Weekly Fantasy Touts: August 21-27

By Michael Salfino

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Coco Crisp, OF, Red Sox: It's been a season of stops and starts for Crisp, who has been hurt by being placed at the bottom of the Boston lineup. But Crisp is running enough to be a decent fifth outfielder in mixed leagues.

Craig Monroe, OF, Tigers: He's been on fire and is now cemented at the top of the lineup given the injury to Placido Polanco, who is out indefinitely. The pop has been there all year (now slugging .500 after a batting-average surge).

Bench 'em

Joe Saunders, P, Angels: The latest young gun with a tired wing.
Don't count on the two starts tentatively scheduled for Saunders, who is likely to get extra rest. If he's not rested, pencil him in for a couple rockings.

Jonny Gomes, OF, Devil Rays: He's needed shoulder surgery for months and is now saying he'll have it now only if he can return by spring training. What good does putting it off do? Either way, he's not hitting.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Put 'em in

Jake Peavy, P, Padres: He just NOW got his contact lenses he's been expecting since March? Ever hear of Fed Ex? He says he now can finally see the catcher's signs. I'm not making this up.

Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies: Still more a name than a fantasy asset. But he's at least getting his average back up over .300, though the power is likely gone for good.

Bench 'em

Barry Bonds, OF, Giants: He's always hurt and just not productive enough to even mix and match with the decent reserves available in mixed leagues.

Jose Vidro, 2B, Nationals: Yes, he's coming off the disabled list. But he no longer has even middling power and doesn't run at all.