AL Fantasy: Look for Value in Junior Circuit's Depth

After spending time last week looking at the National League, it is important to turn to the Junior Circuit. The statistical power is more evident here, as referenced last week.

Without as much finesse in the game, home runs and RBI numbers are just bigger. Sure, there are top players in the National League that rival any that the AL will throw out. The change is depth.

Ultimately, it is where owners need to capitalize and build roster strength from. It is alright to have a weaker hitting shortstop or middle infielder that may produce speed and runs because you can hedge bets, especially in AL-only formats.

It is always more entertaining to start in areas that owners can look to better their team. While availability varies based on specific league types, it is almost a certainty that some of these players will be available.

The Angels are going to be stretched for a short period of time. With Torii Hunter leaving yesterday’s game with bruised ribs, and Vladimir Guerrero’s continued issues in staying in the outfield, options are going to open up for others.

While Bobby Abreu is now likely to see some increased playing time in the National League parks this week, Juan Rivera will be another beneficiary.

Rivera has been on a tear over the last two weeks. Only Raul Ibanez has more RBI in the last 15 days than Rivera’s 13. To boot, the outfielder is hitting .333 with four home runs in his last 48 at-bats.

With 40 percent of owners still holding on to the ever-fragile J.D. Drew, Rivera would certainly be an upgrade.

While the Red Sox continue to play games between Drew and Rocco Baldelli (and now Mark Kotsay) in the outfield, having a steady player that is producing well can turn fortunes quickly for a short run.

While Michael Cuddyer struggles with a finger injury that could land him on the disabled list, another fellow Twin continues to hit at a ridiculous pace.

Jason Kubel has hit six home runs in his last 41 at-bats. While his production largely comes against right-handed pitching, an extended trip to the pine for Cuddyer would increase Kubel’s at-bats.

Even without the jump, teams face right-handed pitching four or five times a week. Kubel getting starts in those games alone makes him worth a look even in weekly leagues. His .353 average in starts against righties is testament to that fact. Even with interleague play, the Twins can conservatively use Kubel in the outfield without getting hurt too badly.

Kubel will make a fine replacement for Cuddyer across most fantasy lineups. Owners that are struggling with power or that could lose Hunter for a few games should take a look here.

It continues to be surprising to find Ben Zobrist’s name on any waiver wire at this point. The Rays multi-position threat has scored 15 runs, driven in 12, and hit five home runs in two weeks of regular time.

Still, he is available in 10 to 15 percent of all leagues. There are some limited concerns that Zobrist could see a playing time hit with the return of Pat Burrell.

That does not look like it will be the case. Burrell is much more likely to slide into the DH spot with Gabe Gross seeing the greatest hit to time in the field. Given the position eligibility that Zobrist has, he should be owned in all leagues at this point.

Speed continues to be an issue for owners as well. With Carlos Quentin being out until around the All-Star break, Scott Podsednik is likely to continue receiving steady playing time. Since returning from the Rockies, the White Sox outfielder has flourished.

In his last 60 at-bats, Podsednik has hit .317 with five stolen bases and eight runs scored. Steals is a spot that many owners forego when they draft simply because it is highly concentrated in a few individuals.

The case here in Chicago, though, is allowing some owners to rebound and steal a category over a given week.

Look for Podsednik to continue to steal the bases, even if the average comes back down to earth. He is a career .275 hitter, so it is very likely the numbers normalize. Do not be discouraged, especially since he can help with speed and scoring runs on a weekly basis.

AL-only owners could also look to Willie Bloomquist. Bloomquist has dual eligibility at shortstop and outfield. To date, he already has cracked 11 steals. While he only has a career-high number of 16 steals, he will pass his best mark.

Bloomquist’s .308 average over the last two weeks gives him a boost, and he is likely assured of playing time as long as Mike Aviles remains sidelined.

Owners looking at potential buy-low candidates should give a long look to Vernon Wells. Wells had a rough 2007, and an injury abbreviated 2008. His struggles have returned in 2009, but largely as a result of contact. Wells has a career BABIP of near .300, and he is 50 points off that pace as of Tuesday.

He is making contact with pitches inside and outside of the strike zone at roughly the same pace as his career numbers suggest he should. His home run/fly ball rate is well down, and owners should expect that to normalize over the course of the season.

No doubt, Wells owners are frustrated. Look for him to hit .275 the rest of the way with 13-17 home runs just based on return to the norm.

Who has performed well over the last two weeks?

Owners have finally seen a return of B.J. Upton. Upton has certainly been plagued with contact issues this season, but has managed to put up nine steals and a .271 average. It is not quite the level that has been expected, but there certainly has been a change for the better here.

Another player turning heads is Mark DeRosa. DeRosa has hit well over .325 for the month and continues to provide additional value because of his versatility.

While he has been rumored to be on the trading block, DeRosa will produce wherever he goes. There was some initial concern based on league adjustment and a slow start, but he has certainly moved well beyond that.

Keep riding Adam Lind until he breaks. Lind has done nothing but hit all season, living up to some of the billing he had received prior to the start of the season.

Despite having started the spring in the shadow of Travis Snider, Lind has been nearly the most productive of the Toronto outfielders. The last two weeks have seen him hit four home runs while batting .347.

Collin Hager writes The Elmhurst Pub fantasy blog. You can get your questions answered by sending an email to [e-mail]. He's also on Twitter @TheRoundtable. This article originally published at www.fantasypros911.com.