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Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up: Week 20

In the final weeks of the season, I feel like mixing things up around here. So, for the one kajillionth time (yeah, it’s a number, trust me), I am adopting a new format to my wrap-up. Some live by the motto of “if it aint broke, don’t fix it”. Yeah, I think Shakespeare said it best with “I’m bored of the same old s**t”. Yes Shakespeare said it…it is somewhere in Titus Andronicus.

Injuries

Alex Rodriguez (3B), New York Yankees

Everyone’s favorite purple-lipped, frosted tip, steroid-taking infielder landed on the 15-day DL with a calf strain. A-Rod was hoping to avoid a DL stint, but the injury was severe enough to warrant such a decision.

Dustin Pedroia (2B), Boston Red Sox

We here in Boston know the scoop, but for the rest of you, you should know that Pedroia’s heel injury is still acting up and he was rushed back to action too soon. He too is on the 15-day DL.

Kevin Slowey (SP), Minnesota Twins

Hey, remember when everyone was pissed of when Slowey was pulled from his no-hit bid because manager Ron Gardenhire didn’t want his newly returned starter to be at risk of injury? Yeah, well now who’s laughing? Well, Slowey isn’t laughing since he left his latest start with a tricep injury and he is back on the DL.

Catcher

Who’s Hot

A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox

A.J. led all catchers with 9 hits and 6 RBI, going 9/22 for the week, including 4 doubles and his third stolen base of the season. After a .205 July, Pierzynski is hitting .309 in 14 August games.

Others

• Ramon Hernandez (CIN): 7/12, 3 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI
• John Buck (TOR): 5/9, 4 R, 3 RBI
• Adam Moore (SEA): 8/21, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI

First Base

Who’s Hot

Lyle Overbay, Toronto Blue Jays

I know we have to travel back to 2006, where Overbay was fantasy relevant, but he is trying to get some attention lately. The lefty recently unloaded in Toronto’s series against Boston, leading to his monster 10 RBI week. Overbay added to other categories with 7 runs scored, .316 avg, and 3 home runs. Believe it or not, Overbay has had .500+ SLG in two straight months.

Others

• Gaby Sanchez (FLA): 8/28,  4 R, 2 HR, 9 RBI
• Russell Branyan (SEA): 5/25, 4 R, 4 HR, 7 RBI
• Don Kelly (DET): 7/20, 4 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI

Second Base

Who’s Hot

Omar Infante, Atlanta Braves

There has been no hotter infielder over the past few weeks than Infante. Recently, he went 13/30 with 9 runs, 3 HR, 5 RBI, and 1 SB. He has hit safely in 23 of his last 24 games and has hit .378 since the break.

Others

• Alberto Callaspo (LAA): 9/22, 3 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB
• Matt Tuiasosopo (SEA): 4/14, 3 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI
• Blake DeWitt (CHC): 7/19, 3 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI

Third Base

Who’s Hot

Wilson Betemit, Kansas City Royals

Betemit has had trouble getting regular playing time, but he made the most of it last week with a line of 8/21, 6 R, 3 HR, and 7 RBI. Despite limited play, Betemit has hit .346 in 156 at-bats this season.

Others

• Chase Headley (SD): 8/24, 4 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB
• Josh Bell (BAL): 6/19, 3 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI
• Brandon Inge (DET): 8/21, 4 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI

Shortstop

Who’s Hot

Yuniesky Betancourt, Kansas City Royals

Betancourt gets another mention in this section with his sizzling 3 HR and 10 RBI week. Betancourt’s August (6 HR, 16 RBI) have vaulted him near the top of the shortstops rankings in the second half.

Others

• Paul Janish (CIN): 6/21, 5 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB
• Jason Bartlett (TB): 7/25, 6 R, 1 SB
• John McDonald (TOR): 4/13, 2 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI

Outfield

Who’s Hot

Juan Pierre, Chicago White Sox

Pierre was a stolen base machine in his day, and now he is on his way to regaining his crown. Pierre swiped four bases last week to increase his league-leading total to 49. In addition to his steals, Pierre went 13/31 with 3 runs and 3 RBI

Others

• Coco Crisp (OAK): 9/28, 7 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 SB
• Austin Jackson (DET): 12/31, 6 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 SB
• Roger Bernadina (WAS): 6.21, 4 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 SB

Pitchers

Who’s Hot

Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers

Since being acquired from Arizona in the offseason, Scherzer’s season has been hot and cold. Fortunately, he is red hot now. Recently, he has gone 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA and sizzling 9.69 K/9. Scherzer’s ERA in his last seven starts is a minuscule 1.80.

Others

• Bronson Arroyo (CIN): 2-0, 14.1 IP, 11 K, 2.51 ERA
• Jonathon Niese (NYM): 1-0, 12.0 IP, 10 K, 1.50 ERA
• Jon Garland (SD): 2-0, 12.1 IP, 7 K, 1.46 ERA

Tags: Fantasy, Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up

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