FAAB guide: Trades give AL-only owners new choices
Between trades, injuries, and players being designated for assignment, July can be the most challenging month of the season for fantasy owners. In addition, there are several key players who are injured, but haven't yet been placed on the DL, so be sure to have a contingency plan in place. Recommended bid values assume a $100 free agent acquisition budget (FAAB).
BEST BETS
Jeff Samardzija, SP, Athletics (Mixed: N/A, AL: $60) – Barring an unlikely trade of Cole Hamels or Cliff Lee, Samardzija will be the best pitcher moving to the AL this July. Yes, he'll no longer get to face a pitcher 2-3 times a game, but he's pitching in a more favorable home park for a team that will score runs for him. Expect 97 IP, 6 W, 3.71 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 97 K.
Jose Quintana, SP, White Sox (Mixed: $6, AL: N/A) – He's overshadowed by teammate Chris Sale, but Quintana is a fine fantasy option in his own right. He doesn't get a lot of run support, U.S. Cellular is his home field, and his walk rate is nothing special, but he's improved his strikeout rate each year that he's been in the league. Expect 90 IP, 5 W, 3.70 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 75 K.
Adam Eaton, OF, White Sox (Mixed: $5, AL: N/A) – He's struggled with hamstring issues, and he hasn't had quite the fantasy impact many had envisioned when he was acquired from the Diamondbacks last winter. Still, the White Sox are sticking with him, and if you're in need of runs scored, he's a good option. Expect 237 AB, .283 AVG, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 10 SB and 42 R.
REPLACEMENTS
Jason Hammel, SP, Athletics (Mixed: N/A, AL: $25) – He's arguably having a better season than Samardzija, but he doesn't have Samardzija's upside or consistency. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career – he's never pitched more than 178 innings, and he's already up to 109 this season. Proceed with caution. Expect 69 IP, 5 W, 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 54 K.
John Jaso, C, Athletics (Mixed: $3, AL: N/A) – He won't make you forget the DL'd Joe Mauer, but Jaso has actually shown more power than Mauer this season, despite sharing duties with Derek Norris. However, with Josh Reddick on the DL and Brandon Moss also injured, Jaso will see lots of at-bats. Expect 188 AB, .266 AVG, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 2 SB and 27 R.
Steve Pearce, 1B/OF, Orioles (Mixed: $2, AL: N/A) – He's hit 10 of his 27 career home runs in 2014. His .331 average is fueled by an unsustainable .375 batting average on balls in play, but his versatility in the field and David Lough's continuing struggles ensure Pearce will see regular at-bats for the time being. Expect 95 AB, .305 AVG, 5 HR, 16 RBI, 2 SB and 13 R.
WORTH WATCHING
Brandon McCarthy, SP, Yankees – Sure, the Yankees would have rather acquired Samardzija or Hammel, but McCarthy's not a bad consolation prize. His strikeout rate this season (7.6 K/9) is considerably higher than his career mark (6.2), and the control issues that plagued him early in his career are just a distant memory. Expect 84 IP, 5 W, 4.18 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 56 K.
Brad Ziegler, RP, Diamondbacks – Arizona closer Addison Reed has saved 20 games, but he's also struggled mightily at times, just as he did with the White Sox. A change doesn't appear to be imminent, but if and when Kirk Gibson makes a switch, Ziegler is the likely beneficiary. In the meantime he'll help your pitching ratios. Expect 31 IP, 1 W, 7 SV, 2.32 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 24 K.
Vidal Nuno, SP, Diamondbacks – He doesn't strike out a lot of hitters, and he doesn't get a lot of ground balls, so he gives up a lot of line drives and fly balls. Unfortunately, he's already surrendered 15 home runs this season, but even though Chase Field isn't a pitchers' park, at least it's not Yankee Stadium. Expect 72 IP, 5 W, 4.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 61 K.
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