Baseball - Pick Up Artist

Catcher

Carlos Ruiz (Phillies) - Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the veteran's progress going forward, with him steamrolling into the All-Star break. Ruiz is a considerably better hitter in the second half of the season over his career, with an average 32 points better (.245-.277) with upped power numbers as well after the break. He is worth picking up as a back up to an underperforming catcher you might have right now. He is available in 77% of leagues.

1^st Baseman

Mark Trumbo (Angels)  - Trumbo has gone 9 for 25 (.360) over his last seven games with four homers and six RBI leading into the All-Star Break. Not bad for a guy who was just fill-in till Morales but that never happen. The 25-year-old could end up with some serious power numbers by the end of the year. While he can go through slumps from time to time and does not take a ton of walks. He is still viable utility spot player or 1^st baseman off day fill-in. He is available in 61% of leagues.

2^nd Baseman

Mark Ellis (Rockies) - Ellis has gone 11 for 40 (.275) with one home run and seven RBI over his last 10 games. Ellis gives Colorado veteran leadership on the field, but doesn't normally produce enough to warrant much Fantasy attention but that could change with the new scenery.  Feel free to use Ellis as a matchup play especially at home. He is available in 92% of leagues.

3^rd Baseman

Danny Valencia (Twins) - Valencia is batting .239 on the year and has 10 homers and 46 RBI to his credit. He may not have had a hit, but he still contributed. Fantasy owners should view Valencia as a nice 3B option especially with Alex Rodriguez out for the next month or so and heading into the second half of the season in 12 team or bigger mixed leagues. He's owned in only 73% of leagues but is worth using in more formats if he keeps up his current pace.

Shortstop

Eduardo Nunez (Yankees) – With Alex Rodgriguez out till the middle part of August and in the hopes not making defensive blundsers the job will be Nunez’s to lose. Nunez was a good offensive option in June when Jeter was on the shelf with an injury. Consider Nunez a viable low-end stopgap Fantasy option. He is available in 92% percent of leagues.

Outfield

Travis Snider (Blue Jays) - Snider not only has been on a hit parade of late, but he has seven doubles and a home run in eight games since being promoted from Triple AAA.  He is hitting .400 (14 for 35) since returning to the Jays lineup, and he figures to continue to play as long as his bat is so hot. Snider is averaging an extra-base hit per game since he came back and more than an RBI per game as well. Fantasy owners should consider him to be a solid low-end option in mixed formats for now, though he is playing more like a mid-range option while hot. He is available in 71% percent of leagues.

If you have any questions or concerns you can reach me on Twitter at @thefantasynutzo!!