We were going to make a "Bourn to Run" pun here, but we decided against it... curses, we just did it, didn't we?

As we head into the third week of the season, mixed leaguers should be getting a good feel for which categories they might need help in. This week we’ll take a look for some players to help with specific categories in mixed leagues. I’ve got one here for speed, one for runs and average, one for the power categories, and a pitcher for some wins and strikeouts for your consideration.

Michael Bourn, Outfield, Houston Astros – Bourn came up through the Phillies system and spent some time with them last season when Shane Victorino was injured. He stole 18 bases in just 119 at-bats, scored 29 runs and batted .277. The Phillies traded Bourn to the Astros in the deal that sent Brad Lidge to Philadelphia. The Phillies let him go because their outfield was set, but Astros had a spot for him in center field and atop their lineup, and is he ever off to a fast start. Just eight games into the season, Bourn has already tallied six stolen bases, with a .250 batting average, and most importantly, a .344 OBP. If your fantasy team is in need of a speed infusion, Bourn appears poised to steal bases in bunches for the Astros and will be a strong addition to your fantasy lineup.

Jeff Keppinger, Shortstop, Cincinnati Reds – Keppinger was originally going to be the middle infield/utility player for the Reds until an injury sidelined regular shortstop Alex Gonzales. Given the opportunity to play every day, Keppinger is making a strong bid to keep the starting shortstop job even after Gonzales returns. Last season, in the utility role, Keppinger batted .332 and had an OBP of .400. He possesses neither great power nor speed, but he’s got enough of both to give you 15/15 over a whole season. Keppinger has always projected as a .300+ hitter, though he probably won’t hit as high as he did last year. He will give you adequate production in runs and some RBI along with the high average if you’re looking for a decent player for your MI slot.

Xavier Nady, Outfield, Pittsburgh Pirates – The knock on Xavier Nady has always been the inability to stay healthy and post good numbers over a whole season. He has never played more than 130 games in a season. He seems fully healthy now for a change and is certainly playing to his fullest ability in the early going. Nady has three home runs and nine RBI, and he is batting .387 after the first seven games. If you are looking for an outfielder with the potential for 25 homeruns and 90 RBI along with an average around .290, then Nady is your man. Grab him while he is healthy and enjoy the ride.

Todd Wellemeyer, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals – Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan has a history of taking pitchers with good arms and stuff who have not had success, and turning them into productive winning pitchers. Todd Wellemeyer is Duncan’s latest undertaking, and the results thus far have been dramatic. In his two starts this season, Wellemeyer has given up three runs on nine hits, with four walks and an outstanding 13 strikeouts in 12 innings. There is a caveat attached, in that Wellemeyer has never pitched more than 80 innings in a season, so this success may not last. For the time being, he’s a good pitcher for streaming in mixed leagues, especially when the match up is right. His next two outings are against the Giants.