When former Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dan Haren was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks, one of the guys that Oakland got in return was starting pitcher Dana Eveland. Currently, the 24-year-old southpaw sports a 2-1 record with 18 strikeouts, 11 walks, a 1.90 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 23 2/3 innings. He has also limited opposing hitters to a paltry .202 average on the season. In addition, he sports a nice 2-0 record with a 1.42 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP inside the home confines of McAfee Coliseum. Many “experts” have their doubts about Eveland’s stuff, his demeanor and his overall talent. But I have learned to never doubt the mind of Oakland general manger Billy Beane. Right now, Eveland is a great option in American League-only formats and a low-risk flier in deep mixed leagues. He has the arm and potential to make you look very smart once the season comes to an end. Just watch his control, he can be terribly erratic.

If you’ve read my stuff in the past, namely last season’s sleeper article, you know that I’m very fond of Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Conor Jackson. On the season, Jackson is hitting a nasty .377 with three dingers, 17 RBIs, 18 runs scored, one stolen base and a potent 1.186 OPS in 53 at-bats. He’s mashing a ludicrous .524 with a 1.402 OPS off left-handed hurlers and is raking at a .379 mark inside the home confines of Chase Field. Plus, he’s hitting fourth in a sick home-grown lineup that ranks fifth amongst Major League Baseball squads in batting average (.278) and OBP (.358). Between outfielder Justin Upton, third baseman Mark Reynolds and outfielder Chris B. Young, the snakes are coming together very nicely, and appear ready to rock for years to come. If Jackson is somehow still available, grab him now. He could be this year’s supreme breakout bat.

It might be time to worship at the altar of Chicago White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin. For years now, all I’ve been hearing about this guy is that he possesses legit big-league power. Finally, after various bouts with injuries, it seems that the rumored powerstroke has made its first appearance. Over his last six games, Quentin has hit .278 with three long balls, five RBIs and six runs scored in 18 at-bats. I know he’s currently hitting a putrid .241 in 54 at-bats on the season, but don’t underestimate the kid. Don’t forget, in 166 at-bats during his first year of MLB experience in 2006, he cranked nine dingers and posted a solid .872 OPS. In deep mixed formats, he is a must-have player. His potential for power, especially in the hitter-friendly home confines of U.S. Cellular Field is immense. Just don’t pay any attention to his .174 average at home; it’s his power you’re after.

It might finally be time for Florida Marlins starting pitcher Scott Olsen to reap the rewards of his undeniable talent. On the season, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound southpaw is 3-0 with 13 strikeouts, eight walks, a 2.60 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 27 2/3 innings. He has also limited opposing hackers to a sparkling .192 average. Olsen exhibited loads of promise over his first three years in the bigs. Especially when he went 12-10 with 166 strikeouts, 75 walks, a 4.04 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 180 2/3 innings during his 2006 campaign. So what he’s doing this year should not come as a surprise to anyone. If you plan on making a run at the 24-year-old, just remember that he has emitted a lot of immature antics on and off the field since his first pitch in the majors. Currently, I’d recommend Olsen if you have some room on your bench in deep mixed leagues. Just watch his spotty command; he’s still trying to harness it.

Now is the time to pounce on San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain. On the season, Cain is 0-2 with 19 whiffs, 15 walks, a 6.64 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP in 20 1/3 innings. In each of his last two campaigns, the 6-foot-3, 246-pound right-hander has struck out 160-plus batters and posted a sub-1.30 WHIP. However, like Olsen, he has absolutely horrible command, which is exemplified by his 166 combined free passes over his last two seasons. In addition to playing on the offensively inadequate Giants, Cain’s confidence seems to be a bit shaky as of late. Opponents are currently hitting an inexcusable .263 off him, which is 40 points higher than his career mark of .223. Plus his WHIP (1.77) this season is a monumental 51 points higher than his career mark of 1.26. As streaky as he is, his potential for stardom is real, so if he’s floating around your waiver wire like he is in my league, don’t hesitate to claim him. You won’t find a better high-reward pitcher for free. If the kid ever gets it going and lassos his true value, he’ll morph into a legitimate ace. Use him in favorable matchups until he truly starts to roll, call it a hunch.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.

Leave a Comment