Fantasy Baseball Pickups of the Week: Denard Span, Marlon Byrd Among Bloomers

Denard Span, OF, Minnesota Twins
Last 15 days: .350 avg, 11 runs, 1 home run, 10 RBI, 5 SB

Since taking over the job permanently on June 30, Span has put up a .330 average in 176 at-bats, along with 34 runs, 25 RBI and eight stolen bases. In the month of August, he’s put up a line of .345/.415/.536 (AVG/OBP/SLG). He’s a must-own in all 12-team leagues.

Marlon Byrd, OF, Texas Rangers
Last 15 days: .434 avg, 11 runs, 2 home runs, 11 RBI, 0 SB

Dropped in most leagues after hyper-extending his elbow, Byrd is back on his torrid pre-injury pace. His .423 average in August is the second-most among all players with 75 at-bats.

Ian Stewart, 2B/3B, Colorado Rockies
Last 15 days: .362 avg, 9 runs, 4 home runs, 16 RBI, 1 SB

Sporting a .352/.458/.620 line since taking over the job on July 19, Stewart is a must-have in any format, especially for those who owned hernia-stricken Ian Kinsler. He’s accumulated six home runs, 20 runs, and 33 RBI in his 109 at-bats in that time frame.

Gil Meche, SP, Kansas City Royals
Last 15 days: 19.1 innings pitched, 23 Ks, 10 BBs, 0 wins, 2.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP

That five-year, $55-million contract has paid off, no? Owner of a 2.70 ERA in his past 14 starts, Meche has struck out 50 in his past seven (and only walked 19), including 40 in his past five. The only knock on him is his lack of run support—he’s had a no-decision his past two starts, despite a 1.38 ERA—yet his peripherals should be enough for him to be worthy of ownership in 12-team leagues.

Jamie Moyer, SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Last 15 days: 19.2 innings pitched, 11 Ks, 7 BBs, 1 win, 1.83 ERA, 1.12 WHIP

One reason: Moyer has given up three or fewer earned runs in his past 14 starts, collecting five wins, 63 strikeouts, and only 35 walks, along with a 2.66 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.

Paul Maholm, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Last 15 days: 22 innings pitched, 19 Ks, 6 BBs, 1 win, 1.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

Player A: 149.1 IP, 11 wins, 145 K, 30 BBs, 4.34 ERA, 1.23 WHIP
Player B: 168 IP, 8 wins, 117 K, 44 BBs, 3.64 ERA, 1.23 WHIP

Player A is Josh Beckett.
Player B is Paul Maholm.

Yes, Beckett’s line looks better than Maholm’s, but that comparison was just to show how good Maholm has been this year. Maholm has a 2.80 ERA and 1.07 WHIP since May 31, or 15 starts. He should be universally owned, even in shallow eight-team leagues.