In the long run, the Brewers’ acquisition of veteran second baseman Ray Durham from San Francisco may actually benefit Rickie Weeks. While not completely giving up on Weeks, the Brewers have found a way to rely on him less and, possibly, light a fire under him.

Weeks has never been challenged for playing time, so Durham’s arrival puts his back against the wall. Manager Ned Yost told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that the switch-hitting Durham will fill in for Weeks “a couple of days a week, maybe,” but indicated that Durham was in Milwaukee to provide a veteran bat off the bench, not take Weeks’ job.

Beneath the surface, fantasy owners should rejoice that Weeks will get an enhanced sense of accountability. While it’s never ideal for a talented player like Weeks to be part of a time share, Weeks can benefit from Durham’s presence while only losing at-bats that served to hurt his batting average anyway.

On the other side, the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that speedy prospect Eugenio Velez will not automatically play every day in Durham’s absence. Nonetheless, Velez has the stolen base potential, and more importantly the middle infield eligibility, to be worth a pickup in most league formats.

In limited time with the Giants this season, Velez has hit .212 with 0 home runs, 10 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. In 42 games at Triple-A Fresno, Velez hit .310 with 5 homers and 13 stolen bases (in 22 attempts), but struggled against lefties (.220) and on the road (.244).

While the 26-year old is more likely to arrive on the fantasy scene in 2009 than in the second half of this season, he does offer a glimour of hope in leagues that lack speed on the waiver wire.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.