Fantasy Baseball: Jason Kipnis and Players to Target Before the Trade Deadline

Looking for a pick-me-up on your fantasy team?  A player or two who can help you grab control of that last playoff spot?  Well look no further than these players. 

Some are players who can be picked up off the waiver wire in many leagues, while others are names you can grab in a last-minute deadline deal.  Get a hold of these players and you will be ready for a great playoff run.

Jason Kipnis, 2B CLE

The second base call-up for the Indians has been on fire of late, and he is a player that can give your squad some much needed offense late in the season. 

He has decent power for a second baseman and will be playing every day.  Although he is not in the most potent offense, he still will score a good amount of runs and be playing for a contender for the rest of the year.

Seth Smith, of COL

Smith is another player who has been on an absolute tear for the last week. 

The Rockies could wind up as a late-season contender as the Giants are struggling, and Arizona is still a very young team. 

Look for him to lead Colorado on a late-season playoff run like they always seem to make come the end of August.

Justin Morneau, 1B MIN

Morneau is a great buy-low candidate, especially if you are in a keeper league. 

He has just come off the disabled list and is said to be feeling better than he has in the last two years.  Finally healthy, Morneau is a player who can have a great last month of the season and help lead your fantasy team into the playoffs.  

Look for a frustrated manager who is looking to get rid of him, and you have a steal waiting for you.

Jeff Niemann, SP TB

Niemann is one of the hottest pitchers since the All-Star break. 

He has won his last five decisions, and although he does not offer much by way of strikeouts, a low ERA and WHIP along with a few wins is a lot from a late-season pickup off the waiver wire.

John Lackey, SP BOS

Why would anyone pick up John Lackey after the start to the season he has had?  They would if they looked at his last three starts. 

Lackey seems to be finding his form and starting to turn things around and regain confidence on the mound. 

Combine this with the fact that he is pitching for a potent offense in Boston and you can look for multiple wins and quality numbers from him.

Eric Bedard, SP BOS

Eric Bedard is another pitcher who greatly benefits from his move to Beantown.  Now that he is out of lowly Seattle, he has a chance to pick up wins by the handful. 

He has been an underperformer the last few seasons, but I think the move to a contender will light a spark under him and allow him to fulfill the potential a lot of people saw in Seattle.

Javy Guerra, RP LAD

If you are in need of saves, look no further than the LA Dodgers for your solution. 

Although the Dodgers are struggling, this also means they are playing a lot of close games, which results in save opportunities. 

The revolving closer’s door in LA has finally seemed to stop on Guerra, so snatch him up while you can to bolster your bullpen.