Fantasy Baseball Tonight 7/27

Jeff Francoeur hit his third home run as a Met, and he continues to be the offensive force the Mets have so badly needed all year long. He has 13 RBI since coming over from Atlanta and MIGHT be worth a spot on your roster. I would feel much more comfortable if he was either a fourth outfielder or some bench insurance, but in larger leagues he could be in your lineup. I really don't see this continuing, but he should be an integral parts of the Mets offense while their stars are hurt. In fact, he could be even better when the Mets' hitters are healthy, as he would be surrounded by better hitters.

When Julio Lugo was traded to the Cardinals, I wasn't sure that he would get enough playing time to warrant fantasy consideration. Since coming over, Lugo has nine hits in four games and has started each day. If you are in dire need of middle infield help, I would give him a chance. He had some pretty decent steal numbers in Boston when he was healthy.

Ryan Garko has been traded to the San Francisco Giants for a low level minor leaguer. He had finally started to get hot and the Indians were playing him in the outfield to get his bat into the lineup, but now he should have no problem playing everyday. The Giants have tried lots of guys at first, but Garko should see the lion's share of starts there. NL-only leagues or teams in need of some pop could possibly try Garko.

Kelly Shoppach could be the number one beneficiary of this trade. With Garko out of the mix, that could have the Tribe moving Victor Martinez to first base more often, which would get Shoppach in the game more. He hit 21 home runs in limited at bats last year when Martinez was injured, so he could be a nice addition down the stretch. He only hit .261 over that time, so you have to be patient with his batting average. Shoppach started tonight, keep an eye out to see how much he plays in the next couple days.

Alex Gordon has started to hit a little bit. Gordon had two hits on Monday and now has hit safely in five straight games, and he has driven in two runs over that span. I wouldn't run out and grab him right now, but the guy was an elite prospect, so if he starts to hit some more, he could be worth adding. Definitely monitor Gordon in the near future.

Michael Saunders was called up a couple of days ago by the Seattle Mariners and has been installed as the everyday left fielder. He was ranked as the second best prospect in the Mariners organization by Baseball America coming into the season, and in 64 games at AAA he was hitting .310 with 13 HRs and 32 RBI. He will also bring you a decent amount of speed and could steal 15-20 bases in a full season. In his first two games for Seattle he is 2/8 with an RBI. He seems to be flying under the radar so far, but keep an eye on him over the next couple of days to see if he can help you.

Jonny Gomes hit two home runs on Monday, and now has five in the last seven days. So, is he someone you can expect to continue to do this? In a short answer, no. Gomes has shown power in small bursts throughout his career, but he has never been a consistent enough hitter to either stay in a lineup or even in the major leagues. This is short lived, don't buy into it.

Homer Bailey pitched fairly well, but I urge you to temper your excitement. Just remember that it was against the Padres. Second, his last two starts were nightmares, so he hasn't been anything near consistent. Unless you are in an NL-only, or a 16 team league, I would just leave Bailey in free agency, it is likely where he belongs.

Nyjer Morgan reached the 30 steal plateau this season. He has been a great surprise, as his batting average is above .300 as well. He doesn't drive in many runs, but he is at least a two category guy, and if he is helping you in steals he isn't someone I would sell high on, I think he will get close to 45 for the year.

I will be joining Steve Gardner at usatoday.com for the third installment of the Fantasy Roundtable on Tuesday 7/29 at 12pm EST. This one will focus on the trade dealine, but any topic in fantasy can be discussed. It will be featuring a more user friendly chat format, and should be smoother than our previous attempts. You can join us here, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the chat.

Breakout Prospects: Catcher

Matt Wieters (S/R) -- Orioles -- There hasn't been a prospect this highly touted and ready for the major leagues since A-Rod in the mid '90's. There isn't a negative aspect to Wieters game. He's big, strong, a natural leader, hits for power, gets on base and is a plus defender all while playing the toughest position on the field. Make no mistake, Wieters is a game changer and is a symbol of a more promising future in Baltimore. Fantasy wise you won't find many catchers with his kind of ability especially in BA & OBP. In the coming years Wieters will be an automatic first round pick and won't last too long in your draft this year either. I suggest taking him early but be willing to keep him in reserve if he gets off to a slow start. Since he has not failed on any level he has ever played at it may take awhile for him to get adjusted to life in the big leagues. But when all is said and done, this guy will be a star.

J.R. Towles (R/R) -- Astros -- A lot of people are going to be down on Towles after he hit just .137 last season for the Astros. He remains a very solid catching prospect and without Brad Ausmus to fall back on, Houston will allow Towles to work through any future struggles that may come. Towles is a very grounded kid with strong Christian beliefs. He is a hard worker who will not let his previous struggles effect his mind the way many younger players do. His ability to get on base is rare for a catcher and we should see above average power numbers out of him hitting in a very right hand friendly ballpark in Houston. I believe '09 is a bounce back year for Towles and he begins his path on being one of the top catchers in the National League.

Kelly Shoppach (R/R) -- Indians -- Shoppach will be viewed as a backup catcher for the Indians now that Victor Martinez is back but I am here to tell you this will not be the case. After a breakout season in '08, Shoppach showed that he can handle the everyday job and provide plenty of power and drive in runs from the lower third of the order. Martinez is likely to be moved to 1B and spend plenty of time at DH as well this season. Cleveland has a top line catching prospect in Carlos Santana waiting in the minors who is ready to assume the full time gig when given the chance. For 2009, V-Mart finds a new position, Shoppach steps in as regular behind the plate and Santana spends one last season crushing minor league pitching. You will be able to get Shoppach later in most drafts and pick up quite a steal in HR's, RBI and OBP out of the catching position.

Jeff Clement (L/R) -- Mariners -- Clement is going to get his chance this year to finally show whether or not he can cut it at the major league level. As a hitter I believe that he can. He has a good eye and has added a lift in his swing which has brought much better power over the past couple of seasons. Kenji Johjima is a better defensive catcher and will see his share of time especially if Clement struggles. But, Seattle will need to get Clement's bat in the lineup regularly and his power numbers should provide for a fine #2 catcher on any strong fantasy team.

Angel Salome (R/R) -- Brewers -- This is purely a selfish pick I must confess. But a guy I want you all to keep an eye on as this season progresses. Salome is one of the most unorthodox players I have seen yet has had nothing but success since he started pro ball at the age of 18. For starters, he is small at only 5'8" and under 200 lbs. He also has a unique hitting motion the will almost remind you of a right handed Ichiro. Salome has an unreal ability to make contact and has hit for high BA at every stop on his tour including .360 in the Southern League which won him the batting title. His defense is lacking a bit and his wild approach at the plate may not fly against top level pitching. But there is something about the guy that will bring a smile to your face while watching. He got a call up late in September which means Milwaukee is just as intrigued as I am about him. Salome will get a good look this spring. If he continues slapping the ball all over and getting on base he will break camp with the big club. If you draft early, I wouldn't bother taking him but do keep an eye out for him in the free agent pool come late April or early May.

Those are a few of the guys I have on my radar heading into spring training. What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Post your comment below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com