Weekly Fantasy Touts: May 1 - May 7

By Michael Salfino

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Put 'em in
Ty Wigginton, 2B, Devil Rays: He's leading a charmed life with an unprecedented power explosion and a succession of injuries to teammates that have created everyday action first at third and now at second.

Corey Patterson, OF, Orioles: Things are breaking right for Patterson, too. First, literally, with David Newhan's leg. Now figuratively with rookie Nick Markakis' struggles. His other competition for OF at bats, Luis Matos, is on the DL with a bum shoulder.


Bench 'em

Jeremy Reed, OF, Mariners: Does nothing offensively and is now being platooned with Willie Bloomquist. Both should be benched in favor of Shin-
Soo Choo, who is tearing up AAA.


Francisco Cordero, P, Rangers: He's been replaced as closer for at least the short-term by Akinori Otsuka. But keep him reserved because his velocity has been good. Cordero has just run into some bad luck.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Orlando Hernandez, P, Diamondbacks: He has 35 Ks in 27 innings and gets two home starts this week (Dodgers and Reds).

Josh Barfield, 2B, Padres: The rookie is now batting second and flashing plus speed and average pop. Mixed-leaguers should take notice.

Bench 'em

John Patterson, P, Nationals: With only one scheduled start this week, his lingering forearm injury makes him too risky to keep active.

Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets: Another of the walking wounded. Beltran made it to the on-deck circle last week and may still get DL'ed pending a weekend evaluation. Either way, he's not likely to be running with the weak hammy.


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