Lyle Overbay - 1B (Toronto Blue Jays)

Overbay is a far cry from the player who was named the doubles champion in 2004 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He seemed to fade in to mediocrity after that achievement, and from there practically fade in to nothingness. It was of little surprise to most when Overbay started the 2010 season in a huge slump, and many wondered if it could even be called a slump as it seemed to merely be the continuance of a downward spiral. By May he was moved down in the Blue Jays line up and many began to speculate on trade rumors and the arrival of Jays corner infield prospect Brett Wallace. It seemed evident that Overbay's trade market value was so low the Jays would likely have to release him. Then during a series against the Orioles in the final days of May something happened. Overbay hit three home runs in two games going 4 for 7 with five RBI's. The Jays then faced the Tampa Bay Rays who they have been known to play poorly against, and for the most part they did. All except Overbay who went 3 for 4 with two doubles. He continued his hot streak in the following series against the Yankees, and soon found himself back in the familiar fifth spot in the Jays line up. Overbay really hasn't slowed down since, recently going yard in back to back games against the Minnesota Twins. At the beginning of May, Overbay's batting average was a pathetic .198, and has since risen to .250. Those who added him in early June have enjoyed a streak where he has hit well over .300. It's amazing to see what some people can do when their job is on the line. Overbay has been consistent enough through June that he once again warrants respect in fantasy leagues, he is only 4 percent owned in Yahoo fantasy leagues and would make a solid corner infielder or injury replacement while the gettin' is good. As a Jays fan, I can only hope I haven't jinxed him.

I tend not to get too excited about young pitchers who break in to the major league immediately making hitters look ridiculous, before sending them back to the dugout shaking their heads. Opposing hitters often have no scouting reports on pitchers like Travis Wood, and are unsure what to expect. The early success of the Dodgers John Ely is a perfect example of this. When reality hits, it hits hard. Whether these pitchers become someone to be feared on the mound, is rarely decided in their rookie season, there will always be ups and downs. However, when I see a pitcher like Travis Wood who pitches two rather impressive debut starts, then goes toe to toe with Roy Halliday in a pitchers duel against a hard hitting Philles line up, I start to pay attention. If not for a ninth inning blooper by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, Wood may have very likely pitched a perfect game, but the fact that he even took a perfect game in to the ninth inning against the Phillies of all teams, is impressive enough as it is. Unfortunately, runs have not come easy for the Reds when Wood has taken the mound and he has yet to get a decision through his first three starts. I still have to go back to my opening comment about not getting too excited, however I reiterate that Wood has my attention. If you are in an NL only league, a deep league or any long term league, he should have your attention too, as his minor league numbers would indicate that Wood could be the real deal. There will still be ups and downs, but don't be surprised if Wood continues to shine. He is already 14 percent owned in fantasy leagues and with the disappointing lack of media attention (or possible over-shadowing of attention given to the All-Star break) after his amazing pitchers duel with Roy Halladay, many fantasy baseball enthusiasts are still oblivious to Wood's existence.