FAAB Factor - NL: Post-Deadline Edition

This is the post-non-waiver trade deadline edition. Bids slightly raised in certain cases due to fewer number of games remaining
 
Starting Pitching:

Tyler Chatwood - The Rockies will recall Chatwood to start Sunday against the Giants. Chatwood, who was acquired this offseason from the Angels for Chris Iannetta, has struggled in his first season in the Rockies organization, posting a 7.62 ERA and 2.000 WHIP in the majors and was not much better at Triple-A, but the team needs a starter Sunday after Christian Friedrich hit the disabled list. He has accumulated more than three times as many groundouts than flyouts since heading to Double-A Tulsa, which could play well in Denver. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Patrick Corbin - Corbin, who posted a 4.15 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 10 appearances (five starts) earlier this season, was called back up to replace Josh Collmenter in the D-Backs rotation. Corbin struck out five and walked two while giving up two hits in six shutout innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday, lowering his ERA to 3.60 for the year. He is an extreme groundball pitcher, which is a good thing at Chase Field, and also has shown the ability to strikeout hitters, using his low-90s fastball, slider ad change-up, posting 35K in those 45IP. Corbin has also shown decent control thus far in Arizona (15 walks in 45 innings) and should stick in the back of the rotation for the rest of the year. Long-term, with Joe Saunders on track for free agency this winter, Corbin could be in the mix along with Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs to fill that rotation slot. Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Jaime Garcia - Garcia, sidelined with left shoulder impingement, made his first start for the GCL Cardinals on Monday. He had his next rehab start pushed back to Saturday at Double-A Springfield, where he pitched into the fifth inning. Garcia has not pitched for the Cardinals since June 5 as he's dealt with both shoulder and elbow ailments the last two months. He likely will need two more rehab starts and be able to throw 80-90 pitches before he is activated. Considering his normal stuff, it made sense that he was dealing with an injury when he was sidelined as he had just three wins and a 4.48 earned run average. If truly healthy, he should provide St. Louis and his fantasy owners with a nice boost the last 5-6 weeks of the season. Mixed: $5; NL: $14 (early speculative bid).

Jeff Karstens - Karstens has pitched well since returning in late-June from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for two months. He struggled in his first start, giving up six earned runs in five innings, raising his ERA to 6.75. Since then, he has thrown four quality starts in his six outings, lowering his ERA to 3.70 in 10 starts. What bodes well is his strong FIP, improved K rate and continued excellent control, which has been a hallmark of his career. Keep an eye on his HR/9 rate, which has ticked up his last two starts, as he has allowed three long-balls, though still sits way below his norm, and his very strong strand rate. Mixed: $4; NL: should already be owned.

Kyle Kendrick - Pressed into service after scheduled starter Joe Blanton was dealt to the Dodgers on Friday, Kendrick did a respectable job. He threw 63 pitches in this one, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits, walking none and striking out two over four innings, and will likely be stretched out to fill the vacated rotation spot over the remainder of the year. Kendrick's next start would be at home against Atlanta, assuming he stays in the rotation and the Phillies do not makes any adjustments. Kendrick won't strike out many batters, but should keep the Phillies in most game, posting a decent ERA and WHIP. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Wade LeBlanc - LeBlanc was moved into the starting rotation Wednesday in Miami, taking the place of the struggling Carlos Zambrano. LeBlanc, who had been pitching in the bullpen, allowed only one run on five hits and one walk with three strikeouts over 4.1 innings in his start Wednesday against the Braves. He is an extreme flyball pitcher, who improved his control and K/IP ratio this year at Triple-A, but in the past he struggled in both respects. In the past, he benefited from pitching at Petco Park, but no longer has that luxury, though his improved control and K ratios could help him make up somewhat for the change in ballpark. Mixed: $1; NL: $5

Shaun Marcum - Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said Marcum's (elbow) bullpen session went "great" Wednesday, and he was cleared to throw a simulated session this weekend. It appears as if Marcum will begin a rehab assignment shortly if everything goes well this weekend. He has not pitched since he went 7.2 innings on June 14. Marcum is 5-3 on the season with a 3.39 ERA, building off his strong 2011 campaign and alleviating the concerns following his very late season fade. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early speculative bid)

Johan Santana - Santana (sprained right ankle) is scheduled to throw bullpen sessions Thursday and Friday for the first time since landing on the DL on July 21. He will pitch in a rehab outing for the Brooklyn Cyclones on Sunday and should start for the Mets on Saturday. The time off allowed Santana's ankle, which caused him to change his motion slightly, weakening his shoulder, to heal. (should still be owned in all formats, but if not,Mixed: $7; NL: $18 if truly healthy)

Chris Volstad - Volstad was called back up from Triple-A Iowa to return to the Cubs' rotation due to the departures of Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm at the trade deadline. Volstad, a 25-year-old right-hander, went 0-7 with a 7.94 ERA and 27 strikeouts in nine starts earlier this season with the Cubs. He pitched well in a loss Saturday, giving up two runs in seven innings, but given his recent history, tread carefully if bidding on him. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Alex White - White was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs and started Thursday in place of Christian Friedrich for the Rockies. White held the Cardinals scoreless through five innings and gave up two runs in 5.1 innings in a no-decision. White struggled mightily when he was up with the big club earlier this year, but he appeared to straighten things out at Colorado Springs, earning PCL Pitcher of the Week honors for this past week after giving up just one run in 15 innings of work prior to his promotion. White will remain in the rotation, as the Rockies announced Friday that Christian Friedrich would likely miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture on his lower spine. When White is on, he mixes a mid-90s fastball and slider to retire hitters and should get a long-look by the Rockies with their rotation a complete mess from top to bottom. Mixed: $1; NL: $5

Relief Pitchers:

Brad Boxberger/Cory Burns/Alberto Cabrera/Cory Gearrin//Chris Hatcher/Brandon League/Shane Loux/Mike McClendon/Peter Moylan/Chad Qualls/Evan Reed/B.J. Rosenberg/Mickey Storey - This week's batch of middle relief promotions/activations/trade acquisitions took place in San Diego (2x), Chicago, Atlanta, Florida, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Florida, Philadelphia and Houston. All of them will pitch in middle relief for their respective teams. All -Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Juan Cruz - Cruz, sidelined with right shoulder inflammation, threw a 25-30 pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, followed by him tossing 25 pitches, including breaking balls, to Gaby Sanchez and Alex Presley on Friday. Pittsburgh is monitoring how Cruz feels over the weekend before they determine the next step on his comeback Monday. If Cruz is fine, he likely will begin a rehab assignment shortly. Cruz should need four rehab appearances before returning to the Pirates' bullpen, where he will slot in as one of Joel Hanrahan's set-up men. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Frank Francisco - Francisco, sidelined with a strained oblique since June 22, was profiled two weeks ago when he was slated to begin a rehab assignment. After a mild setback with some soreness, Francisco finally completed that rehab stint with Double-A Binghamton or Thursday and was activated Friday.  However, despite being activated, he is now dealing with a right lat strain that could limit his save opportunities. Before being sidelined, Francisco converted 10 of his last 11 save opportunities with a 1.76 ERA. Manager Terry Collins said when Francisco was first sidelined that he would will replace Bobby Parnell as the closer if he's throwing as well as he did pre-injury, and with Parnell and the bullpen struggling again lately, expect that to be the case as it was Saturday night when he notched the save. (just an FYI as still should be owned in all formats. If not, Mixed: $8; NL: $22)

Catchers:

John Baker/Eddy Rodriguez - With Yasmani Grandal landing on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle, Baker and Rodriguez will split the catching duty in San Diego. Nick Hundley, who normally would have been called up, is not ready to handle the job, leaving the task to Baker and Rodriguez. Baker figures to see most of the action behind the plate, given that he has more of a track record and a slightly better stick, though it's nothing to get excited about. Rodriguez, who was promoted this week when Grandal went down, will see the occasional start, even though he homered in his debut. Baker -Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Rodriguez - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Welington Castillo/Steve Clevenger - With Geovany Soto traded to Texas, Castillo and Clevenger should split the playing time behind the plate. Castillo, who was called up when Soto was dealt, had been hitting better in the minors the past couple seasons, with a good on-base percentage and some pop in his bat. Still, he hasn't showed much during his time in the majors. Clevenger hit well out of the gate but has done almost nothing since. It remains to be seen how the at-bats will be split, though neither catcher are tremendous options at the spot, but Clevenger probably has the better stick of the two. Castillo -Mixed: $0; NL: $2; Clevenger - Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Jason Castro - Castro started a rehab assignment on Friday. Castro has been on the disabled list since July 8 with right knee effusion, and has had the knee drained of fluids more than once. The team expects he will start out catching three innings before working his way up to nine innings and activation in about a week or so. Once he returns, with Houston going nowhere, he should take over catching duties from Chris Snyder. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Ramon Hernandez - Though Hernandez was once almost a sure bet to get traded to the Mets after he returned from the DL, he remained in Colorado after New York went in a tailspin to fall back in the NL East. For now, Hernandez will serve as a mentor to rookie Wilin Rosario. However, with Rosario batting just 4-for-24 since returning from an injury, Hernandez has seen starts in four of the last six games, going 7-for-17 in those four starts. Mixed: $1; NL: $5

Michael McKenry - McKenry continues to outperform starting catcher Rod Barajas at the plate. McKenry's playing time remains a subject of debate, but he'll likely split about 50/50 while he's hot -- something he's been since for a couple months - though lately he has seen more time than that. He's hitting .323 with nine homers and 27 RBI in 99 at-bats since May 15 with four home runs and nine RBI in his last six starts. Mixed: $4; NL: $13 (spike in value).

Dioner Navarro - Navarro was called up Wednesday with Devin Mesoraco hitting the seven-day concussion DL. The 28-year-old Navarro hit just .193 in 64 games for the Dodgers last season, but he does have a .244/.306/.353 career line. Navarro likely will see minimal time backing up Ryan Hanigan until Mesoraco is ready to return. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Hector Sanchez - Sanchez, who had been out since July 17 with a sprained knee, was activated off the DL and started Thursday. Sanchez was batting .281 with two home runs and 24 RBI when he was sidelined. He will once again fill his role as back up catcher behind Buster Posey. Mixed: No; NL: $0

Brian Schneider/Erik Kratz - Schneider, out since June 25 with a high-ankle sprain, was been activated from the 15-day DL on Tuesday. He was expected to reprise his role as the backup catcher behind Carlos Ruiz down the stretch. However, that has all changed as Carlos Ruiz was placed on the DL on Saturday and will miss the next 4-to-6 weeks due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot. That means that Schneider and Kratz, who was usually used as a pinch-hitter and third catcher, will split time behind the plate until Ruiz returns. If looking for the one with the most upside, go with Kratz as he has a little pop in his bat. Schneider -Mixed: $0; NL: $2; Kratz - Mixed: $1; NL: $4

Kurt Suzuki - Suzuki, who was hitting .218 with just one home run and 18 RBI, was dealt to Washington for David Freitas. This move was not a big surprise, as Suzuki had lost most of his playing time and starting catching job to Derek Norris, who ironically came over to Oakland from Washington in the Gio Gonzalez trade. That said, Suzuki should get regular at bats as the Nationals attempt to upgrade the catcher position with Wilson Ramos out for the season and Jesus Flores not the answer. Suzuki has regressed each year since his breakthrough 2009 season, bottoming out this season. However, he is very solid defensively, and at worse, should give the Nationals a huge upgrade in that regard behind the plate. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.
 
First Basemen:
 
Matthew McBride - McBride was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Saturday and started at first base against the Giants. McBride was enjoying a breakout season in his third campaign at Triple-A, batting an incredible .354/.386/.561 with 10 homers and 77 RBI. With Michael Cuddyer (oblique) landing on the DL, McBride should be the top backup at first base to Todd Helton. If McBride proves he can continue to rake at the major league level, he could gradually steal at-bats from Helton, who has struggled mightily this season. Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Brett Pill - Pill got the call to take the roster spot of Nate Schierholtz, who was traded to the Phillies on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Pill hit just .215/.271/.367 with three homers and nine RBI in 36 games (79 at-bats) earlier this season with the Giants before being optioned on June 8. It looks like Pill, at least for the short-term, will start against most lefties with Brandon Belt playing against righties and Buster Posey seeing the occasional starts at first base as well. Mixed: No; NL: $3.

Gaby Sanchez - The Marlins dealt Sanchez on Tuesday to the Pirates for Gorkys Hernandez and a competitive balance draft pick. Sanchez was awful with the Marlins this season, hitting just .202 with three home runs and 17 RBI in 183 at-bats, resulting in his demotion. At the time of the trade, he was raking at Triple-A New Orleans, posting a .302/.431/.491 line five home runs and 18 RBI in 116 AB. He could serve in a platoon with Garrett Jones initially, but if the change of scenery can spark Sanchez to the replicate the performance that made him an All-Star last season, he could ultimately see the lion's share of at-bats at first base. Mixed: $3; NL: $9.

Chad Tracy - Tracy, who had surgery in late-May to repair a torn adductor muscle, was activated from the 15-day DL on Tuesday. Most of his value comes as a pinch-hitter, but Tracy will also provide insurance behind Adam LaRoche at first base during the final two months of the season. Mixed: No; NL: $0.
 
Second Base:

Adrian Cardenas - Cardenas was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. With the slew of trades made by the Cubs on Monday, Cardenas joined the roster as a reserve option. He will see spot action at second base. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Hector Luna/Michael Martinez - The Phillies recalled Luna and Martinez from Triple-A Lehigh Valley this past week. Luna took the roster spot of Carlos Ruiz, who was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a foot injury. Luna, who appeared in 26 games with the Phillies earlier this season, will fill a utility role with the big club. The Phillies opened up a roster spot for Martinez by designating Mike Fontenot for assignment Wednesday. Martinez will likely serve as a reserve at second base, third base and shortstop, seeing few at-bats at either position. Luna and Martinez -Mixed: No; NL: $0

Chris Nelson - Nelson, sidelined since July 16 with an irregular heartbeat, went 0-for-3 with an RBI in his first rehab game since being sidelined for Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday. He's eligible to come off the DL but might need a few more games at Triple-A before the team feels comfortable activating him. He should take over second base duties from D.J. LeMahieu as soon as he returns. However, keep in mind once Troy Tulowitzki returns, Josh Rutledge likely will shift to second base. Mixed: $2; NL: $7

Shortstops:

Dee Gordon - Gordon, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 4th, had the cast removed from his dislocated right thumb on Friday. Gordon could require a rehab assignment before returning to the Dodgers, but he might not have his starting spot back when he returns. New acquisition Hanley Ramirez has been playing at third base, but could move to shortstop if the Dodgers determine they can't stomach Gordon's on-base woes. Gordon could still have some value off the bench, as he would be an excellent pinch-runner late in games, given his 30 steals in 38 attempts, but his overall value took a major hit with the Dodgers' acquisition of Ramirez. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (due to SB potential and possibility Hanley plays some at third base, opening up shortstop for Gordon)

Nick Green - Green was recalled from Triple-A on Saturday. He could end up seeing a fair amount of playing time at second base with Emilio Bonifacio out 2-3 weeks, and at third base as well since Donovan Solano is hardly a known commodity. Green is hitting .344/.397/.599 with 12 home runs this year at New Orleans, but his career major league line of .239/.307/.350 in almost 1000 at-bats is probably more indicative of the kind of production you can expect. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Troy Tulowitzki - Tulo, who had surgery in mid-June to remove scar tissue built over a nerve in his left groin area, will start taking ground balls and do more lateral movement. Tulowitzki, who basically has been out since late-May, will travel with the team on their upcoming road trip, a sign that he's progressing well in his rehab. Even so, no official timetable for his return has been made available as of yet, though a couple of weeks seems like a realistic estimate, as he was expected to be sidelined six weeks when he first had he surgery. Mixed: $35; NL: $55 (early speculative bid as will go close to max when he is activated).

Third Basemen:

Scott Moore - With Chris Johnson getting off shipped off to Arizona, the Astros decided to call up Brett Wallace rather than Matt Dominguez, suggesting that Moore will get most of the playing time at third base. Moore was playing regularly anyhow, but this locks him into one position. When/if Dominguez is promoted, the Astros could rotate the three players between the two corner positions, but Moore and Wallace as lefty batters likely would be on the better part of the platoons at either spot. Moore has historically struggled in making contact, but his low BA in the majors if due to an unlucky BABIP, so there could be some upside there if that number normalizes, plus he brings good power that should leave him in the lineup. Mixed: $7; NL: $18 (spike in value but likely owned in NL-only leagues by now).

Pablo Sandoval - Sandoval, out since July 28 with a strained left hamstring, was able to hit, run and field grounders Saturday. The wide range of activities certainly bodes well for Sandoval, who will run some more Sunday. He is eligible to come off the DL Thursday, which appears to be a distinct possibility at the moment. Before being sidelined, the Panda, who missed six weeks with a broken hamate bone in his left hand, had put up a solid .299/.352/.491 triple-slash with right home runs and 33 RBI in 234 at-bats this season. (just an FYI as should still be owned in all leagues)

Josh Vitters - Vitters could get called up at some point soon with the non-waivers trade deadline having passed. He's been hitting (.300/.354/.504) at Triple-A, but his defense at third base is the biggest issue right now. Vitters' glove could still use some work and it would help if he cut down on the strikeouts, but he might warrant call-up just to see how he handles the show, especially with the Cubs out of it and the hot corner being handled by Luis Valbuena and Joe Mather. Mixed: $2; NL: $7. (speculative bid)

Outfielders:

Domonic Brown/John Mayberry/Laynce Nix/Nate Schierholtz - The Phillies traded away two-thirds of their starting outfield this week, trading Shane Victorino to LA and Hunter Pence to SF. In addition, they told Juan Pierre that his playing time will be cut, opening the door for several others to see consistent action in the outfield. Brown suffered through a nightmare rookie campaign last season, failing to live up to the substantial hype that preceded his arrival in the majors. Injuries and inconsistent play have marred his minor-league campaign this year, but he does have tremendous talent. He will get a chance to play all three-outfield spots and should be in the lineup nearly every day. Mayberry was all but given a starting job in spring training, but was unable to hold it. He finally did get hot, before slumping and the return of Ryan Howard landed him on the bench in July. Now Mayberry is being given a chance to play center field almost daily. The question with him is can he hit righties? Mayberry has shown he tees off against southpaws, but if he is unable to hit righties, he will end up in a platoon situation. Nix gets a mild upgrade, but he will see the least time of the four as Schierholtz probably will see most of the action in right field. Schierholtz, who was hitting .257/.327/.429 with five home runs in 175 at-bats this season for the Giants and was basically an after-thought in SF. He did have a solid 2011 campaign for them and will get a shot to show he can stick in the City of Brotherly Love. Brown -Mixed: $4; NL: $13; Mayberry - Mixed: $3; NL: $9; Nix - Mixed: $0; NL: $4; Schierholtz - Mixed: $4; NL: $13.

Gorkys Hernandez - The Miami outfield is currently a mess with Emilio Bonifacio landing on the DL again due to his thumb injury, Gioncarlo Stanton working his way back from knee surgery and Logan Morrison possibly out for the season due to his knee injury. Hernandez is the beneficiary of all these ailments, as he has been manning center field nearly every day since coming over to the Marlins in the Gaby Sanchez deal. Hernandez hit .257/.353/.346 with 43 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 67 games at Triple-A Indianapolis this season, but is just 2-for-37 in the majors. Until Miami gets somewhat healthy, look for Hernandez to be out there nearly every day and then fall back to a fourth\/fifth outfielder role. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Brett Jackson - Jackson appears to be in the verge of a promotion. Following the trade of Reed Johnson to Atlanta, the Cubs have an open spot in the outfield rotation that could be filled by Jackson. In addition, with both Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus available to someone (anyone?) who wants them, Jackson could be up momentarily. Jackson is only hitting .258 for the season at Triple-A Iowa, but his power numbers are in line or a little better than in previous seasons with 15 home runs and 45 RBI. Both his slugging percentage (.485) and OPS (.824) are down compared to last season at Iowa. When Jackson does come up, look for him to play daily, as Chicago should sue the remainder of the season to evaluate their young talent. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (mildly early speculative bid)

Ryan Ludwick - Ludwick homered again Wednesday and went 3-for-4 with four RBI in a win over San Diego. That gave him four bombs in four games and continued what has been a huge hot streak for him. Ludwick hit .333/.383/.707 along with seven home runs during the month of July, giving him 19 homers on the year -- 14 of them in the last two months - along with 57 RBI. This is the most power he's flashed since his breakout 2008 season, and he's showing the ability to hit successfully against lefties and righties. If for some reason Ludwick is available in your league, run, don't walk as he should continue benefitting from hitting at Great American Ballpark. Mixed: $18; NL: should be owned.

Geraldo Parra - Parra has -- at least temporarily -- played his way into a platoon with Chris Young in center field. Manager Kirk Gibson suggested that a platoon going forward won't necessarily hold up, and that Young could begin to play again against some right-handed starters. Still, it's an effective way to get better offensive production in the lineup, as Parra and Young's splits complement each other very well, given their respective struggles against lefties and righties and success the opposite way. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (spike in value in single leagues)

Steven Pearce - Pearce, who was claimed off the waiver wire from Baltimore, gets a new lease on life in Houston. He won't be a full-time player, but Pearce will get some playing time in both corner outfield spots and at first base. Right now he is dealing with a minor neck injury but is expected to play Sunday and provides at least a mild power threat who can take advantage of the short left field porch in Minute Maid Park from the middle of the Astros' lineup. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

Shane Robinson - The Cardinals recalled Robinson from Triple-A Memphis on Friday. Robinson spent the last couple weeks in the minors, but the Cardinals decided to bring him back to take the roster spot of Lance Berkman, who landed on the disabled list with recurring right knee soreness. He will see the occasional start in center field; though expect to see Holiday-Jay-Beltran from left-to-right in most games. Mixed: No; NL: $3

Travis Snider - Snider was traded to Pittsburgh on Tuesday for set-up man Brad Lincoln. Snider will see regular playing time in right field until and unless he proves he can't handle everyday action. He could move down in the order, switching places with no. 5 hitter Neil Walker, at some point. Snider has tremendous talent, but has consistently struggled to make consistent contact and with strikeouts in the majors, but has always rebounded and posted big minor-league numbers. His age and power potential mean that he will continually get chances and he should have a long leash with the Bucs. Mixed: $8; NL: $22

Giancarlo Stanton - Stanton is recovering from a surgical procedure he had back on July 8, during which two loose bodies were removed from his knee. He started a rehab assignment this past week at High-A Jupiter, where he is laying the field one day and the DH the next. The Marlins are reportedly hoping to activate Stanton in time for this week's series against the Mets, maybe even by Tuesday. When he does return, Stanton may not play every day initially to make sure his knee is fully healed. Prior to being sidelined, Stanton has a .284/.364/.554 line with 19 HR and 50 RBI in 285 at-bats. Mixed: $45; NL: $75.

Jayson Werth - Werth missed nearly three months after he broke his left wrist making a sliding catch on May 6, but finally made it back to the majors on Thursday. Werth went 8-for-27 with three doubles in nine rehab games between Triple-A Syracuse and High-A Potomac, but came on strong after starting out 0-for-12. Prior to getting hurt, he seemed to have put last year's debacle of a first year in D.C. behind him, getting off to a strong start in Washington. Look for him to play right field daily, bat in the middle of the order and be a solid power/speed producer. Mixed: $18; NL: $45 (spike in bid now that he has returned)