LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

Mike Napoli is beginning to take over at catcher for the ineffective Jose Molina, starting 4 of the last 6 games.  Based on his minor league record, the .323 average will come in, but the power that has generated 4 home runs in just 62 AB is real.

Jered Weaver is looking like the real deal.  In his first three major league starts, he has a 3-0 record, a very impressive 17 K’s and just 3 walks.  As a 23-year rookie, there will be some inconsistency, but he appears to be a solid play in all fantasy formats. 

Bartolo Colon should be back to start Sunday’s game against Seattle.  That will give the Angels six starters.  For some bizarre reason, Manager Mike Scioscia said that he would rather have Jered Weaver start in the minors than relieve in the majors.  It is unclear if he means that the young Weaver would be the one to lose a rotation spot.  It seems like he is talking about the wrong Weaver, as older brother, Jeff Weaver should be the one going to the bullpen.

OAKLAND A’S

Mark Eliss will miss three to six weeks with a broken right thumb.  In his absence, Marco Scutaro should see the bulk of the action at second base, with occasional starts going to Antonio Perez.  Scutaro is a contact hitter with some speed.  Unfortunately, he is on a team that eschews the stolen base.  Perez strikes out way too much for a hitter with his limited power.  Neither is recommended.

Milton Bradley is finally is returning to action, moving Jay Payton and Bobby Kielty back to the bench, where they belong. 

Although he will always be an injury risk, Frank Thomas is performing quite well as the DH.  He still has the outstanding batting eye and power that has been displayed throughout his career.  At 38 years of age and with his injury history, his days of hitting .300 are over, but if healthy, he gives you home runs and RBIs.

Esteban Loaiza was activated from the DL and started on Thursday against Cleveland, replacing Kirl Saarloss in the rotation.  The DL stint to rest his ailing back may have just been what he needed to get his velocity back, as he pitched 7 innings, allowing one run, striking out five and walking only one.  AL-only league players desperate for starting pitching may want to speculate, just keep him on a short leash.

Saarloos will probably come right back to the rotation now that Rich Harden has gone back to the DL with a sprained elbow ligament, which has to scare the A’s brass.  As a starter, Saarloos has had mixed results but is not recommended due to poor command.

SEATTLE MARINERS

Yuniesky Betancourt is becoming a useful AL-only league middle infielder.  He makes very good contact, which takes advantage of his main skill of speed.  The four caught steals in 11 tries shows he needs some work on his technique.  But for now he is a good speed source, who will not hurt your batting average.

Eddie Guardado did not earn his closer job back during a seven inning scoreless streak over eight outings.  J.J. Putz job is secure for now.

TEXAS RANGERS

With his hot start, Gerald Laird is beginning to steal AB from Catcher Rod Barajas.  Tread carefully because more AB will expose Laird’s poor plate patience and his batting average will drop significantly.

Rookie pitcher John Rheinecker has turned in three consecutive good starts with pinpoint control, striking out 13, with only one walk.  This success will be hard to maintain pitching half his games in the Ballpark unless he gets his strike outs up.

When the Rangers traded Phil Nevin, many thought that Jason Botts would become the full-time DH.  Instead, Botts has played sporadically, Kevin Mench has seen time at DH, and Mark Derosa has stayed in the lineup in RF.  Derosa emerges as the clear winner and should remain active in AL-only and deep mixed leagues.