For shortstops, the glory days of Alex Rodriguez (Texas-version), Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra and Miguel Tejada leading the way are long gone. In fact, aside from Hanley Ramirez and Troy Tulowitzki, there is no semblance of potential for high power numbers in this year’s crop.

All that said, many of this year’s shortstops have potential to put up high numbers in batting average, runs and stolen bases. Starting with Ramirez’s league-leading .342 average, Jeter and Jason Bartlett are solid bets to bat over .300. Jose Reyes’ return from injury will bring back one of the league leaders in runs and steals. Read more »

Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B/SS, Cleveland Indians
Status: Back from the disabled list (shoulder)
Basics: .304 AVG, 2 HRs, 33 RBIs, 7 SBs in 59 games
Key Stats: Hitting .208 (5-for-24) since return from DL
What to Watch For: His ability to get back on track after DL stint
Other Notes: Is a good play at shallow middle infield positions … can get away with lack of power, but ideally would develop 15 HR potential to go along with solid batting average … word of warning: peripherals are on the decline … had a .434 OBP, 13 walks and 17 strikeouts in 70 April at-bats; numbers slipped to .345-7-21 in 131 May at-bats … declining K-to-BB rate indicates that average is likely to fall below .300
Verdict: Add as a reserve, see if/when he gets hot again

Scouring the waiver wire for free agent recommendations is a task. There are a few distinct groups of hitters, and we’re charged with finding 10 who are not just quality players, but who comprise a well-rounded group to help as many fantasy owners as possible. Cry for us - it’s not easy being fake fantasy baseball experts.

The first group of hitters is the obvious, guys who should be owned in all leagues but, for some reason, are not. Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill anchors this group, but actually just crossed the 50 percent ownership threshold today. Read more »

Monday’s games began early with a couple of doubleheaders in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Both doubleheaders featured shutouts in Game 1, as three Pirates combined to blank the Atlanta Braves 5-0 and the Tribe beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 on a five-hitter by right-hander Fausto Carmona. 

The night ended with a couple of American League West shootouts and yet another three-hit effort from world’s hottest hitter Lance Berkman. In between, the Cubs smacked the Padres, Rays pitcher Matt Garza shut down the Yankees, and the following stories unfolded. Read more »