Base stealers play a valuable role in all fantasy leagues. And the more bases your light-hitting, fleet-footed hitter can steal, the less concerned you are about the eye sores in his home run and RBI columns. Re-enter Chicago White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik, a fantasy force in the early 21st century who is swinging a hot bat and tearing up the base paths in the twilight of his career.

Podsednik is benefitting from the absence of regular left fielder Carlos Quentin, who is eligible to come off the disabled list as soon as today. Podsednik figures to keep getting regular at-bats, seeing as manager Ozzie Guillen will do anything he can to get that stagnant offense going, but pay attention to exactly what Quentin’s return from the DL means.

Podsednik’s full profile
Status: Back to fantasy relevance
Key Stats: Hitting .314 with 5 SBs during 9-game hitting streak
What to Watch For: Playing time once Carlos Quentin returns
Other Notes: Looks rejuvenated at 33 years old … legs took a pounding from 2003-06 when he racked up four straight seasons with 40+ steals … career-high steals total was 70 with the Milwaukee Brewers in ‘04 … if he can log consistent at-bats, could reach 30 steals this season … watch energy levels, though … hasn’t gotten any younger, so everyday pounding could take a toll
Verdict: Good, proven speed candidate; nice short-term addition in deep mixed leagues