Believe it or not, there are still quite a few decent guys speckled throughout the free agency wire. While some of you are sweating it out, hoping to make a killer trade or get a rebound performance from your original draft picks, other are cutting the fat and picking up some new blood. Rather than let your own emotions and superstitions bring you down, be sure to give these guys a look and make room on your roster before it’s too late.
Kendrys Morales Seattle Mariners 1B
Before the 2013 season started there was a bit of skepticism over the trade between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels which sent Jason Vargas to the Sunshine State and Kendrys Morales to the Pacific Northwest. Vargas hasn’t really kindled the fire he had with the Mariners while Morales has been on a bit of an offensive tear of late. Morales is the midst of a six-game hitting streak in which he is hitting .481 with seven extra base hits. If you’ve been in search of a guy who can boost your team average and bring your total base numbers to a respectable level, Morales is your man. He is currently owned in roughly 43 percent of all leagues.
Seth Smith Oakland Athletics OF
It’s become a bit of a ritual to add at least one Oakland Athletics player to this list every week, but can you really argue it? Week-by-week someone on the A’s steps up to carry the load and this time around it’s Seth Smith. Smith started off the season hot, cooled off and has caught fire once again. He’s raked in 14 hits, six RBI and boosted his average to .292 in his last 10 games, all the while filling in for an injured Josh Reddick. Even though Reddick will be back as soon as the end of the week, don’t expect Smith to miss any at-bats. With all of the outfielders back in the lineup Smith will go back to hitting at DH. He’s currently owned in seven percent of all leagues.
Yan Gomes Cleveland Indians C, 1B, 3B
The first player from Brazil, Yan Gomes is steadily becoming a premier utility player. In his last four games he’s hit three home runs and knocked in seven runs. His only problem at the moment is that he’s fighting catching and DH roles with Carlos Santana, Mark Reynolds and Nick Swisher especially no that Michael Bourn is back in the lineup. Keep an eye out for the daily lineups, but be sure to pick Gomes up as a solid backup at any of his available positions. He is currently owned in four percent of all leagues.
Mark Melancon Pittsburgh Pirates RP
Unless you’re a hardcore Pittsburgh Pirates fan you probably haven’t heard of Mark Melancon. It’s a shame because he’s currently leading the Majors in holds with 18, not to mention his ERA is a solid 1.00 along with his 0.78 WHIP. He’s only allowed one walk this season while striking out 27 in 27 innings pitched. He’s currently owned in roughly 21 percent of all leagues. Do the math. Get him!
Bronson Arroyo Cincinnati Reds SP
Of all the pitchers who have been turning their fortunes around, Bronson Arroyo is high on that list. He’s been victorious in his last three starts for the Cincinnati Reds, only allowing three earned runs in that stretch. Arroyo’s 3.39 ERA may not be much to put a smile on your face, but it has improved significantly after dropping from a 4.30 almost two weeks ago. If you need another quality starter, Arroyo is your man. He is currently owned in 36 percent of all leagues.