Yes, Cody Ransom - look, there's only six or so games left...

It is very hard to find some help this late in the season, but that is why they pay me the big bucks. Okay, buck. All right, some loose chance and some coupons. Anyway, here are some last minute names that you might be looking at for some help.

Waiver Worthy

Cody Ransom, Shortstop, Houston Astros – Ransom is not exactly much of a prospect – okay, he is past 30, he has already spent parts of four seasons in the majors, and none within the last two seasons. Still, Ransom is up now, and he is playing. Through 26 at-bats this year, Ransom is hitting .308 with a home run, three RBI, and nine runs. He did hit 28 home runs this year in Triple-A, so he can produce at times. Will it last? Of course not, but you do not need it to last more than a week.

Joe Dillon, Utility, Milwaukee Brewers – A career minor leaguer, Dillon finally made his first appearance in the majors in 2005 after having been in the minors since 1997, and he came back to the bigs at the end of July. Since then, Dillon has played a little first, a little second, a little at third, and some time in the outfield. Since his call-up, Dillon has been producing, hitting .364 with nine RBI and eleven runs.

Jorge Velandia, Shortstop, Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Career journeymen middle infielders with little pop that resurrect their careers with the Rays are usually not hot commodities. However, Velandia should be, as he has been on fire since returning to the bigs for the first time since 2003. Since returning, Velandia has hit .423 with four RBI and four runs in 26 at-bats. Sure, his career batting average in the bigs is below .200, but he is hot now so ride it while it lasts.

Russ Adams, Middle Infielder, Toronto Blue Jays – Adams was banished to the minors for most of this year, but he returned in late August and so far has been putting up respectable numbers. Through 47 at-bats, Adams is hitting .277 with 2 home runs, 11 RBI, 12 runs, and a stolen base. Adams has never produced for a long stretch at the major league level like the Blue Jays hoped he would, but he can be serviceable for a short period, and the injury to Troy Glaus has him playing every day.

Waiver Wasting

Brandon Jones, Outfielder, Atlanta Braves – Sure, he is getting some playing time, with seven at-bats so far, and he has produced all of one RBI, with no hits and three strikeouts. Jones did have a respectable season in the minors, hitting .295 with 19 home runs and 100 RBI at two different levels, and he is considered one of the better prospects in the Braves system. However, the 23-year-old Jones is not likely to do much in his one remaining week, and is not likely to stick around next year, as he will more than likely head back to Triple-A to open the year. A long term pick only here.

Jerry Blevins, Pitcher, Oakland Athletics – Acquired in the Jason Kendall trade, Blevins spent his first three seasons in A-ball, so he was not rocketing his way to the bigs. Heck, this year, his fourth season in the pros, he was again back in A-ball, albeit High-A. This year, he rose quickly through the ranks though, pitching at High-A, Double-A (at two stops – pre- and post-trade), and Triple-A, before his call-up to the bigs, where he has made four appearances. Blevins is far from an elite prospect, and he will in no way have a role in the bullpen of any value either this year or next. There is no reason to be excited here, folks.

Well, there are six more names for you for the last six days of the season. The rest of our regular features will be wrapping up this week, but next week, we will be breaking down the playoffs for you round by round and game by game, followed by daily coverage throughout the offseason as well.

Questions and comments may be sent to markhaverty@sportsgrumblings.com