FAAB Factor AL: Tulo-Git To Quit

Starting Pitching

Aaron Brooks, A's - Traded from the Royals to the A's last week, Brooks was excellent in his team debut, as he pitched 7.1 innings with one earned run, no walks and five strikeouts against the Indians. In the minors with the Royals, he had a 3.71 ERA (3.19 FIP) with 92 strikeouts and 21 walks over 106.2 innings at Triple-A Omaha. He figures to stay in the team's rotation the rest of the way so long as he can tread water, as the A's evaluate players for next season. Considering the home park, he's worth more than just a flyer in AL formats. Those in mixed leagues will want to spot start him. This week he should get the Astros at home, which should be a nice test for him. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Johnny Cueto, Royals - Traded from the Reds to the Royals this week, had a quality start on Friday against the Blue Jays on the road, as he made his team debut. Backed by the Royals athletic defense and upgrading in ballpark, he figures to have just as much, if not more value after the trade. Transitioning leagues is something he'll have to get used to, but he has had an ERA under 3.00 for going on his fifth season in a row, so I think he'll be ok. On the season he has a 2.70 ERA (3.09 FIP) with 127 strikeouts and 31 walks over 136.2 innings. I like his chances for success more than Cole Hamels (see below) because of the home park and defense. This coming week he should get the Tigers on the road. Mixed: Owned; AL: $50.

Mike Fiers, Astros - Traded from the Brewers to the Astros before the deadline, Fiers brings over an ability to miss bats and help to the back end of their rotation. He has a 3.89 ERA (3.91 FIP) with 121 strikeouts and 43 walks over 118 innings with the Brewers. A fly ball pitcher, he'll need to keep the ball in the park, as he transitions to the AL. This coming week he should get the Rangers and A's on the road. Not one of the more flashy names in bidding this week, Fiers is still worth a nice chunk of FAAB dollars in the AL, as he has lowered his ERA each month this season. Mixed: Owned; AL: $20.

Cole Hamels, Rangers - Traded from the Phillies to the Rangers this week, Hamels was roughed up in his team debut against the Giants, this after throwing a no-hitter against the Cubs in his previous outing. Going from the NL East to the AL West, expect Hamels to need some time to adjust to the new league, though he's talented enough that the transition may be seamless. With a 3.76 ERA (3.35 FIP), 143 strikeouts, and 40 walks over 136.1 innings this season, be prepared to pay a premium in FAAB dollars to get Hamels on your squad. If you've been saving up your FAAB dollars and/or need to make a splash in the pitching standings, Hamels is a great option. This coming week he should get the Mariners on the road. Mixed: Owned; AL: $50.

Derek Holland, Rangers - On a rehab assignment, as he comes back from a shoulder strain, Holland is expected to take close to the full 30 days allowed, which would put him on pace to join the team at the end of the month or when rosters expand in September. He has only pitched 38 innings in the majors since 2013 and considering how careful the team was with him last season, don't be surprised if he doesn't go too deep into games, once he returns. Those in mixed leagues can likely pass on him, until he shows tangible success in his rehab outings. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Brian Johnson, Red Sox - Optioned to the minors after his major league debut, Johnson should be in line for a start this coming week, most likely against the Tigers on the road. In his debut, he was knocked around pretty good, but did himself in with more walks than strikeouts and unable to make it out of the fifth inning. A good pitching prospect, he has a 2.54 ERA (3.23 FIP) with 87 strikeouts and 29 walks over 92 innings at Triple-A Pawtucket this season. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Daniel Norris, Tigers - Traded from the Blue Jays to the Tigers, Norris is back in the majors and set to face the Red Sox this coming week for his new club. At Triple-A Buffalo with the Jays, he had a 4.27 ERA (3.59 FIP) with 78 strikeouts and 41 walks over 90.2 innings. He was up earlier this season and had a 3.86 ERA over five starts, but his command was really lacking, as he was walking batters too often. Considering he didn't overcome those shortcomings at Buffalo, I don't see him having much more value this time around. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Luis Severino, Yankees - Severino will make his MLB debut this coming week against the Red Sox at home, as the Yankees deal with Michael Pineda (forearm) on the DL. It doesn't sound like Pineda's injury will cause him to miss much more than the minimum, so we might not see Severino around for long, but September will be right around the corner by then. At Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he had a 1.91 ERA (2.55 FIP) with 50 strikeouts and 17 walks over 61.1 innings, as he didn't miss a beat, after being promoted from Double-A Trenton. An elite prospect, Severino could have mixed league value, but he'll need to adjust to life in the AL East. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Relief Pitching

Alex Wilson & Al Alburquerque, Tigers - The Tigers traded Joakim Soria to the Pirates before the deadline and will now turn to Wilson as their closer, who nailed down his first save on Thursday. He has a 1.79 ERA (3.02 FIP) with 33 strikeouts and eight walks over 55.1 innings in this season, as a reliever that relies on his control, more than his ability to over power hitters. Bruce Rondon is in the mix, but doesn't seem like a likely candidate with a 9.58 ERA for the month of July. He has better raw stuff than Wilson, but when things go wrong for him, they really go wrong. As for Alburquerque, he's my favorite to lead the team in saves the rest of the way, as he has a 3.27 ERA (3.97 FIP) with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks over 44 innings, has shown dominance this season, but needs to limit the walks. He and Wilson are both ground ball pitchers, which helps and while I can see Wilson keeping the job, he's going to need to rely much more on his defense and keeping the ball in the yard, when he doesn't miss bats like Alburquerque does. Both Mixed: $3; AL: $6.

Edward Mujica & Fernando Rodriguez, A's - The A's somewhat predictably traded away closer Tyler Clippard before the deadline and now will look to Mujica to see if he can carry the role moving forward. He has a 4.15 ERA (4.70 FIP) with 24 strikeouts and five walks over 30.1 innings and does not seem like a safe bet, as he ended July with a 5.40 ERA for the month and that was down from the 7.36 ERA he had in June. He has given up three earned runs total in his last three outings and is shaky at best as a bet to lead the team in saves the rest of the way. My best, as it has been for a few weeks, is on Rodriguez, who himself has been a little shaky lately, but has superior numbers on the season with a 4.06 ERA (1.85 FIP), 39 strikeouts, and 11 walks over 31 innings. He has yet to give up a home run this season and has been much more dominant than Mujica or any other reliever on the team. I could very well be wrong, but I'm betting Rodriguez finishes with the most saves on the team from here to the end of the season and that includes Sean Doolittle, who is still a few weeks away. Both Mixed: $3; AL: $6.

Catcher

Curt Casali, Rays - Seemingly out of nowhere, Casali has gone on a major power surge with five home runs in the last week and has moved himself from a part-time option to the starter. Earlier this season at Triple-A Durham he hit .205/.326/348 with four home runs over 132 PA. At 26 years old, he's in his prime years, but his recent production seems more fluke than fact, as he's never shown anywhere near this kind of power. On the season he has a .268/.311/.696 batting line with seven home runs over 61 PA. He needs to be owned in all AL formats and in most mixed leagues, until he cools. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Chris Gimenez & Bobby Wilson, Rangers - With Carlos Corporan (thumb) already on the DL and Robinson Chirinos (shoulder) joining him, Gimenez was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock this week and will handle backstop duties with Wilson, until Corporan is back, possibly as soon as this week. Gimenez had a .243/.315/.356 batting line with 6 home runs over 277 PA at Round Rock. Wilson was recently claimed off waivers from the Rays and is a career .201 hitter with very little power. Both are fringe options, even in AL formats. Both Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Blake Swihart, Red Sox - Activated from the DL almost two weeks ago, Swihart has been in the starting lineup more often than not lately. He has hit .269/.296/.423 since his return with three extra base hits over just 27 PA. An elite prospect, while in the minors, he's got the potential to become a real offensive threat, but for now he's a 23 year old, still adjusting to the majors. He needs to be owned in all AL formats, now that he's getting more at-bats. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

First Base

Jesus Montero, Mariners - Montero was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Friday and while initially slated for playing time against lefties, he might finally get an extended look at first base. He hit .346/.388/.551 with 16 home runs over 410 PA at Tacoma and has earned more than just a platoon type role. Current starter Logan Morrison is dealing with a bruised thumb and has fallen off a cliff offensively, hitting just .129 in July, as he might be more hurt than he or the team is letting on. If you're looking for cheap power, Montero is worth a bid, just know the playing time might be shaky early on. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Mike Napoli, Red Sox - Napoli is really starting to pull out of his first half funk, as he has hit .317/.417/.659 with three home runs over 48 PA since the break. He was likely relegated to the waiver wire in mixed leagues because of his prolonged slump, but needs to be picked back up, as he has always hit for power. He could still be moved to a contender this month, so if you can sell high in your AL format, that might be for the best. Still, it looks like the worst may be behind him. Mixed: $5; AL: Owned.

Travis Shaw, Red Sox - Brought up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, Shaw got the start at third base and went 4-for-4 with a walk, double, and two home runs against the Rays, in a vulgar display of power. 25 years old, at Pawtucket he hit .249/.318/.356 with five home runs over 322 PA. He got the start, as Pablo Sandoval deals with a deep bone bruise to his forearm. The team will likely give Shaw a handful of starts, as they ease Sandoval back into the lineup, but he could earn more playing time if he keeps any of this up, as the team looks to evaluate for 2016. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Nick Swisher, Indians - Swisher is still on his rehab assignment, as he works his way back from a knee injury. He'll likely be activated by week's end, as his assignment ends on Aug. 7. An aging veteran, he's seeing action in the outfield as well as first base. Before he got injured, he hit .198/.261/.297 with two home runs over 111 PA. He swings and misses far too much and what power he has is fleeting, so it's tough to see his worth in mixed formats. Last season he hit .208 with eight home runs over 401 PA. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Second Base

Leury Garcia, White Sox - Recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, Garcia is up to help take the role of Emilio Bonifacio, who is on the DL with an oblique injury. Garcia hit .296/.338/.364 with one home run and 28 stolen bases over 321 PA, so he's got speed, but it's just a question of how much playing time he'll see. Carlos Sanchez has started to hit for more contact and even a string of doubles this week, so unless something happens to him, expect Garcia to have minimal value. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Ryan Goins & Munenori Kawasaki, Blue Jays - Devon Travis hit the DL with a shoulder injury, meaning Goins is sset to be the team's regular second baseman until he's ready to return. A career .216 hitter over 547 PA in the majors, Goins doesn't have enough power or speed to have value in AL formats, even with the increase in playing time. As for Kawasaki, he's up from Triple-A Buffalo for depth and has even less offensive skills than Goins and is barely even worth considering in bidding this week. If you're looking for a replacement to Travis on your roster, keep looking. Goins Mixed: $1; AL: $3. Kawasaki Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Ketel Marte, Mariners - Called up from Triple-A Tacoma, Marte made his debut on Friday at second base due to the abdominal strain of Robinson Cano. Marte earned his promotion though, as he hit .314/.359/.410 with three home runs and 20 stolen bases over 287 PA at Tacoma and battled through a broken thumb, of which he has since recovered. Considered one of the organization's top prospects, Marte has hit leadoff in his two games up and could see time in center field once Cano is better, as Austin Jackson is striking out a quarter of the time against righties. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Marte optioned back down to learn center better defensively and come back up in September, though the team is out of the playoff race and could let him learn on the job in the majors too. A solid hitter, Marte shouldn't be blocked in the majors once he proves he can handle the outfield defensively. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Brendan Ryan, Yankees - Ryan hit three doubles and a triple this week and has surprisingly not been an offensive liability lately since coming back from the DL a couple weeks ago. Known almost exclusively for his glove-work, he's a utility infielder with no offensive upside. Give him a look if you're desperate for middle infield help. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Shortstop

Asdrubal Cabrera, Rays - Cabrera was activated from the DL on Monday, after missing just around two weeks with a hamstring injury. He went 3-for-3 in his return and has gotten a hit in each game since to raise his batting line to .231/.283/.372 with six home runs and three stolen bases over 337 PA. He has shown better power and speed in the past, but has seen his plate discipline slip this season, now with the Rays. If you're in a mixed league, you can certainly do better. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Jed Lowrie, Astros - Lowrie was activated from the DL on Thursday after missing nearly three months with a thumb injury, surgery, and rehab. He'll share time with Luis Valbuena at third base, but also figures to see time around the diamond as infield depth. Before his injury, he hit .284/.415/.522 with four home runs over 82 PA. He's a decent option in AL formats, though his playing time will be scattered, as the team still doesn't have a consistent plan at first base and are currently using Valbuena and Marwin Gonzalez to help there. Mixed: $2; AL: $5.

Troy Tulowitzki, Blue Jays - Traded from the rebuilding Rockies before the deadline, Tulowitzki joins the Blue Jays in the AL and is the reason why you've been hoarding all those FAAB dollars. He can hit for power and average with good on base skills and while injury prone, is a terror at the plate, when healthy. My only suggestion in bidding on Tulo is don't hold back, as it's going to take every last dollar to get him. In keeper leagues, he can help put you over the top this season or help you rebuild for next season, so again, don't hold back on the bidding. Mixed: Owned; AL: $60.

Third Base

Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians - Following the Indians' trade of Brandon Moss and David Murphy, Chisenhall was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to play in the outfield. He has done well in his return, going 4-for-11 with a double and home run. He started the season as the team's starting third baseman, but flamed out badly, as he hit just .209 with four home runs over 189 PA, and was eventually demoted to the minors. Now back, he figures to get some steady playing time, but will need to re-prove himself if he's going to be in the team's long-term plans. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Joey Gallo, Rangers - Gallo hit two home runs on Friday to give him seven at Triple-A Round Rock, where he has slumped since being demoted from the majors. He has hit .194 and has yet to refine his approach at the plate, where his power is of the highest order, but his discipline is lacking. He needs more time in the minors to make these adjustments, so we likely won't see him back until September. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Conor Gillaspie, Angels - Traded from the White Sox a week ago, Gillaspie is starting most days at third base with David Freese (finger) out. He hit only .237 with three home runs over 185 PA with the Pale Hose and saw his role go from starter to persona non grata in part because of his offensive shortcomings. A lefty, he should be in there most games against righties, so he has value because of the playing time, but he'll need to get back to the hitter he was last season before he has mixed league value. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Josh Rutledge, Red Sox - Brought over from the Angels in the Shane Victorino trade, Rutledge will offer the Red Sox infield depth as they continue to deal with an injured Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) and day-to-day Pablo Sandoval. With the Halos at Triple-A Salt Lake he hit .274/.323/.403 with five home runs and two stolen bases over 337 PA. He has plenty of major league experience from his time with the Rockies, so he should be of some use to the Red Sox down the stretch. Skill wise, he doesn't make enough contact or hit for enough power to be a difference maker. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Richie Shaffer, Rays - No home runs for Shaffer this week, instead he had three consecutive games with a double, which is a nice consolation gift. He's been on a tear at Triple-A Durham with a .262/.351/.596 batting line and 16 home runs over 211 PA. The Rays are in the wildcard hunt and could use his bat, even if it's at first base, as James Loney has hit .175 since the break and has three home runs on the season. With the team losing Steven Souza (left hand) and still rolling with the likes of Grady Sizemore and Joey Butler, Shaffer might not fit defensively, but his bat needs to be up to help the offense. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Outfield

Jackie Bradley, Red Sox - With Mookie Betts on the 7-day concussion DL, Bradley was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to help with center field duties. Bradley has never shown he can hit at the major league level and I don't expect that to change now, despite the progress he has made at Pawtucket, where he had a .305/.382/.472 batting line with nine home runs and four stolen bases over 318 PA. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Rusney Castillo, Red Sox - Castillo was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, now that Shane Victorino is with the Angels. He was with the team earlier this season, but struggled to hit for much power. On the season his numbers at Pawtucket were a .282 batting average, three home runs, and 10 stolen bases over 172 PA. I'd invest in him for the speed over the power, as I expect him to struggle to make contact. At 27 years old, he's still a raw talent. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Coco Crisp, A's - Crisp is on a rehab assignment, as he works his way back from a neck injury that has cost him almost the entire season. At 35 years old, he offers little power and speed. Moreover, it will likely be tough for him to find at-bats with Billy Burns filling his void this season. Last season Crisp has a .246 batting average, nine home runs, and 19 stolen bases over 536 PA. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Carlos Gomez, Astros - Traded from the Brewers, Gomez finds himself on an Astros team battling to win the AL West division. His power and speed have been down this season in comparison to the 20 plus home runs and 30 plus stolen bases he has had each of the last two seasons. Still, he's upgrading in terms of lineup and park, so that should help some. I don't know that I'd unload all my FAAB dollars on him, like I would Tulowitzki, but Gomez has the skill set to have just as big of an impact if things go right. Mixed: Owned; AL: $45.

Desmond Jennings, Rays - Jennings is on a rehab assignment as he works his way back from knee surgery, with the goal to return to the team in a couple weeks. Before he was injured, he hit .222 with no home runs and five stolen bases over 72 PA. Considering he doesn't hit for much power or average, he might find it tough to find at-bats, when he does return. Last season he hit .244 with 10 home runs and 15 stolen bases over 542 PA. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Mikie Mahtook, Rays - Mahtook, who was with the team for one game before being sent back to Triple-A Durham, is back in the majors after Steven Souza (hand) hit the DL. Mahtook hit .233/.287/.339 with two home runs and nine stolen bases over 317 PA, as his numbers have taken a significant step back from where he was in 2014. He'll offer some depth in the outfield, at least until Desmond Jennings (knee) is back. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Gerardo Parra, Orioles - In the midst of his best season offensively, Parra was traded from the Brewers this week to the O's as they attempt to make a push for a wildcard spot. A lefty, he figures to at minimum see time against righties and maybe even some lefties. He finished July red hot with a .435 batting average for the month, though I wouldn't bid much on the hope that he carries that to his new team or to August. He has some power and some speed, but neither are difference makers. A better real life trade than one for fantasy owners, don't break the bank for Parra, though he is hitting .328 on the season with the help of a .371 BABIP. Mixed: Owned; AL: $15.

Ben Revere, Blue Jays - Traded from the Phillies, Revere is set to serve as the everyday left fielder for the Blue Jays as they attempt to make a push for the playoffs. He has zero power, but more than makes up for it with his ability to hit for average and steal bases. With the Phillies, he hit .298/.334/.374 with one home run and 24 stolen bases over 388 PA. If you're looking for a way to make a move in the standings and need speed, he's your guy. Going from one of the worst offenses to one of the best, Revere's run scoring should go up as well. Mixed: Owned; AL: $30.

Grady Sizemore, Rays - Sizemore was brought up from Triple-A Durham and figures to handle left field duties now that David Dejesus is with the Angels. At 32 years old, Sizemore is a shell of the player we saw in his early 20s with the Indians, as his contact skills are gone and there is almost no power or speed. I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Mike Mahtook steal his playing time, as Sizemore is barely a major league player at this point. On the season he has hit .234/.265/.318 with two home runs and one stolen base over 162 PA. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Note: If you have anyone else you'd like me to discuss, just drop a line in the comments section.