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Waiver Man Cometh: 

Called up from Double-A to fill in for Neil Walker, Brock Holt has had a very hot 23 plate appearances. Obviously, with a .533 BABIP, the 400/409/450 will come down to earth. But at this point in September, you want the hotness. That’s why you also want one of my world famous hugs with two dry humps included. Brock HOLT!’s defensive tools fit best at the keystone position, but he could be capable of taking time away from Clint Barmes if the hot-streak continues. Holt’s main calling card is contact first with some line-drive power. He has an average idea of the strike-zone with a sprinkle of speed potential, but only profiles as a solid bench guy. I kind of see a ‘Schumaker lite’ here, which has value in certain instances.

Once upon a time, Tony Abreu was a star in the making. Labeled a 5-tool potential talent, the former top prospect of the Dodgers is now seen widely as a bench guy. However, a strong 322/347/492 performance in Triple-A has fueled a call-up from the Royals. So far in 46 PA, he’s hit 318/318/409 with 10 RBI’s. Obviously, there hasn’t been enough data to make any educated conclusion, and he hasn’t drawn a walk, so there are some red flags here. But as mentioned above with Brock Holt, time is running out and so going with the hot hitter right now might have less diminished returns otherwise.

Former Red’s Chris Dickerson had a chance to be a contact/speed only guy at the Major League level back in 2008, but since then has hit 256/334/346 while striking out in over 30% of his plate appearances. Now with the Yankees and seen more as a contributor on defense, he’s done well since his call-up from Triple-A. In 9 PA, he already has a home run and a stolen base. More importantly, he’s drawn 2 walks. If you need some speed, I would dabble.

Ah yes, the once a year Dan Johnson sighting has arrived. Now with the White Sox, the famously labeled Four-A player is back and I’m sure he wants nothing more than to touch Jessica Biel’s breasts. Oh, wait. No, I want to touch Jessica Biel’s breasts. Actually, Dan Johnson might want to as well. But he’s going to have to wait in line for sloppy seconds. Along with the touching and so forth, I’m sure he would love nothing more than to actually mean something in the big leagues. So far in 4 games, he’s put up a 429/500/571. If you are desperate for power, I might look into it. Also, there might be some upside here in OBP leagues, as his career .334 OBP and 12.9 BB% are considered highlights.

Selected by the Padres in the 18th Round of the 2008 Amateur Draft, Nick Vincent is a reliever with some strike-out potential. So far in 16.1 innings, he’s held a FIP of 2.99 and struck out 15 with only 5 walks. While I was the first to give you dibs on Tom Layne, I think Vincent, while an interesting middle-reliever, doesn’t have as much upside for the remaining month. But, if you are in need of a few innings and ratio help, Vincent could help.

Fauquier County Hospital

Missing his last Friday start with blister issues, Edinson Volqeuz has been pushed back to today against the Cardinals. He’s been struggling with his control, and there’s no guarantee that the blisters will subside as an issue. They seem to have been troubling him over his last few starts, so consider his week 25 status risky.

Twins reliever Matt Capps, on the 15-day disabled list due to right rotator cuff irritation, has starting throwing 120 feet and the next step, presumably, will be throwing 150 feet. But why 150 feet? Why not 133 feet? Who stands out there with a tape measure to get that exact number anyhow? Does it pay? I might be interested. The Twins are in no rush to do anything relevant, so there is still a chance he ends up coming back next year, so I’d keep an eye on his status if you really need some bullpen help. Otherwise, ignore.

Rehabbing in Double-A, Lonnie Chisenhall was eligible to be activated on Saturday. However, the Indians plan to keep him down on the farm until Akron’s season ends, and if they see fit, might fly him in to Lake County to help with the Class A playoffs. Or he could start yesterday for the Indians and make this whole player write-up obsolete. Woot!

Minority Report

Drafted by the Braves in the 3rd Round of the 2011 amateur draft, Kyle Kubitza’s likely landing spot will be at third-base or in the corner outfield. He has struggled a bit in A-ball this year, hitting 239/349/393, but has shown the ability to draw a walk (13.7 BB%) and show some speed (18 SB). At Texas State, he showed good power, above average plate discipline, and a very polished bat. Kubitza has a body that can fill out, and more power is expected to come. If it all works out, I see a poor man’s Kevin Youkilis, which is actually pretty good, especially in OBP leagues.

Projected as a high-end bullpen arm, Parker Markel is 6’4″ and 220 lbs. Selected in the 39th round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010, he has above average stuff and could still profile as a starter if his mechanic issues are remedied. Markel has a quality fastball that stays in the low 90’s, with some sink that induces a higher percentage of ground-balls. He also has a plus change-up, but the rest of his secondary pitches have more of a question mark, including a slider that still needs a lot of work. If everything works out, he could either become a quality reliever or #4 starter.