Nelson Cruz can really rake, and is worth a flier in all leagues.

Mixed League Options

Nelson Cruz, OF, TEX- Recently promoted, this Triple A slugger will be in the lineup everyday for the Rangers down the stretch. Hitting has never been a problem for Cruz, at least in the minors. The one time hot shot prospect has struggled upon major league promotions, but has mashed away for three straight years in the high minors. The 28 year old seems to have a vote of confidence from management after a ridiculous year in Oklahoma. He hit 37 home runs in Triple A this year in just 324 at bats, an incredible rate, and knocked one in his first major league game, going 3-5 with 3 RBIs. Especially in an offense friendly park, with an offense friendly lineup, this guy is a very legitimate power threat down the stretch. Pick him up and hope for a surge down the stretch.

Jonathan Sanchez, SP, SFG- Sanchez is slated to come off the DL and rejoin the Giants rotation for the remainder of the season. He is an excellent young pitcher, evidenced by his 133 strikeouts in 135 innings this season. Sanchez obviously has an injury risk, but if he can keep himself healthy over a full season, he definitely has 250 strikeout potential down the road. He is just 25 and in his first year in the starting rotation. His electric stuff is legitimate, and he is definitely worth owning in mixed leagues for the rest of the year and in the future. Keep an eye on his control and how he handles the workload. The Giants’ offense is pretty pathetic, so wins will be hard for him to come by, and his WHIP is a little high, but his ERA and Ks will be excellent, and that makes him worth owning in most leagues.

Brandon Morrow, SP, SEA- Morrow is a great young pitcher, the kind you can only find on waivers after say, a switch from the bullpen to the rotation. His Joba-like switch obviously comes with less hype, but could be even more successful. Morrow was a top pick just two Junes ago, drafted fifth overall for his electric arm. He quickly made his way to the big leagues, spending all of last year in the Mariners’ bullpen. This year he had achieved fantasy relevance as J.J. Putz’ injury replacement, but now he will get it on his own as a starter. He promises to provide a lot of strikeouts down the stretch and hopefully decent peripherals. The offense is lousy, but you can overlook that with a pitcher as promising as Morrow. Definitely should be owned in AL leagues, and worth a flier in mixed leagues down the stretch.

AL Only Options

Joaquin Arias, SS, TEX- The young speedster has been excellent in the Ranger’s lineup since replacing Ian Kinsler, raising his average over a 5 game hitting streak to .407, albeit in just 27 at bats. But Arias’ batting average is not why you want to pick him up, it’s his wheels that make him attractive. His hot bat will get him into the lineup and then on base, the exact place you want such a burner. He picked off bases in two straight games this week, and a middle infielder who can run as well as he can is gold in an AL only league. Need to catch up in steals down the stretch? Throw Arias in your lineup instead of a guy like Jed Lowrie, and hope for 5-10 more steals.

Rajai Davis, OF, OAK- Another steals only kind of guy, Davis has been getting some good playing time in the Athletic outfield, and under the radar has picked off bags left and right. He is owned in very few leagues, but is a great option in deep outfields. He has hit well over the last week, and combined with his propensity to steal 40-50 bases a year makes him worth owning right now. Davis is already 27 and came to the Athletics after never being able to win a job in the Pittsburgh outfield, which demonstrates the kind of overall talent he has. He is a 4^th outfielder for sure, but in AL only leagues a 4^th outfielder who steals bags like Davis does is worth it.

Shin-Soo Choo, OF, CLE- Quietly, Choo has put together a pretty good rookie year in the Cleveland outfield, and has had a great month of August. Though his average is a little bit low right now at .266, his power and patience are promising, leading to an OPS in the mid 800’s. The 26 year old plays every day in the rebuilding Indian’s outfield, and has had a bit of a power surge recently with 3 HRs in his last 7 games. Choo was a once very promising prospect who failed to establish himself in the bigs, but he appears to be living up to at least part of his potential in his latest cup of coffee, possibly meaning he can earn a full time job in the outfield for the Tribe. He’s got 15-20 HR, 10 SB potential, and will probably eventually hit for a higher average, maybe even around .300. A good pickup in AL only leagues based on how hot he is right now.

NL Only Options

Josh Anderson, OF, ATL- With CF Mark Kotsay gone to Boston, Josh Anderson was promoted to take his roster spot, and most likely inheriting his playing time. Anderson is an absolute monster on the base paths, he stole 42 bags in Triple A this season compared to just 7 CS. He has no power, and is essentially a slap hitter, very reminiscent of guys like Willy Taveras and Dave Roberts. Hopefully a high average and some runs will boost his value, but Anderson is all about the steals. Just recently turned 26, the centerfielder is a name to keep on your fantasy radar for speed in the future. If he can get regular at bats in the Atlanta lineup, he even deserves mixed league consideration down the stretch.

Pablo Sandoval, C, SFG- One of the more under the radar, most promising catching prospects in baseball, Sandoval has been hitting very well for the Giants so far, coming in at .375 in his first 40 at bats. He has some power, evidenced by his 20 HRs so far in the minors. This guy is a great sleeper for next year, as he is definitely the catcher of the future for the Giants, as long as he can stay behind the plate. However, there’s no reason he put up some good numbers at the catcher position in September for NL only clubs. Look at Sandoval for power and average for your club, and keep an eye out in next year’s draft.

Martin Prado, INF, ATL- The Braves are getting Prado into the lineup more and more these days, and he hasn’t disappointed yet. He’s hitting .333, albeit with little to no power. His RBI numbers are pretty good for so few at bats though, and his versatility also adds to his value. While Prado seems like he has been around forever, he is just 25, and a quick glance at his minor league numbers gives you an idea of what to expect from him, an average that flirts with .300 yearly, and little else. His speed and eye aren’t bad, but neither is good enough to add anything substantial. He is worth a pickup though in NL only leagues because he will hit a bunch of singles and he will do it for your team in multiple lineup slots, and that is enough.