MannyWood in Boston?

Manny Ramirez finally returned home to Boston yesterday and was reunited with Green Monster out in left where Manny has spent the bulk of his career. As Either either step to the plate in the first, the applause began to slightly rumble throughout the crowd. This was because the eager Boston fans saw their former star, Manny Ramirez stepping to the on deck circle. However, this anticipation had to wait as Andre Either grounded out to Beltre to end the inning. His return debut concluded with a 1-for-5 outing, one run, and two strikeouts. In short, Manny's return was mixed but it was evident there were more cheers than boos. In addition, Manny unfortunately did not see it fit during his first visit back in a Dodgers uniform to disappear mid-inning and use the bathroom in the left for old times sake. On a side note, David Ortiz said, " the biggest thing I learned (from Manny) was work ethic...and he also taught me how to hit bombs." 




Which got me thinking, if I'm going to play the part I might as well look good doing it.  I need a Manny wig to keep things fun and a Kenny Powers Tee to let everyone know I'm serious! Fantasy managers watch out for this guy, he is a 'W' machine and he's got an arm like cannon! If you are unaware of the brilliance of EASTBOUND AND DOWN, I suggest you check it out.

The 411 on Fantasy Baseball Free Agents

Free Agents that are Hot!

Each week I will review and highlight 1-2 players from each position that are likely to be Free Agents in your fantasy baseball league. These players recent production is worth consideration and may provide valuable additions and fix the holes in your lineup.

C - The buck stops at Pet Co Park! JOHN BUCK cranked three home runs off San Diego Padres pitching in a three-game series at Pet co Park, the ultimate pitchers' park in the major leagues. The series began with Buck homering twice in Monday's opener and his latest blast came on a 1-1 pitch from Padres starter Kevin Correia for a two-run homer Wednesday.

• CARLOS SANTANA - Watch out for the kid! In his first six major-league games, Santana was 6-for-22, with three doubles, 1HR, 4 RBIs, 4R, 4BBs, with only 2Ks!

1B - If you missed picking up the slumping CARLOS PENA....SF Giant's 1B,OF AUBREY HUFF past issues after Detroit trade are long gone! This is a veteran who has hit .391 with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 19 games.

2B - Another Giant?? Yes! JUAN URIBE - 2B,3B,SS, offers roster flexibility and is batting .342 with six homers and 17 RBIs in 21 games since May 26.

• Also, key an eye on Tampa Bay 2B,OF SEAN RODRIGUEZ, who's hit streak just ended at 15-games. Rodriguez batted well during those 15 games and with new found confidence its likely this young player production numbers will continue to improve.

3B - Chicago White Sox's $10million top prospect and Cuban defector, DAYAN VICIEDO, will be called up from Class AAA Charlotte before Friday's game with Washington. He hit .288 with 13 homers and 31 RBIs in 61 games for the triple-AAA Charlotte Knights.

• Oakland 3B KEVIN KOUZMANOFF has been on a tear of late and is starting to get picked up from free agency in many leagues.

SS – (KC-SS) YUNIESKY BETANCOURT has 9RBIs, 4R, and 1 HR in the last 6 games. Betancourt’s production has been solid this year, and with the Royals finally scoring runs he can give your SS position a little more power.

• (BOS-SS) MARCO SCUTARO has been a RUN scoring machine this season, a total of 43. After a recent cortisone shot and a day off he returned back to the lineup picking up another run and 4 hits in his past two games.

OF – DET BRENNAN BOESCH – There is a new slugger in Detroit!! This young OF is 19 for 47 (.404) over his last 12 games! A great addition for 1B Miguel Cabrera owners.

OF – KC DAVID DeJesus – is 10 for 13 (.769) over the past three games and has batted .425 since May 15.

• OF – Also watch MIN DELMON YOUNG, OF - MIKE STANTON who just hit his first big league grand slam. and COL. Rockies RYAN SPILBORGHS. Spilborgh is a surprise recommendation but he is on FIRE! Over his last six games, he has gone 12 for 20 with three homers, three doubles and a triple.

SP – Oakland ace Ben Sheets has shown little hope but young TREVOR CAHILL is on his way to stellar season. Cahill earned his fifth consecutive win Tuesday vs. the Chicago Cubs. Cahill improved to (6-2, 3.23 ERA) on the season and has a 2.56 ERA over his last six outings.

• JONATHAN NIESE and JEREMEY BONDERMAN. Both have been pitching well and should start picking up more wins. However, I would give them another start before you pick them up.

RP - AARON HEILMAN has taken over the closer role for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he hasn’t had a save chance yet, but with the Diamondbacks starting to swing the bats well again expect the closer to pick up saves in a hurry.

• A Veteran Closer is still available in many leagues, MATT LINDSTROM, returned back to the mound and collected his 15th save in 18 chances on Wednesday.

Other notables include:

C,1B BUSTER POSEY

C,1B LAD MIKE NAPOLI

OF-PIT JOSE TABATA

Now that you have the 411 on Fantasy Baseball Free Agents you can watch these players over the weekend, and if their numbers continue to improve it may be time to make a move and fill that hole in your lineup!