In this week's edition, I am changing things up and giving 10 names of players worth stashing. Most players are prospects on the cusp of the big leagues, and all players should provide some late help for a playoff push.
Mike Olt - Texas Rangers (1% Owned) - Olt's placement on this list is contingent on the Garza deal going through and Olt being a piece of it. I really like Olt playing 3B for the Cubs in Wrigley Field and think he could put up some excellent power numbers. I hear the trade talks are hitting a snag as I write this and a new deal could've gone through by the time this is posted. Stay tuned.
Jonathan Singleton - Houston Astros (1% Owned) - He's struggling a bit in Triple-A, but I still think Singleton gets an extended cup of coffee this season. Singleton is capable of coming up and raking and could be a nice fill-in for the last month at a CI position.
Nick Castellanos - Detroit Tigers (2% Owned) - I'm eager to see Castellanos get his shot in Detroit and while his path to playing time isn't all that clear, his bat might force Dave Dombrowski's hand. He's hitting .283/.354/.455 in 99 AAA games and could provide an instant spark for fantasy rosters.
Christian Yelich - Miami Marlins (3% Owned) - MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports that the Marlins are "highly likely" to call up Yelich in "late July or early August, at the latest". Yelich has huge potential as some prospect prognosticators forecast the ability to be a .300-hitter. Obviously those skills won't be on display immediately, but with the hot starts we've seen out of prospects making the jump from AA, he's worth a stash.
Carlos Martinez - St. Louis Cardinals (4% Owned) - St. Louis has yet to decide how to proceed with Martinez's role, but either way I think he provides some fantasy value. A starter is the preferred route, but I have a feeling they will throw him in the bullpen for the playoff push. With Chris Carpenter almost back and Joe Kelly pitching fairly well I don't see where Martinez fits in.
Matt Davidson - Arizona Diamondbacks (0% Owned) - Recently named MVP of the Future's Game, Davidson has been tearing up AAA. His numbers are inflated a bit with the offensive nature of the PCL, but the power is real and will play in Arizona. He should get a September call up.
Travis d'Arnaud - New York Mets (3% Owned) - Health is the key here. D'Arnaud is about to begin a rehab assignment and could be ready with about a month left of the year. With the Mets out of it, I'm sure they'll want to get a look at d'Arnaud but his health gives reason for caution.
Sonny Gray - Oakland A's (0% Owned) - Called up to Oakland in order to pitch relief, Gray could grab some spot starts in the second-half. He more than doubled his strikeout rate in 2013 (from 4.5 K/9 to 9.4) and if this can continue he will be useful even in relief.
Michael Choice - Oakland A's (0% Owned) - Pure speculation here as the A's already have a crowded OF. I like Choice from a fantasy perspective and if he gets some run in the second half, I'll be snatching him up everywhere.
Scott Baker - Chicago Cubs (1% Owned) - The lone veteran on this list, Baker is in the middle of a rehab stint and hasn't pitched great. He'll need a few starts to find his way back after an extended absence, but Baker has always been a quality starter for fantasy purposes. Should be good for a few spot starts at the end of the year.