The fireworks were going off on the July 4. These guys were putting on a show the week leading up to our nation’s birthday. The summer nights were lit with their bats and the fire burned many pitchers on the hill.
1) SS Rafael Furcal LAD
The Dodgers outfielder was 14-for-26 with two home runs, five RBI, one stolen base, and finished last week with a .538 AVG.
He is hitting .336 with five home runs, 33 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 45 runs for the season.
2) DH Jim Thome Min
The Twins designated hitter was 8-for-20 with four home runs, eight RBI, and ended last week with a .400 AVG.
The Twins have been doing some shifting with their infielders and designated hitters, giving Thome more playing time.
Thome has nearly no fantasy presence with not many owners buying into his recent streak.
It would be wise to wait to see if Thome can continue his production before picking him up.
He is hitting .263 with 10 home runs, 28 RBI, 27 BB, and 20 runs for the season.
3) DH Vladimir Guerrero Tex
The Texas slugger was 8-for-22 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and finished last week with a .364 AVG.
The Rangers are one of the best teams in baseball, and one of the reasons is because Guerrero’s power production.
He put a hurt on his old team last week with a home run and three RBI in the win over the Angels.
The deserving American League All-Star has had a terrific year. He is currently hitting .330 with 19 home runs, 72 RBI, and 54 runs for the season.
4) OF Matt Kemp LAD
The Dodgers outfielder was 9-for-22 with three home runs, seven RBI, and finished last week with a .409 AVG.
Kemp had a horrible June. He drug around a .208 average last month.
He is hitting .267 with 16 home runs, 49 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and five runs for the season.
5) OF Torii Hunter LAA
The Angels outfielder was 8-for-19 with two home runs, seven RBI, eight walks, one stolen base, and ended last week with .421 AVG.
He is hitting .302 with 14 home runs, 60 RBI, 39 walks, and 50 runs for the season.
6) 3B David Wright NYM
The Mets’ poster boy was 14-for-32 with three RBI, two stolen bases, and finished last week with a .538 AVG.
He is hitting .317 with 14 home runs, 64 RBI, 43 walks, 15 stolen bases, and 52 runs.
7) IF Felipe Lopez StL
The versatile Cardinals infielder was 12-for-27 with one RBI, one stolen base and finished last week with a .444 AVG.
Lopez has only a 10 percent ownership in most leagues. He has seen a slight increase in ownership in the last few days.
He could be a solid pick-up if you need some options in your infield.
He is hitting at .275 with five home runs, 21 RBI, three stolen bases, and 27 runs.
8) 1B Mark Teixeira NYY
The Yankees first baseman went 9-for-21 with five RBI and finished last week with a .429 AVG.
All of the fantasy owners are waiting for Teixeira to break out and provide the production he is know for. Last week might be a sign of that turn around.
You could likely get a strong trade for him if you are tired of waiting for him to bring the fantasy points you expected.
He is hitting only .241 with 14 home runs, 54 RBI, and 57 runs.
9) 1B James Loney LAD
The Dodgers first baseman went 10-for-23 with five RBI, and finished last week with a .435 AVG.
10) 2B Sean Rodriguez TB
The Rays second baseman went 12-for-28 with one home run, three RBI, two stolen bases, and .429 AVG.
Rodriguez is an excellent fielder and is getting a lot of attention in Tampa lately.
Last week’s performance has improved his stock by nearly 25 percent.
He is hitting .280 with six home runs, 29 RBI, six stolen bases, and 45 runs for the season.
Honorable Mentions:
OF Juan Pierre CWS10/24, 4 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SB, .417 AVG.
SS Cliff Pennington Oak 10/24, 4 R, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 2 SB, .417 AVG.
OF Dexter Fowler Col 10/24, 8 R, 3RBI, 9 RBI, 2 SB, .417 AVG.
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