Fantasy Baseball: All-Under the Radar Team

We’re six weeks deep into the baseball season and lots of players are coming out of no where to put up some big stats. If you’re in an active league, the majority of these players are probably long gone, but if not, sweep them up while you still can. Keep in mind that the season is still young, but smart pick-ups could be the key to winning or losing in your league. The following players are guys who probably went near the end of your draft, or weren’t drafted at all.

Catcher: Ryan Doumit (Pirates) - Doumit was expected to share time behind the plate this season, but caught fire and has been the everyday starter for most of the season. He has a .350 batting average, with five homers, 51 total bases, and 15 RBI’s. Doumit was placed on the DL today, so keep an eye out and snag him up when he returns.

First Base: Conor Jackson (Diamondbacks) - Co Jack has been a key contributor for the league leading D-Backs. The 25 year old has an impressive .331 batting average, with five homers, 71 total bases, 31 RBI’s, and three stolen bases. Jackson’s big time production should continue throughout the season, and he’ll be a fantasy commodity for years to come.

Second Base: Mark DeRosa (Cubs) – DeRosa is a great option for any fantasy team due to his eligibility at 2B, 3B, and OF. He also has a .280 batting average with 23 runs, and 22 RBI’s. Hitting sixth in the Cubs lineup with give him plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

Shortstop: Ryan Theriot (Cubs) - Theriot is in a prime position to have a big year. He hits second in the high scoring Cubs potent lineup. He currently leads the Cubs with a .333 bating average, and has chipped in with 26 runs and eight stolen bases. Hitting behind Soriano, and in front of Lee and Ramirez definitely has its advantages.

Third Base: Mark Reynolds (Diamondbacks) - Reynolds has cooled down a little bit since his hot start, and doesn’t hit for average, but his steady production can’t be ignored. He’s second among third basemen with 27 runs, and also has seven home runs, and 28 RBI’s.

Outfield: Nate McLouth (Pirates) – Big Nate has shown no signs of slowing down with a very impressive 94 total bases, 10 home runs, 31 RBI’s, and 32 runs. McLouth wasn’t even expected to be a full time player, but has proved that he’s here to stay, as the second most productive outfielder so far this season.

Outfield: Josh Hamilton (Rangers) – Think the Reds are kicking themselves for trading Hamilton? He currently leads the majors in RBI’s, and is the leagues third best offensive outfielder thus far. Playing in the hitter friendly Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will only help pad his numbers. Expect big things from Hamilton who has a .301 batting average, eight home runs, 90 total bases, and 43 RBI’s.

Outfield: Carlos Quentin (White Sox) – The 25 year old outfielder has erupted so far this season with some big time numbers. Quentin has come out of no where with nine big flies, 29 RBI’s and 26 runs. He’s among the top ten outfielders this season, and it appears he’ll have lots of chances to continue his break out season.

Starting Pitcher: Edinson Volquez (Reds) – Who? This guy has been a hitter’s worst nightmare, that's who. He leads the league is strikeouts with 57, has a 6-1 record, and a miniscule 1.12 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched.

Relief Pitcher: George Sherrill (Orioles) – Sherrill is a big reason why the O’s have started the season with a surprising 20-19 record. He’s second in the league with 14 saves, has one win, and 15 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched.

Just because you have the best team in your league doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always be looking to improve your lineup. It’s always good to have a plan B incase your superstars get injured or fall into a slump.

As the season goes on pay close attention to how a player has done over the last two weeks or over the last month. This may give you a better idea as to what type of production you’ll get out of that player.

Good luck with your rosters, and remember to check back all season long for updates.
~Joe Osborne