By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Ryan Roberts – 2B/3B/OF (LF)

A flaming hot August has allowed this tattooed wonder to thrust his name into fantasy significance.

With the dealing of Felipe Lopez opening up a nightly roster spot, Roberts has used his “toolsy” abilities and timely hitting to grab a large quantity of available at-bats. While getting the opportunity is one thing, it’s what the product of Fort Worth, Texas has done with the opportunity that has impressed fantasy guru’s world-wide. We pause a moment to note our friend sites: If you are interested in sports betting, use NFL point spread to make more money.

After going .352 with four homers and 12 RBI, (along with a .443 OBP & 1.004 OPS) for the month of August, Roberts is putting in a bid for consideration in making next year’s starting roster out of spring training. After minimal exposure through three seasons, (bouncing from Toronto to Texas to ‘Zona) the former 18th round pick finally seems to have found a home.

Still a deep option, Double-R has a touch of speed and the multi-position eligibility is always a blessing for weeks when you need to shift around due to roster expansion. The D-Backs offense has survived on hot bats all season, why should using this situation be considered anything different?

The DYNASTY

Brandon Allen – 1B (poss. OF)

This recently acquired bulky left-handed hitting former prep linebacker was once considered as the heir apparent to Paul Konerko in the Windy City .

Times change, and with that so does Kenny Williams plans as the future was dealt for the present to bring in some bullpen help in Chi-Town as this 23-year old prospect was dealt for Tony Pena. Since the deal, Allen accelerated his value and has worked his way up to getting a share of the first base duties since arriving in the desert.

Plugging away since the age of 18 in the White Sox system with limited success (.264-84-347 in over 2100 AB’s), the move to the Diamondbacks top affiliate in Reno of the Pacific Coast League has seemed to give him the fresh start that may have been the medicine needed.

Chad Tracy was rumored to be dealt all season long has been awful enough not to garner enough interest for a deal; however, with him not in the long term plans of the snakes, it’s probable that Allen is getting a taste of the everyday life in hopes that he will be prepared for a 2010 starting gig.

The former 5th rounder has worked on his eye at the dish, lowering his K totals to a respectable 1.7K/BB ratio and become a greater contact hitter. He has great extra-base power and could settle in as a 25+ HR type that could also swing for 40+ doubles with regularity. He’s got a great situation unfolding for him in the hot desert, keep him on the radar as 2010 could be his breakout.

The Shallow & The Deep Special ODE TO THE A’s Edition

By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Rajai Davis – Outfield (CF/RF)

This former 38th-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates has loved the move to the American League and while it was just a short trip across the San Francisco Bay , it has totally revived this talented speedster.

Thriving in O-Town, Davis has been a force to be reckoned with since the All-Star break, thrashing the opposition at a .326 clip. With little to non-existent power, Rajai does his damage on the base paths by running wild and helping the A’s and their humble offense create runs.

In his 92 appearances, the 28-year old Connecticut native is 29-for-37 (78%) in stolen base attempts, which puts him ahead of some premium base running threats; such as: Curtis Granderson (77%), Ichiro (75%), Shane Victorino (75%) and Chone Figgins (74%) to name a few. If at some point he is given the full green light, Davis could swipe 50+ bags in a full season.

Davis will however need to improve his output within his own division if he plans to take it to the next level. He has struggled against AL West foes, Anaheim , Seattle and Texas , hitting only .234 (15/64) this season.

Have no fear though, as regardless of this information, Davis definitely has all the ingredients to be a nice speed add to your roster as the season comes to a close and deserves consideration as a late round speed pick in your 2010 draft.

The Deeper

Cliff Pennington – Shortstop

A prototypical Oakland A’s type player, Pennington isn’t going to amaze too many out there with outlandish, eye-popping statistics. I think that it is fair to say that with this former Texas A & M shortstop, what you see is what you get.

Although he raked at college, (which lead to his first round selection, 21st overall) hitting to the tune of .346 in his three years at A & M, Pennington’s transition to pro ball hasn’t been without a hitch. Needless to say, while he won’t be a liability with the twig, to assume that he will have a plus .330 batting average wouldn’t be fair.

As a matter of fact, the light-hitting prospect will probably settle in around the 260-.275 range year-to-year (currently hitting .263 with the big club through 95 AB’s), be a solid contact hitter that doesn’t strikeout a lot and has a good eye at the dish (nearly a 1:1 BB:K ratio). Simply stated, Pennington can put the ball in play, throw down a bunt when necessary and play sound defense. All are elements that have made the career of Oakland GM Billy Beane such a success.

The 25-year old Texan has a touch of speed and can be counted on for double digit swipes, even upwards of 25+ if given the chance to run with regularity. Not keeper-esque numbers all around per se; but definitely someone not to allow fly completely under the radar at a tough fantasy position moving into 2010. It appears as if the current audition to finish this season is to prepare him for the job which may officially be his to lose now that Orlando Cabrera is out of the picture.

The DYNASTY

Brett Wallace – Third Base

The key member of the Matt Holliday deal, Wallace is sure to give the A’s a push to have him on their 2010 opening day roster. One simple indication could be their need for another power bat, as Oakland currently has only three active roster players with more than six home runs! Yes, that’s right, SIX HR’s. Free-swinging Jack Cust and his 145 whiffs has 20, Kurt Suzuki has 11 knocks and Adam Kennedy with 10 are the only A’s players to circle the bases with even a hint of regularity.

Enter this hot-corner blue chipper that the Cards’ certainly didn’t want to dish; however, in order to get a player of Holliday’s caliber was more than likely the only way to the Billy Beane would pull the trigger. With 18 long balls this season, spread through AA and two-AAA teams, Wallace is showing signs of comfort at the plate as well as his .298 career minor league average would indicate through nearly 700 AB’s.

Wallace has average defensive skills and could even be more comfortable as a first baseman. I’m sure that Daric Barton (or future FANTALYTICS article member) Chris Carter would have something to say about that. One way or the other, the A’s are at least looking to add more young talent to their mix in hopes of shaking off the struggles of the past three seasons. Expect this California kid to be considered a major cog in that development, bringing this small market dynamo back to the top of the AL West.

By Adam Forsyth

The DYNASTY

Jason Heyward – Outfield

Some guys, you can just tell they possess the “It” factor. Meet Jason Heyward.

Recently turning 20, Heyward has been tearing it up since joining the Braves farm system, and could be in position to challenge for an OF spot in the 2010 season.

Climbing his way up to AA-Mississippi, Heyward is currently hitting .364 through 130 AB’s, launching six long balls and adding an addition 15 extra base hits (12 doubles and three triples) to round out a .643 SLG. Percentage.

With Garret Anderson only under contract for this season, Heyward will at least post a challenge, along with other super prospect Jordan Shafer for a roster spot. Not overly powerful, he seems to have a bit of everything and being a fairly complete player and will hit for a solid average. Has a touch of speed that will allow the Braves to become a more aggressive team on the base paths.

Expect his arrival sometime in 2010, with the potential to make it out of camp (a la Shafer this season) in a move that may hinder his development. The Braves have been making moves that may provide a little clearance for him to jump in early, so don’t be surprised if he is given every opportunity to lose the roster spot, rather than earn it.

The Deep

Alcides Escobar - Shortstop

Speed, speed and more speed? Yes, that is what you will be getting in this sure-handed shortstop that was originally drafted for his range and glove in the toughest infield position in baseball.

This undrafted Venezuelan has risen to the ranks of above average when it comes to using the stick after the Brew Crew took a chance on a skinny kid that couldn’t really hit much turning into an offensive threat. Now, we’re not going to suggest that he is going to hit .300 anytime soon; however, he could slip into the .280 range and with his stellar glove keeping him in the Brewers line-up, the rest of the talking shows up in the stolen base column.

Swiping 176 bases in five and a half minor league seasons, Escobar currently only has one stolen bag since being called-up; however, with the Brewers not typically known as a running team, (2nd last in the league with 43 SB’s) this slick running middle infielder can be the one to introduce them to that type of game.

With J.J. Hardy out of the mix, it’s been made abundantly clear that the Brewers are ready to move forward with Escobar as their future man at Short.

By Adam Forsyth

The Deep

Derek Holland – Starting Pitcher (SP/RP)

WaiverSharks Editor Scott Woodall’s newest Ranger player "bromance" is with todays DEEP suggestion. Scott feels Arlington's Derek Holland could be a force to reckon with down the fantasy baseball stretch, right into the playoffs, and certainly is warranting serious looks from keeper leaguers for 2010!

Fortunately for the Texas Rangers, they have had the benefit of having players not really viewed as relevant turn into real big leaguers this season, which has them in the mix for the post-season.

After years of struggling with less-than-stellar pitching, the Rangers now find themselves in the top five of many of the team pitching categories.

This former 25th round pick had a great deal of success leading up to his major league debut this season and after having a tough time coming out of the ‘pen, he appears to have solidified a role in the Rangers rotation.

Holland has turned in a pair of solid outings against inner-division rivals (complete game three-hitter vs. Anaheim and an 8.2 IP near complete game gem versus the Mariners two starts prior) and increased his effectiveness allowing the Rangers to rid themselves of the always under-achieving Vincente Padilla, instilling a further vote of confidence in this 22-year old.

While adding him for a spot start, or simply keeping an eye on him to understand his draft position for next year is the intention of throwing his name out there, Holland has some goods for deep leagues to be valuable for the remainder of 2009.

The DYNASTY

Junichi Tazawa –Pitcher (SP/RP)

After completing a successful high-school career, Tazawa went undrafted to the Nippon Professional League and decided to sign with a corporate company team, Nippon Oil.

He dominated over the course of the season and continued his dominance throughout the national corporate championships (10-1, 1.02 ERA, 95K) and decided to attempt a move to the U.S. to continue his career.

Upon his arrival, this 23-year old rolled along to a 9-5 record, with a 2.57 ERA while pitching in AA-Portland and was called up to AAA-Pawtucket and while his record was 0-2, he pitched extremely well (2.38 ERA, 6K/BB ratio while holding hitters to a .184 BA.

He was developing so well, that when the Red Sox decided to end the John Smoltz era, he was promoted to “The Show” and after a relief appearance, made his first start against the Detroit Tigers August 11th.

He was effective in holding the Tigers to only four hits while striking out six and was awarded with his first big league win.

Tazawa may experience success his first time through line-ups; however, he will need to do some work to polish up his delivery and create more deception with his pitches. He typically uses a fastball and curve to stifle hitters, and is working on a slider.

His blend of speeds and breaking balls can be tough to locate for his opposition; however, we have seen success stories of Japanese pitchers turn into a nightmare once professional hitters become accustomed to their pitching style. (Look no further than new Sox teammate Dice-K)

Expect him to challenge for a full-time roster spot, or assume a Justin Masterson type role in 2010, but keep an eye on him for the remainder of this season and enjoy.

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The Shallow & The Deep Editorial Note:
In a preview of what we will be focusing on more, as the remainder of the 2009 Fantasy Baseball season slowly winds down, here is the introductory: DEEP & DYNASTY WaiverSharks.com recommendations.

With the 2009 season entering the playoff push, as most leagues trade deadlines and roster locks approach, we figured a shift to players of value for the 2010 season is in order. So Keeper & Dynasty Leaguers take note, as we enter the most important time of the year for you to pay attention.

While I totally understand how difficult this is going to be with Fantasy Football drawing more of your time and focus, you have to realize that this is the time of year that savvy owners get their bread buttered. Risks are what make winners, and getting to know the names of the next great fantasy player in their brief September call-up can only assist you in etching your name on your leagues trophy.

The Deep

Neftali Feliz – Starting/Relief Pitcher

Currently being used as a reliever, on a all of the sudden strong Texas Rangers pitching committee, Feliz has thrusted himself onto the scene after many thought he would challenge for a rotation spot earlier in the season.

With the emergence of other arms (enter Feldman, Holland, Nippert and Hunter) it has allowed the Rangers give Feliz some extra time as he wasn’t dominating the minor league ranks as previously assumed he would.

Yet to give up a free pass, while striking out 16, this Dominican product has been absolutely unhittable. The hard-throwing righty has held hitters to a .088 BA while giving up only three hits and one earned run (a HR off the bat of Adam Kennedy of all people!) through 10 IP. It appears that his first time against opposition, he’s got the stuff that will give hitter nightmares.

Throw in his vulture save against the Red Sox and this kid has been a delight to owners who jumped on him ahead of the rest of the fantasy world.

Most feel that he will challenge for a rotation spot next season; however, he may be better suited as an intriguing closer in an organization that hasn’t had a nail down closer for several seasons. It would be somewhat of a shame to see him only pitch in an inning or so a game, but his repertoire may be more appropriate to be the one receiving handshakes after the final out.

One way or the other, Neftali Feliz is already fantasy worthy in 2009, the sky is the limit for next season.

The Deeper

…we’re talking "Dynasty Leaguers"

Martin Perez – Starting Pitcher

Why would we talk about a kid with a 1991 birthday? Can a kid this age be fantasy worthy a full three years before being allowed to legally drink in the U.S. ? (Well, he is from Venezuela and we all know how the drinking age works in that neck of the woods…) I digress.

Regardless, Perez is not your typical 18-year old, as he has already racked up over 150 IP in his minor-pro career pitching career en route to being a feature starter in what is becoming a free-range pitching farm in Texas.

After an impressive 15 start stint to open his career in time at low-level A Spokane, where he went only 1-2, but had a 3.65 ERA, while punching out 7.7 batters/9 IP, the left-handed hurler made the jump to regular A-Ball Hickory where he experienced continued growth.

Through 95+ innings he put up a 5-5 W/L record, an impressive 2.31 ERA and raised his K/9IP number to an astounding 10.7. He did this, while also garnering more control lowering his BB by nearly 1BB/9 IP (4.1 to 3.2).

Perez is impressive because he doesn’t have intimidating “triple-digit” fastball, (but still throws mid-90’s) but uses location and a mix of movement to lock the knees of opposing batters. To “get it” at such a young age is a testament to his work ethic.

Some have compared him to a hybrid of Johan Santana and Greg Maddux, which may make the expectations put on this kid a bit high; however, should he continue to develop his stuff and work on lowering his WHIP, Perez should create quite a logjam of pitching talent in the heat of Texas.