Brad Hawpe is one player who should be primed for a big second half.

We’re rolling into the end of Week 11, which marks the beginning of a full week of interleague games for most ball clubs. Your DH types on AL teams will either grab their gloves and flash some leather for a change, or ride the pine and watch their teammates have all the fun. On the other hand, NL teams get the luxury of an extra hitter, and in most cases that means someone who usually platoons or only plays erratically will get some extra at bats next week. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the options that are probably out there on your waiver wire.

Mixed League Options

J.D. Drew – Outfielder – Boston Red Sox - I must confess, Drew is one player on a short list of players I hate and will never, ever take for a team. It’s not a rational assessment of the guy; I think I may have had him on one team many years ago. It has more to do with my impression of him as being “too fragile” and injury riddled than anything else. But one thing that always sticks in my mind is the fact that he has only had more than 20 home runs in a season twice in his 11-year career, which makes him mediocre in my book. But I digress. Since David Ortiz went on the DL, Drew has been on an incredible hitting tear. In June, he is batting an outstanding .500, with 5 home runs, 13 RBI, 13 Runs, and an OPB of .605; that’s in 32 at bats over 10 games. He was hitting in the .280 range all through May, but has since launched his average to .320. I just get the feeling that he is headed for a career year; so even though I can’t bring myself to add him, I recommend that you go ahead and do so. He is playing in a bandbox that is perfectly suited to his way of hitting, and he is feeling comfortable now as a member of the Red Sox. He might even pass the 20 homer mark for the third time in his career!

Brandon Morrow – Relief Pitcher – Seattle Mariners – The Mariners believe that Morrow’s future with the team will be as a starter. In fact, they drafted Morrow as a starter, and at the time, passed on Tim Lincecum to take Morrow instead. Right now though, Morrow is working out of the bullpen, and was just given his first save chance this past week because J.J Putz was sidelined with a sore elbow. Morrow hurls 100 MPH heat, and is often compared with Joba Chamberlain because of the gas he throws and his high strikeout potential. If Putz ends up on the DL, the Mariners will likely give Morrow a shot at the closer’s job on at least a short-term basis. For that reason, mixed leaguers will want to grab and stash him on the bench. However, his 12.5 K/9IP, 1.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and .191 BAA are all compelling reasons to keep him active, as the kid will be a productive pitcher whether he is closing or not.

Brad Hawpe – Outfielder – Colorado Rockies – Hawpe had a career year in 2007, his first as a full-time outfielder after several years as half of a platoon in left field. After a very slow start to this year, there are many touts believing that last year was an aberration, and that Hawpe is not all that good. Looking over his peripheral numbers, it appears Hawpe simply had a slow starting month in April, followed by a somewhat unlucky month of May, with both months’ numbers depressed because of an injury which reportedly dates back to spring training. In the 5 games since his return from the DL, Hawpe has batted .353 (6 for 17), with 2 home runs, 6 RBI, 3 Runs, and a  .360 OBP. He looks primed for a big second half, and will likely turn his season around. He could easily hit another 15-18 home runs the rest of the way, if not more, and maintain an average up around .290 or so, making him a nice addition to any fantasy team. Go and check to see if he was left for dead in your league. Go ahead, I’ll wait before the next profile.

Joe Crede – Third Baseman – Chicago White Sox – There were all kinds of question marks about Joe Crede right up to the beginning of the season. Most people doubted he would be able to hit after back surgery.  In fact, it wasn’t even clear if the White Sox were going to keep him, trade him, or replace him with Josh Fields and send Crede to the minors. For that reason, Crede went undrafted in all but the deepest of leagues. Crede has silenced his doubters and critics with a solid performance thus far, showing improvement from one month to the next, and currently hitting at a torrid pace. Over the last month (28 games) Crede is batting .337, with 7 home runs, 18 RBI, 15 Runs, and a .415 OBP. He’s raised his overall average to .286. Amazingly, Crede has done all this damage hitting in the 8^th spot in the batting order. If he was left languishing on your waiver wire, he’s a strong candidate to continue the hot hitting, and should be added to someone’s roster. It might as well be yours!