Redsground.com | Cincinnati Reds News, reds 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 will 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 Diamond Market 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>Second Basemen</h3><p><h4>Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee</h4><p>Weeks has elevated his game ever since the club acquired second baseman<b> Ray Durham </b>from the San Francisco Giants on July 20. He has hit safely in 12 of his 15 starts since that date and has posted a .299-2-9 overall line. On the downside he has stolen just one base in two attempts during that time. Anyone that needs help at middle infield can consider Weeks, who was likely dumped by some owners that thought Durham's arrival would signal a sharp decrease in playing time for the 25-year-old.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>Deep mixed:</i> Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Alexi Casilla, Minnesota</h4><p>Originally thought to be done for the season, Casilla (thumb) now sounds as though he could be returning as early as next week. The second baseman was enjoying a strong season before the injury, and his revised prognosis is rewarding news for AL-only owners that chose to stash him. Despite his .313 average, those in deep mixed versions might be better off waiting to see what Casilla does upon returning rather than picking him up right away.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland</h4><p>It certainly looks as though Cabrera's June demotion has had the desired effect as the 22-year-old is batting .301 with three home runs and seven RBI in 73 at-bats since returning. He has been even better in August (.324-2-4) and should at least hold short-term value in deep mixed formats, though he's not someone you'd want to wait out a slump with.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Third Basemen</h3><p><h4>Willy Aybar, Tampa Bay</h4><p>With third baseman <b>Evan Longoria</b> (wrist) expected to be out at least two to three weeks, Aybar should see increased playing time. The career .269 hitter has shown some pop this year (16 extra-base hits in 184 at-bats), but he doesn't do enough to be worth considering in mixed leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Shortstops</h3><p><h4>Nomar Garciaparra, Los Angeles Dodgers</h4><p>Garciaparra (knee) is back after his third stint on the DL this season, and he started at shortstop Tuesday, August 12, going 0-for-3. The veteran was hitting well before getting injured, and the Dodgers have improved their lineup dramatically with the additions of third baseman<b> Casey Blake </b>and outfielder<b> Manny Ramirez.</b> He might not have a place to play if and when shortstop <b>Rafael Furcal</b> (back) returns, but he's a solid flier option in deep mixed leagues at least in the short term.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h3>Outfielders</h3><p><h4>Dave Roberts, San Francisco</h4><p>Despite the ongoing youth movement in San Francisco, manager Bruce Bochy has indicated Roberts will continue to see regular playing time in the Giants outfield. This development likely comes at the expense of outfielder <B>Fred Lewis</b> (foot), who has been bothered by a bunion for the past several weeks. Roberts isn't expected to an everyday fixture in the starting lineup, but his speed gives him value in NL-only setups. <p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Chris Dickerson, Cincinnati</h4><p>Now that the team has traded away outfielders <b>Ken Griffey, Jr.</b> (White Sox) and<b> Adam Dunn </b>(Diamondbacks), they have two holes to fill in their outfield. Veteran outfielder <b>Corey Patterson</b> has been manning one spot, while the newly promoted Dickerson made his major league debut Tuesday, August 12, going 1-for-4 and scoring a run. Dickerson was batting .287 with 26 steals for Triple-A Louisville, and the team might be interested in giving him an extended look over the final six-plus weeks. However, they might just be buying time until infielder <b>Jerry Hairston, Jr.</b> (hamstring) can shake off his latest injury as he's expected to play center field upon returning. In that scenario, the team would likely choose between Patterson and Dickerson. The rookie could be worth a flier in deep NL-only leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed:</i> Pass<br><i>NL-only</i>: Watch<p><h3>Starting Pitchers</h3><p><h4>Brian Moehler, Houston</h4><p>Outside a rough outing July 23 (five earned runs on nine hits in 2 1/3 innings), Moehler has been lights out for the Astros since the All-Star break. He has gone 3-0 and allowed just four runs in 27 2/3 innings of work during his other four second-half starts. He still doesn't strike out many batters (57 K's in 105 2/3 innings this season), but he's a factor now in deep mixed leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed:</i> Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Jeff Suppan, Milwaukee</h4><p>Suppan picked up his third consecutive win Tuesday, August 12, allowing two runs on four hits over eight innings of work. The veteran hurler has now tossed four quality starts in his last five outings, yielding eight runs in 29 innings during those appearances. Consider him a solid addition in deep mixed leagues if you're looking to make a push in wins.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Acquire<br><i>NL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Paul Byrd, Boston</h4><p>With injuries piling up and pitcher<b> Clay Buchholz </b>unable to find his form, the Red Sox have acquired Byrd from the Indians. The veteran has been outstanding since the All-Star break, winning all four of his starts while posting a 1.24 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He's not going to help with strikeouts and his ratios are traditionally mediocre, but he could provide some wins down the stretch in deep mixed leagues.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<p><h4>Freddy Garcia, Detroit</h4><p>The Tigers inked Garcia to a minor league deal Tuesday, August 12, and he could work his way into their rotation before the end of the year. However, the former 18-game winner hasn't pitched in the majors since June 8 of last season and is nothing more than a speculative addition in AL-only leagues at this point in his career.<p><i>Shallow mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Pass<br><i>AL-only</i>: Watch<p><h3>Relief Pitchers</h3><p><h4>Chris Ray, Baltimore</h4><p>Ray (elbow) hasn't pitched in the majors this year while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but it sounds as though he might return when rosters expand in September. Closer <b>George Sherrill</b> has done a nice job for the team this year, but Ray could still be eased back into the role upon returning. That means he might notch a few saves come mid-September. He's a flier option for those hurting for saves.<p><i>Shallow mixed:</i> Watch<br><i>Deep mixed</i>: Watch<br><i>AL-only</i>: Acquire<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 will 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)

Second Basemen

Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee

Weeks has elevated his game ever since the club acquired second baseman Ray Durham from the San Francisco Giants on July 20. He has hit safely in 12 of his 15 starts since that date and has posted a .299-2-9 overall line. On the downside he has stolen just one base in two attempts during that time. Anyone that needs help at middle infield can consider Weeks, who was likely dumped by some owners that thought Durham's arrival would signal a sharp decrease in playing time for the 25-year-old.

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

Alexi Casilla, Minnesota

Originally thought to be done for the season, Casilla (thumb) now sounds as though he could be returning as early as next week. The second baseman was enjoying a strong season before the injury, and his revised prognosis is rewarding news for AL-only owners that chose to stash him. Despite his .313 average, those in deep mixed versions might be better off waiting to see what Casilla does upon returning rather than picking him up right away.

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

Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland

It certainly looks as though Cabrera's June demotion has had the desired effect as the 22-year-old is batting .301 with three home runs and seven RBI in 73 at-bats since returning. He has been even better in August (.324-2-4) and should at least hold short-term value in deep mixed formats, though he's not someone you'd want to wait out a slump with.

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

Third Basemen

Willy Aybar, Tampa Bay

With third baseman Evan Longoria (wrist) expected to be out at least two to three weeks, Aybar should see increased playing time. The career .269 hitter has shown some pop this year (16 extra-base hits in 184 at-bats), but he doesn't do enough to be worth considering in mixed leagues.

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

Shortstops

Nomar Garciaparra, Los Angeles Dodgers

Garciaparra (knee) is back after his third stint on the DL this season, and he started at shortstop Tuesday, August 12, going 0-for-3. The veteran was hitting well before getting injured, and the Dodgers have improved their lineup dramatically with the additions of third baseman Casey Blake and outfielder Manny Ramirez. He might not have a place to play if and when shortstop Rafael Furcal (back) returns, but he's a solid flier option in deep mixed leagues at least in the short term.

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

Outfielders

Dave Roberts, San Francisco

Despite the ongoing youth movement in San Francisco, manager Bruce Bochy has indicated Roberts will continue to see regular playing time in the Giants outfield. This development likely comes at the expense of outfielder Fred Lewis (foot), who has been bothered by a bunion for the past several weeks. Roberts isn't expected to an everyday fixture in the starting lineup, but his speed gives him value in NL-only setups.

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

Chris Dickerson, Cincinnati

Now that the team has traded away outfielders Ken Griffey, Jr. (White Sox) and Adam Dunn (Diamondbacks), they have two holes to fill in their outfield. Veteran outfielder Corey Patterson has been manning one spot, while the newly promoted Dickerson made his major league debut Tuesday, August 12, going 1-for-4 and scoring a run. Dickerson was batting .287 with 26 steals for Triple-A Louisville, and the team might be interested in giving him an extended look over the final six-plus weeks. However, they might just be buying time until infielder Jerry Hairston, Jr. (hamstring) can shake off his latest injury as he's expected to play center field upon returning. In that scenario, the team would likely choose between Patterson and Dickerson. The rookie could be worth a flier in deep NL-only leagues.

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

Starting Pitchers

Brian Moehler, Houston

Outside a rough outing July 23 (five earned runs on nine hits in 2 1/3 innings), Moehler has been lights out for the Astros since the All-Star break. He has gone 3-0 and allowed just four runs in 27 2/3 innings of work during his other four second-half starts. He still doesn't strike out many batters (57 K's in 105 2/3 innings this season), but he's a factor now in deep mixed leagues.

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

Jeff Suppan, Milwaukee

Suppan picked up his third consecutive win Tuesday, August 12, allowing two runs on four hits over eight innings of work. The veteran hurler has now tossed four quality starts in his last five outings, yielding eight runs in 29 innings during those appearances. Consider him a solid addition in deep mixed leagues if you're looking to make a push in wins.

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

Paul Byrd, Boston

With injuries piling up and pitcher Clay Buchholz unable to find his form, the Red Sox have acquired Byrd from the Indians. The veteran has been outstanding since the All-Star break, winning all four of his starts while posting a 1.24 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. He's not going to help with strikeouts and his ratios are traditionally mediocre, but he could provide some wins down the stretch in deep mixed leagues.

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

Freddy Garcia, Detroit

The Tigers inked Garcia to a minor league deal Tuesday, August 12, and he could work his way into their rotation before the end of the year. However, the former 18-game winner hasn't pitched in the majors since June 8 of last season and is nothing more than a speculative addition in AL-only leagues at this point in his career.

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

Relief Pitchers

Chris Ray, Baltimore

Ray (elbow) hasn't pitched in the majors this year while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but it sounds as though he might return when rosters expand in September. Closer George Sherrill has done a nice job for the team this year, but Ray could still be eased back into the role upon returning. That means he might notch a few saves come mid-September. He's a flier option for those hurting for saves.

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