Bravesworld.com | Atlanta Braves News, braves Scores, Game Recaps & Commentary - <div>Fantasy baseball waivers and the acquisition of fantasy baseball free agents can make or break a season. You may have adjusted your fantasy baseball cheat sheets over and over during spring training. If your team remains the same after Opening Day, though, you'll probably have trouble competing in your rotisserie baseball league.</div><p></p>Do you need to add players to replace your fantasy baseball busts? Which players can you ignore? KFFL.com's <i>Diamond Market </i>series gives you the fantasy baseball tips and advice you need to sort through the masses quickly.<p><h3>KEY</h3><p><b>Acquire</b> - Add player (in most circumstances)<br><b>Watch</b> - Track player; consider adding if trend continues<br><b>Pass</b> - Do not add player (in most circumstances)<p><h3>Catchers</h3><p><h4>Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Texas</h4><p>With catcher <b>Gerald Laird</b> (hamstring) on the disabled list due to a severely strained hamstring, Saltalamacchia is expected to move into the starting role full-time behind the plate. "Salty" has struggled to translate his seemingly high upside into on-the-field production this year. He is hitting just .223 with three home runs and 15 RBI this season; he's also struggling to throw runners out. His poor offensive numbers mean you should pass him over in shallow mixed leagues; however, consider him in deeper mixed leagues if you are looking for players with some upside.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Max Ramirez, Texas</h4><p>Ramirez received the call to be Saltalamacchia's backup with Laird (hamstring) on the shelf. He was hitting .363 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 67 games for Double-A Frisco prior to his call-up. Manager Ron Washington expects to use him at first base and designated hitter with Saltalamacchia getting most of the time behind the plate. Pass on Ramirez for now in mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Watch<p><h3>Second Basemen</h3><p><h4>Jeff Baker, Colorado</h4><p>After recording just 17 hits in 75 at-bats over the first two months of the season, Baker already has 18 in just 44 at-bats this month, giving him a .409 average. In addition, Baker has all five of his home runs in June and has more than doubled his RBI total with 11 this month. However, temper your expectations if you do pick him up. Infielder <b>Clint Barmes </b>(knee) is expected to return from the disabled list Monday, June 23, and manager Clint Hurdle feels Barmes gives them the best option in the lineup. Baker's versatility could still see him included in the lineup, but hold off on adding him in shallow mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Clint Barmes, Colorado</h4><p>As stated above, Barmes (knee) is expected to return from the disabled list Monday, June 23. Prior to his placement on the DL, he was hitting at a career-best .343 clip with five home runs and 20 RBI. Infielder <b>Jeff Baker </b>has done a solid job replacing him; however, manager Clint Hurdle feels having Barmes at second base gives the Rockies their best lineup. Barmes is a career .263 hitter who was likely punching above his weight before getting injured, but he could be worth grabbing if you need middle infield help in deeper formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Third Basemen</h3><p><h4>Eric Chavez, Oakland</h4><p>Bothered by a back injury earlier this year, Chavez (back) returned late in May. Since returning, he has posted a .284 average with two home runs and 12 RBI. His numbers aren't staggering, but he has been solid enough to warrant consideration in any deeper mixed setups, especially if you need a boost in the power numbers.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Shortstops</h3><p><h4>Jeff Keppinger, Cincinnati</h4><p>Keppinger (knee) returned from the disabled list Sunday, June 22, where he had been since breaking his left kneecap May 13. He returned to the starting lineup that night, batting second and playing shortstop until an injury to third baseman<b> Edwin Encarnacion</b> (back) forced him to move to the hot corner. Keppinger continued to swing a hot stick during his rehab, batting .448 over eight games with Class-A Sarasota and Triple-A Louisville. Prior to his stint on the DL, Keppinger was hitting a solid .324 with 21 RBI and 17 runs. He could be worth adding in deep mixed formats if you're looking for infield help.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Brent Lillibridge, Atlanta</h4><p>The Braves recalled Lillibridge on Saturday, June 21, to give the team backup options in the infield with third baseman Chipper Jones (quadriceps) and shortstop <b>Yunel Escobar </b>(hip) both battling nagging injuries. Lillibridge was hitting just .207 but had 15 stolen bases with Triple-A Richmond before his call-up, and he has yet to record an at-bat since returning to the majors. He's not worth a look in any format.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>NL-only</i>: Pass<p><h3>Outfielders</h3><p><h4>Adam Lind, Toronto</h4><p>Following a change at the managerial level in Toronto, the Blue Jays have called up Lind from Triple-A Syracuse to be their everyday left fielder. Lind posted a strong .328-6-50 line for Syracuse this year. However, he has yet to convert his minor league numbers into major league success. The 24-year-old slugger has compiled just a .253 lifetime average and 14 home runs in 372 at-bats. If you are looking for a player with moderate upside to boost your power numbers, Lind could be a speculative option in deeper mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Starting Pitchers</h3><p><h4>Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees</h4><p>Since blowing up June 7 - 10 runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings - Pettitte has given up just one earned run in his last three starts (21 innings). Giving fantasy owners an even bigger boost is the 19 strikeouts he has recorded in the process. While we do recommend adding him, keep in mind his last two starts (13 innings, no runs, 13 Ks) came against NL clubs that rarely see Pettitte, and the teams ranked as two of the three lowest-scoring clubs in the NL to boot. Expect rougher seas ahead.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Kenny Rogers, Detroit</h4><p>"The Gambler" continues to ride a hot streak. He has gone at least seven innings in each of his last five starts, and he has given up just four earned runs combined in that span (36 innings). His hard work has not paid off, however. The Tigers have not given him much offensive support, and he has just one win and four no-decisions in those starts. If you are looking to boost your ratios, Rogers would make a decent pickup in deep mixed leagues. If he starts getting some offensive support, he could worth a look in shallow mixed leagues as well.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Mike Pelfrey, New York Mets</h4><p>Pelfrey ended a six-game losing streak with a seven-inning, two-run effort May 31, and he has yet to lose in the month of June. He fell one out short of recording his fourth quality start in his last five outings Sunday, June 22, but he still gave up just three hits and no runs over 5 2/3 innings. Control was a problem for him Sunday (five walks). However, if you are looking for someone to boost your ERA and possibly win you a few games, Pelfrey might be a decent addition in deeper mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Joel Pineiro, St. Louis Cardinals</h4><p>Since returning from a groin injury, Pineiro has allowed just five earned runs over his three starts (19 innings), lowering his season ERA from 4.50 to 3.86 in the process. He has not figured in many decisions this year with just five results (two wins, three losses) in his 11 starts, but you could consider adding him in any NL-only formats. He also warrants a look in deep mixed formats if he continues to pitch well.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Seth McClung, Milwaukee</h4><p>McClung has pitched well since making his first start of the season May 24. In that stretch he has a solid 4-2 record with a 3.93 ERA. He also has four straight quality starts. There are a few worrying signs regarding McClung. First, he has allowed a home run in five of his six starts. Second, he has struggled with his control at times, issuing six free passes May 29 and five Friday, June 21. However, McClung has done enough to warrant being a watch-list candidate in deep mixed formats.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado</h4><p>Jimenez looks to have put his slow start to the season behind him. Over his last three starts, the 24-year-old hurler has allowed just three earned runs in 20 innings while striking out 12. His latest start was a one-run, eight-inning gem against the Mets on Friday, June 21. He is worth adding in NL-only formats. However, hold off on acquiring him in mixed leagues. His high walk totals - nine in his last 13 innings - mean he could still revert back to his early-season form.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Relief Pitchers</h3><p><h4>Taylor Buchholz, Colorado</h4><p>There continues to be talk of Buchholz getting a shot at closing if the team deals closer <b>Brian Fuentes</b>. Buchholz's numbers this season (1.43 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 27 strikeouts) make him a candidate in deep mixed formats, and if he was closing he could be a solid option in shallow leagues as well. Look to grab him now if you have the roster room in deep mixed leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Brandon League, Toronto</h4><p>Once a top Blue Jays prospect, League was recalled to the majors Sunday, June 22, after posting a 3.93 ERA over 20 appearances (34 1/3 innings) for Triple-A Syracuse this year. He has the capability to be a high-strikeout pitcher (32 in 37 combined innings this year) and was a solid option for the team in 2006. He is not worthy of consideration in deep mixed formats; however, you could put him on your watch list in AL-only leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Watch<p></p>

Fantasy baseball waivers and the acquisition of fantasy baseball free agents can make or break a season. You may have adjusted your fantasy baseball cheat sheets over and over during spring training. If your team remains the same after Opening Day, though, you'll probably have trouble competing in your rotisserie baseball league.

Do you need to add players to replace your fantasy baseball busts? Which players can you ignore? KFFL.com's Diamond Market series gives you the fantasy baseball tips and advice you need to sort through the masses quickly.

KEY

Acquire - Add player (in most circumstances)
Watch - Track player; consider adding if trend continues
Pass - Do not add player (in most circumstances)

Catchers

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Texas

With catcher Gerald Laird (hamstring) on the disabled list due to a severely strained hamstring, Saltalamacchia is expected to move into the starting role full-time behind the plate. "Salty" has struggled to translate his seemingly high upside into on-the-field production this year. He is hitting just .223 with three home runs and 15 RBI this season; he's also struggling to throw runners out. His poor offensive numbers mean you should pass him over in shallow mixed leagues; however, consider him in deeper mixed leagues if you are looking for players with some upside.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
AL-only: Acquire

Max Ramirez, Texas

Ramirez received the call to be Saltalamacchia's backup with Laird (hamstring) on the shelf. He was hitting .363 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 67 games for Double-A Frisco prior to his call-up. Manager Ron Washington expects to use him at first base and designated hitter with Saltalamacchia getting most of the time behind the plate. Pass on Ramirez for now in mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
AL-only: Watch

Second Basemen

Jeff Baker, Colorado

After recording just 17 hits in 75 at-bats over the first two months of the season, Baker already has 18 in just 44 at-bats this month, giving him a .409 average. In addition, Baker has all five of his home runs in June and has more than doubled his RBI total with 11 this month. However, temper your expectations if you do pick him up. Infielder Clint Barmes (knee) is expected to return from the disabled list Monday, June 23, and manager Clint Hurdle feels Barmes gives them the best option in the lineup. Baker's versatility could still see him included in the lineup, but hold off on adding him in shallow mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Clint Barmes, Colorado

As stated above, Barmes (knee) is expected to return from the disabled list Monday, June 23. Prior to his placement on the DL, he was hitting at a career-best .343 clip with five home runs and 20 RBI. Infielder Jeff Baker has done a solid job replacing him; however, manager Clint Hurdle feels having Barmes at second base gives the Rockies their best lineup. Barmes is a career .263 hitter who was likely punching above his weight before getting injured, but he could be worth grabbing if you need middle infield help in deeper formats.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Third Basemen

Eric Chavez, Oakland

Bothered by a back injury earlier this year, Chavez (back) returned late in May. Since returning, he has posted a .284 average with two home runs and 12 RBI. His numbers aren't staggering, but he has been solid enough to warrant consideration in any deeper mixed setups, especially if you need a boost in the power numbers.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Acquire
AL-only: Acquire

Shortstops

Jeff Keppinger, Cincinnati

Keppinger (knee) returned from the disabled list Sunday, June 22, where he had been since breaking his left kneecap May 13. He returned to the starting lineup that night, batting second and playing shortstop until an injury to third baseman Edwin Encarnacion (back) forced him to move to the hot corner. Keppinger continued to swing a hot stick during his rehab, batting .448 over eight games with Class-A Sarasota and Triple-A Louisville. Prior to his stint on the DL, Keppinger was hitting a solid .324 with 21 RBI and 17 runs. He could be worth adding in deep mixed formats if you're looking for infield help.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Brent Lillibridge, Atlanta

The Braves recalled Lillibridge on Saturday, June 21, to give the team backup options in the infield with third baseman Chipper Jones (quadriceps) and shortstop Yunel Escobar (hip) both battling nagging injuries. Lillibridge was hitting just .207 but had 15 stolen bases with Triple-A Richmond before his call-up, and he has yet to record an at-bat since returning to the majors. He's not worth a look in any format.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
NL-only: Pass

Outfielders

Adam Lind, Toronto

Following a change at the managerial level in Toronto, the Blue Jays have called up Lind from Triple-A Syracuse to be their everyday left fielder. Lind posted a strong .328-6-50 line for Syracuse this year. However, he has yet to convert his minor league numbers into major league success. The 24-year-old slugger has compiled just a .253 lifetime average and 14 home runs in 372 at-bats. If you are looking for a player with moderate upside to boost your power numbers, Lind could be a speculative option in deeper mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
AL-only: Acquire

Starting Pitchers

Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees

Since blowing up June 7 - 10 runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings - Pettitte has given up just one earned run in his last three starts (21 innings). Giving fantasy owners an even bigger boost is the 19 strikeouts he has recorded in the process. While we do recommend adding him, keep in mind his last two starts (13 innings, no runs, 13 Ks) came against NL clubs that rarely see Pettitte, and the teams ranked as two of the three lowest-scoring clubs in the NL to boot. Expect rougher seas ahead.

Shallow mixed: Acquire
Deep mixed: Acquire
AL-only: Acquire

Kenny Rogers, Detroit

"The Gambler" continues to ride a hot streak. He has gone at least seven innings in each of his last five starts, and he has given up just four earned runs combined in that span (36 innings). His hard work has not paid off, however. The Tigers have not given him much offensive support, and he has just one win and four no-decisions in those starts. If you are looking to boost your ratios, Rogers would make a decent pickup in deep mixed leagues. If he starts getting some offensive support, he could worth a look in shallow mixed leagues as well.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
AL-only: Acquire

Mike Pelfrey, New York Mets

Pelfrey ended a six-game losing streak with a seven-inning, two-run effort May 31, and he has yet to lose in the month of June. He fell one out short of recording his fourth quality start in his last five outings Sunday, June 22, but he still gave up just three hits and no runs over 5 2/3 innings. Control was a problem for him Sunday (five walks). However, if you are looking for someone to boost your ERA and possibly win you a few games, Pelfrey might be a decent addition in deeper mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
NL-only: Acquire

Joel Pineiro, St. Louis Cardinals

Since returning from a groin injury, Pineiro has allowed just five earned runs over his three starts (19 innings), lowering his season ERA from 4.50 to 3.86 in the process. He has not figured in many decisions this year with just five results (two wins, three losses) in his 11 starts, but you could consider adding him in any NL-only formats. He also warrants a look in deep mixed formats if he continues to pitch well.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Seth McClung, Milwaukee

McClung has pitched well since making his first start of the season May 24. In that stretch he has a solid 4-2 record with a 3.93 ERA. He also has four straight quality starts. There are a few worrying signs regarding McClung. First, he has allowed a home run in five of his six starts. Second, he has struggled with his control at times, issuing six free passes May 29 and five Friday, June 21. However, McClung has done enough to warrant being a watch-list candidate in deep mixed formats.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
NL-only: Acquire

Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado

Jimenez looks to have put his slow start to the season behind him. Over his last three starts, the 24-year-old hurler has allowed just three earned runs in 20 innings while striking out 12. His latest start was a one-run, eight-inning gem against the Mets on Friday, June 21. He is worth adding in NL-only formats. However, hold off on acquiring him in mixed leagues. His high walk totals - nine in his last 13 innings - mean he could still revert back to his early-season form.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Watch
NL-only: Acquire

Relief Pitchers

Taylor Buchholz, Colorado

There continues to be talk of Buchholz getting a shot at closing if the team deals closer Brian Fuentes. Buchholz's numbers this season (1.43 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 27 strikeouts) make him a candidate in deep mixed formats, and if he was closing he could be a solid option in shallow leagues as well. Look to grab him now if you have the roster room in deep mixed leagues.

Shallow mixed: Watch
Deep mixed: Acquire
NL-only: Acquire

Brandon League, Toronto

Once a top Blue Jays prospect, League was recalled to the majors Sunday, June 22, after posting a 3.93 ERA over 20 appearances (34 1/3 innings) for Triple-A Syracuse this year. He has the capability to be a high-strikeout pitcher (32 in 37 combined innings this year) and was a solid option for the team in 2006. He is not worthy of consideration in deep mixed formats; however, you could put him on your watch list in AL-only leagues.

Shallow mixed: Pass
Deep mixed: Pass
AL-only: Watch