This article is part of our The Daily Duel series.
Values
Here are some guys who are good additions to your team who are currently outproducing their value. Keep in mind that these prices can change daily, so take advantage of them while you can.
Newbies
Ryan Howard, 1B, PHI, $3200 - Howard made his long-awaited debut on July 6, going 2-for-4 with a double. When healthy he's one of the premier power hitters in the game and it still doesn't appear he's completely 100 percent. That being said, it could be a matter of time before he starts tearing the cover off the ball. Keep an eye on the box score to see if that happens and consider him if you're willing to gamble while he's at Coors Field this weekend.
Pedro Ciriaco, SS, BOS, $2600 - Ciriaco was primarily called up for his glove and to fill in for the injured Dustin Pedroia. After an 0-for-4 game with two strikeouts against the Yankees he went on to go 7-for-9 with two doubles, two stolen bases and four RBI over the final two games. He's not considered an elite prospect but was hitting .301 with 14 stolen bases at Triple-A Pawtucket before the call-up. Look for him to be a regular in the Boston lineup while Pedroia is on the mend.
Carlos Peguero, OF, SEA, $2500 - Peguero is something of a darkhorse considering he's 25 and lost most of his prospect hype. However, Peguero was raking at Triple-A Tacoma with 18 home runs in only 188 at-bats. The Seattle offense is desperate for help and while Peguero strikes out a ton, he also has a lot of pop in his bat when he does make contact. Try and use him away from Safeco with a favorable matchup.
Justin Ruggiano, OF, MIA, $3800 - Ruggiano is something of a newbie considering he didn't start to get regular playing time until the last two weeks. Acquired from the Astros, Ruggiano has always been a Quad-A type of player until this point. He's filled in nicely for the Marlins hitting four home runs in eight July games and has demonstrated some speed on the base paths while in the minors. Look for Miami to continue to ride the hot hand while Ruggiano is hitting.
Salvador Perez, C, KC, $3000 - Perez has hit the ground running since returning from a knee injury and looks primed for a big second half. The good news is the Royals have been playing him in back-to-back games after being cautious with him since being called up. He's responded with four home runs in only 47 at-bats and due to the injury still comes at a discounted price.
Players Looking To Rebound Or Are Starting To
Here are some players who have seen their value drop significantly due to poor production recently. You might be surprised at some of the names and how much their stock has fallen. This section will also include players who seem to be turning things around as we speak but come at a discounted price due to their recent slump.
Jesus Montero, C, SEA, $2700 - There's been talk of sending Montero down to Triple-A to work on his hitting and after missing three games with a minor concussion his price tag has dropped drastically from where it was earlier this season. The key to Montero is to pick the right spots to use him. He has pretty drastic splits: .898 OPS vs. LHP, .553 vs. RHP, .720 OPS away and a .589 OPS at home. Basically, the correct time to plug him into your lineup is an away matchup against a southpaw. Despite his struggles this season he's still a tremendous prospect, he's just suffering the effect of being a right-handed hitter in Safeco.
Dan Uggla, 2B, ATL, $3100 - Uggla at times this season has been one of the highest priced second basemen in the game. Due to his recent struggles (.160 BA in June, .077 in July) his price has dipped to the lowest it's been this season. The good news is that Uggla has typically been a better second half player, not only last season but dating back to his Marlin days. Last season he went on a tear after the All-Star break hitting 21 home runs (.948 OPS) in 260 at-bats. While he likely won't match that result, he should improve on what he's done over the last six weeks.
Currently On Fire
Here are some players who have caught fire lately. I'm going to point out players who might have a bigger price than most of the value players I usually discuss but aren't quite at the price the elite players command.
Brian McCann, C, ATL, $3400 - It's interesting the difference a week can make since McCann was highlighted in the "Players Looking To Rebound" section last week. McCann entered the All-Star break on a tear, going 7-for-16 with 11 RBI and a home run in each of his last four games. He credits working with his brother on changing his approach at the plate, which has paid immediate dividends. McCann is back hitting in the heart of the Braves' lineup, which bodes well for his RBI total. Unfortunately, with his success his sticker price has also become more inflated.
Delmon Young, OF, DET, $3300 - Young had his own four-game home run streak heading into the break. Unfortunately for him those home runs only yielded six RBI and it's important to remember he rarely walks (nine in 299 at-bats this season). If he can continue to see the ball well, he's at a price that's more than fair.
Luke Scott, 1B, TB, $2900 - After a miserable, career-worst drought Scott has finally turned things around at the plate. He headed into the All-Star break going 5-for-14 with two home runs, two doubles and six RBI over his final three games. It appears his timing is back after a DL stint for a back injury and he should be a regular in the Tampa Bay lineup going forward. His price is still at a bargain rate if he can carry over his production into the second half.
The DFBC
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