 hits, seven RBI, stolen four bases and scored nine runs. As it currently stands McLouth is sixth in runs scored (21) and second in stolen bases with eight. Add both of those to his impressive .351 average and .455 on-base percentage and you’ve got yourself quite the pickup on your hands. He’s only owned in roughly 40 percent of all leagues.
Kevin Correia Minnesota Twins SP
This one may be considered an “outside the box” pick, but Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kevin Correia has showing signs of being the great pitcher he was projected to be during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. So far this season Correia has turned four quality starts into a 3-1 record on top a respectable 2.23 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. His last start against the Texas Rangers, one of the best hitting teams in the Majors, saw him only allowing six hits and one walk without a single earned run. Even though his strikeouts (15) may not be that favorable to most owners, he steadily decreasing ERA and WHIP are. He is currently owned in seven percent of all leagues. He might make for a solid spot starter on your roster.
Josh Donaldson Oakland Athletics 3B
One of the biggest surprises of the season has come from Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson. This one should have been seen coming, especially considering that his spring training numbers were well-above par. In his last seven games Donaldson has boosted his batting average by 55 points behind 12 hits including a four-for-four day against the Orioles on Saturday. He has also knocked 10 runners, proving to be the much-needed catalyst to an offense that has slightly faltered over the last nine games. Need more? His 47 total bases are tied for 25th-best in the Majors. He is currently owned in roughly 30 percent of all leagues.
Patrick Corbin Arizona Diamondbacks SP, RP
Originally it was uncertain if Patrick Corbin was going to have a role as starter with an all ready stockpiled Arizona Diamondbacks rotation; however, Corbin has proved to be the most consistent, if not best starter in the rotation. He’s pitched more innings (33.0), has the best ERA (1.91), best WHIP (1.06) and currently has the third-most strikeouts (25) amongst all of the Diamondbacks starters. In his five quality starts he’s been able to walk away with a 3-0 record. He’d be the perfect addition to any roster as he is owned in roughly 44 percent of all leagues.