Projo Fantasy Sports Blog

By David Ferris

Also-rans checked out awhile ago, but Fantasy Champions stay locked in for six months. You'll get better gas mileage on your plays this month, because half of the room is looking at football right now. Stay the course; let's get you where you want to be.

Batters

BUY

Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers: He's carrying a .321/.385/.670 line with eight homers over the last five weeks, hitting in front of Manny Ramirez. The debate on lineup protection might never be truly be settled, but Ethier's 25 runs over his last 26 games certainly is tied to the lineup position.

Pablo Sandoval, C, Giants: His bat (.353 average in August, .529 slugging) gets him regular time at first and third, and his catcher eligibility makes him a fantasy boon for fantasy players struggling at the spot.

SELL

Pat Burrell, OF, Phillies: The swing has gotten a little leaky over the last month (.183 average, just three homers), and his defense costs him a few at-bats every week as Charlie Manuel is quick to grab a different glove in left field.

Josh Willingham, OF, Marlins: You have to wonder if he's over the wrist injury or because he looked lost in August (.210 average, .395 slugging, 22 strikeouts). He's in the "prove it" file until further notice.

HOLD

Elijah Dukes, OF, Nationals: He's only been back for eight games but they've been packed with plenty of goodies (eight runs, six walks, two homers, three steals). He'll be a 20-20 player next year, easily, and the Washington address keeps the buzz down.

Pitchers

BUY

Joe Nelson, RP, Marlins: He's been the strongest option in the Florida bullpen all summer (1.69 ERA, 50 strikeouts in 42.2 IP), and that gets him into the closing committee while Kevin Gregg rehabs his leg injury. Matt Lindstrom has the future tag and greater expectation from HQ, but Fredi Gonzalez has to try to win every night, and Nelson currently is the best option when there's a late lead in the balance.

SELL

Dave Bush, SP, Brewers: For years he's been the poster child for the guy who underproduces his peripherals, but recently it's been the opposite (five quality turns in August, despite a flattening strikeout rate and a mild walk increase). Bush also serves up plenty of homers (two Wednesday to the Mets, 78 over three seasons); he's someone who can pitch well for a couple of weeks, and then undo all the progress in one afternoon. Remain skeptical.

HOLD

Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals: He's had three strong turns off the finger injury, so all systems go for the final four weeks. It would be nice if the ERA eventually creeps over three; it will help our price next week.

Roy Oswalt, SP, Astros: His strikeout rate is holding on and he's getting plenty of ground balls, which fueled a surprising revival in August (five wins, 1.59 ERA, 0.93 WHIP). Stay on board for the final scene.

 Tags  Adam Wainwright Andre Ethier baseball Dave Bush David Ferris Elijah Dukes Joe Nelson Josh Willingham NL Stock Watch Pablo Sandoval Pat Burrell Roy Oswalt

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