More a glove guy than a hitter, Jason Bartlett has seen his average rise slowly as the season has progressed, and he makes every single a possible double.

As I rejoin the weekly article of Burning up the Bases, I take the time to thank Tim McCullough for not only filling in for me last week but also for bringing such an excellent perspective of the stolen base category.

As I jump back into the arena of stolen bases, I do it with the prospect of selecting a handful of players to fill my roster as I lose Los Angeles outfielder Juan Pierre to a sprained MCL. Unfortunate for me and I suppose many other fantasy managers who were struggling at the stolen base category and just took one on the chin with the news of Pierre, I find myself looking at the dregs of waiver wire, in search of something more than just the stolen base “one-hit wonders”.

After searching high and low among the free-agent lists, I have come to the conclusion that there is not much out there, so I have put together a positional list of who is likely available at every position and should be considered to fill a roster spot while you try to work the deal of the century.

Catcher: Mike Napoli, Los Angeles Angels

With twelve home runs and four stolen bases, he is likely the only one of value that may be available on your waiver wire. Napoli’s batting average (.211) and on-base percentage (.304) are two very good reasons why he may be available but ultimately his lack of batting average pushed manager Mike Scioscia to platoon Napoli with Jeff Mathis. If Napoli can drive his average back into the .250 range, he is likely to regain full-time employment and become a very good waiver-wire steal.

First Base: Eric Hinske, Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays seem to be getting more publicity in the last three months than they have received for their entire team’s existence to then in the major leagues. It has also become a breeding ground for washed up first baseman. Following in the footsteps of fellow first baseman Carlos Pena, Eric Hinske appears to be on the rebound. Pushing out 13 home runs, batting .264, and stealing seven bags so far this season, he has shown that he has value. The question is will it sustain and for how long?

Second Base: Mark Ellis, Oakland Athletics

Although the potential for injury is great for Mark Ellis and their owners, the bottom line is that he is getting the playing time on a team that relies on the manufacturing of runs to spur their offense. Through Sunday, Ellis has managed to steal nine bases and squeeze off eight homeruns while remaining a fantasy free agent for all leagues except the deepest of AL Only leagues. The trouble with Ellis is that he bats somewhere near the .250 mark and plays for an organization that can be red-hot for a week and then turn ice-cold for twice as long.

Third Base: Maicer Izturis, Los Angeles Angels

Predominately considered a utility/bench player, Maicer Izturis has had plenty of opportunity, mostly due to injuries that continue to hamper the Angels. Even with the return of Erick Aybar and Chone Figgins, Izturis still finds himself in the line-up while Howie Kendrick recovers from his umpteenth injury of his short, short career. Izturis will bat.265 or higher and potentially generate a few more homeruns than the three he has popped off so far this season. He will also steal more bases than the nine he has in limited action, but that phrase right there is the reason that most fantasy managers are weary, “limited action”. At this point, especially if you are like me on this particular rotisserie fantasy league, willing to sell your soul at this point for steals, and then he can be a short-term solution…he could end up being much more!

Shortstop: Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays

Fourth in steals for shortstops, the truth is that Jason Bartlett was brought into the Tampa Bay organization to do one thing more than any – play solid defense. There is no doubt that he is in the line-up for defense and not his .251 batting average. If you have a solid enough batting average foundation on your fantasy team, then Bartlett is a no- brainer. With sixteen steals, he is definitely worth investing on your team, especially as the season progresses and the Rays figure out that their speed is one of their biggest advantages.

Outfielder: Randy Winn, San Francisco Giants

I have to admit that he was only available in my mixed league, but it was still shocking to me. With a .294 batting average, five homeruns, and 12 stolen bases, it appears that Winn will not win you over with power, but he will score runs, steal bases, and is safe to plug in your line-up without dipping your team batting average, week in and week out. Because he is not exactly waiver-wire material at this point in the season and I believe I just got lucky, I present to you two other outfielders.

Outfielder: Michael Bourn, Houston Astros

It appears that Michael Bourn may actually be learning a thing or two. I will not call it a dramatic increase, but he has increased his batting average over the “Mendoza” line, hitting .229, year to date. The addition of four homeruns likely does nothing for your fantasy taste buds either, but what I consider eye-popping is the 31 stolen bases. On pace for over sixty bases, maybe it is that statistic that we should be basing our decision on and go with the 32 point batting average increase over the past month and use that as your “hope meter” and take a chance on pure speed.

Outfielder: Willy Tavares, Colorado Rockies

With Matt Holiday and Brad Hawpe, not to mention Ryan Spilborghs as a fourth outfielder, there is no reason the Colorado Rockies are expecting much more than what Tavares is giving them, .250 batting average (27 points lower than career average), 36 stolen bases, and solid defense. In my opinion, Tavares has been a fantasy favorite of mine because he simply bats a lower average in the first half, then typically hits near .300 ball after the All-Star break to drive his average into the.270-.280 range. Now may be the best chance to scoop him up and add up some stolen bases.

D/L Deal

Second Base: Kazuo Matsui, Houston Astros

Kazuo Matsui was a New York bust, then went to Colorado, revived his career, went to the world series, and earned himself quite a large sum of money in the off-season, signing with the Houston Astros. Now coming off his second stint on the disabled list, it may be time for you invest in him while most have given up. I believe that what Matsui was able to accomplish in the second half of 2007 had as much to do with his own abilities as it did “the right time, right team” scenario. Matsui, even with two visits to the disabled list, has still managed to steal 15 bases, bat .271, and even hit a homerun to add to his statistics.

As I continue to surf the free agent lists, I hope this helps you to get off the fence and make a decision to either pick’em up or let’em ride.