Ups and Downs: 08/03/2010

This edition of Ups and Downs looks at a few players being added and dropped the most (according to ESPN leagues) and the possible reasons why.

• RP Drew Storen, WAS (+33.8%) was considered by many to be the new closer in Washington after Matt Capps was traded to Minnesota but it now looks like he will be eased into the role by sharing save opportunities with Tyler Clippard and Sean Burnett. Storen is definitely the future closer for the Nationals and should claim that role as soon as he proves able to handle the pressure.
• SP Brett Myers, HOU (+28.9%) extended his franchise-best streak to 22 consecutive starts of six or more innings to start the season and fantasy owners are starting to take notice. Myers is only 8-6 for the lowly Astros but is sporting a 3.10 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP with 117 strikeouts in 151 innings pitched. The wins may not come but he shouldn't hurt your ratios this late in the season.
• OF Andres Torres, SF (+26.1%) is 11/25 (.440 BA) with 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R and 2 SB over the last 7 days and a solid .286, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 58 R and 19 SB on the season. Torres continues to be waiver-wire gold for owners that grabbed him early.
• RP Jon Rauch, MIN (-32.2%) was an unfortunate fantasy casualty at the trading deadline. The Twins brought in Matt Capps and demoted Rauch to a setup role. Rauch owners are left scratching their heads as to why since he was 21 of 25 in converting saves with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Rauch definitely has value if your league counts Holds and could pick up a few more saves if Capps struggles moving into the American League.
• SP Joel Pineiro, LAA (-29.2%) is out 6-to-8 weeks with an oblique injury that may keep him out the entire season. No sense stashing him in a DL slot at this point and he has no keeper value, either. Time to part ways.
• OF Brennan Boesch, DET (-27.7%) struggled in July (.209, 0 HR in 91 AB) and is currently mired in a 4-for-52 (.077 BA) slump and hasn't homered since June 27th. It may have been premature to hand him the AL ROY in June.

Keeping an eye on late-season call-ups and injury replacements could mean the difference between winning and losing a league. Stay active! If you're more concerned with your upcoming fantasy NFL draft(s), the MLB season may be way too long for you.