We take a lap around the 'junior circuit' in search of some waiver wire gems that could carry you deep into your fantasy playoffs. There is one very notable downgrade this week, and the recommendation may shock some — but you can't mess around during playoff time.
Upgrade
Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox: He's made quite a surge the past month, posting a .350 average with six home runs. He has his average at .302 on the season, and looks to be good for solid power and batting average numbers as the Sox chase down a playoff birth.
Denard Span, OF, Twins: While he'll never hit for much power (only six homers), Span can give you just about everything else: .306 average, 52 RBIs, 73 Runs, 19 stolen bases. His average of .370 during the past month with an OBP of .457 are indicators that he's doing damage atop the Twins lineup. A deceptive play in mixed formats, he is a solid third outfielder going forward.
Julio Borbon, OF, Rangers: This is more of a long-term upgrade, but he could certainly do be solid with regular at bats down the stretch. Since being recalled August 9th, Borbon has posted a .444 average, scoring 11 runs while swiping 9 bags. He was batting .309 with 25 steals in Triple-A this season, showing great plate discipline there (33/40 BB/K ratio), so this shouldn't come as a total surprise. While he'll never be a power threat, he should post consistently solid batting averages while being a threat to steal 40-50 bags annually.
Derek Holland, P, Rangers: I've been monitoring his progress closely for some time, and was fortunate enough to pick him up in a mixed league for my playoff push. Over the past month, he's won four games, posted three quality starts and registered an ERA of 1.85. His average fastball this year has been 92.8 MPH, which from the left side, is plus. He has the upside of a #2 starter in the majors, with ace potential if things break right.
No Change
Delmon Young, OF, Twins: A long term ?hold," since I wouldn't really consider rostering him in a mixed format at this point. Still only 23, the former top prospect has crushed five home runs during the past month (more than any month in his entire career), leading me to believe he may finally be figuring things out. Take a flier on him in dynasty formats, as you may be able to acquire him on the cheap.
Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees: While he'll never be asked to give lessons on plate discipline, the guy can flat out hit — posting an average of .348 in August with four homers. On the horizon is September, when he has hit a career best .345 since breaking into the majors. The good numbers should continue as the season comes to a close.
Edwin Jackson, P, Tigers: E-Jax has seen his control slip the past two months (1.55 WHIP in the second half), but is still dealing (94.5 MPH average fastball), allowing him to keep his season ERA at a stellar 2.86. His career ERA of 6.45 in September scares me a bit, but his numbers have been so good in '09, I'd be willing to take the gamble that he'll hold up over the final month. It is a decision that could make or break your fantasy season.
Downgrade
B.J. Upton, OF, Rays: While he could still be a superstar down the road, I wouldn't even consider him startable at this point in yearly leagues, as he's been awful pretty much all season. Now batting ninth in the Rays order, he's still only hitting .220 during the past month, with an underwhelming two home runs and four steals. With September approaching, kick him to the curb and save your season.
Gil Meche, P, Royals: I've always loved Meche, but he's been terrible since his return from the DL earlier this month, despite winning two of his three starts. If you don't believe me, look at his 6.35 ERA and 7/9 K/BB ratio over that span. Now ask yourself again: Have those two wins been really worth it? I've already cut ties with him in all leagues, and you should too.
