Fantasy Wrap-Up: Week 22 (8-25 - 8-31)

The fantasy playoffs have begun in many leagues, and for managers fortunate enough to make it (more on that later), the time is now to lock in and make sure your roster is ready to take the title. Here’s Major League Baseball’s top headlines that may impact your roster.

Cleveland’s Victor Martinez Makes Return

Indians catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez made his return to the majors last Friday. Martinez has been out of action for more than two months with an elbow injury. It looks like he will play first base and Kelly Shoppach will remain the catcher.

Toronto Pitcher Shaun Marcum Recalled from Triple-A

Shaun Marcum, who was sent to the minors after several bad starts since returning from a stint on the disabled list, was recalled from Triple-A. For the season, Marcum is 8-6 with an ERA of 3.60.

Joba Chamberlain Activated from DL

Yankee stud pitcher Joba Chamberlain was activated from the disabled list (rotator cuff inflammation) and will pitch out of the bullpen for the rest of the season.

Now…the stars of Week 22:

OFFENSE

Dustin Pedroia (2B), Boston Red Sox: In addition to being a possible winner of the AL MVP, Pedroia continued to stay hot at the plate with 13 hits, 9 runs, 2 doubles, a home run, and 4 RBI.

Jimmy Rollins (SS), Philadelphia Phillies: Rollins is always red hot in the 2nd half. He continued to show it last week with 14 hits including a home run, 7 RBI, and 7 SB.

Adrian Beltre (3B), Seattle Mariners: The man I hate for several reasons tried to get me to like him by hitting three home runs and driving in six during his 11-hit week.

Cristian Guzman (SS), Washington Nationals: Wow, Guzman had an astonishing 16 hits and on Aug. 28th, he hit for the cycle. Guzman also had five RBI and a stolen base.

Manny Ramirez (LF), L.A. Dodgers: Manny had four multi-hit games last week with three home runs and four RBI. Manny is hitting over .400 with 9 HR and 25 RBI since joining the Dodgers.

PITCHING

Jose Valverde (RP), Houston Astros: Valverde had four saves to bring his total to 38. In four innings pitched, he fanned an impressive eight batters. In August, he had an ERA of 0.64 in 14 innings with 10 saves.

Cliff Lee (SP), Cleveland Indians: The future Cy Young winner won his start and improved to 20-2 on the year. His line for the game was 7.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. Lee hasn’t lost since July 6th.

Josh Johnson (SP), Florida Marlins: Johnson has been excellent since his return from the DL. In his one start, he threw a complete game against Atlanta and struck out eight while improving to 4-0.

Wandy Rodriguez (SP), Houston Astros: Rodriguez made two starts and won one of them. In total, he pitched 12.2 innings, gave up one earned run, and struck out 14 batters.

CC Sabathia (SP), Milwaukee Brewers: Sabathia threw his 6th complete game as a Brewer en route to his 9th win in the NL. He struck out 11 batters and for the season is 15-8 with a 2.82 ERA.

Why Should I Give A Crap About These Guys?

Elijah Dukes (LF,CF,RF), Washington Nationals: Dukes made his return from the DL on August 27th. He has made an impact so far with two home runs, six RBI, and two SB.

Edwin Encarnacion (3B), Cincinnati Reds: Encarnacion has been an undervalued source of power all year and now with the fantasy playoffs upon us, give him a look. Last week he hit two more home runs and drove in eight. In 2008, he has 24 HR and 57 RBI.

Shin-Soo Choo (LF,RF), Cleveland Indians: Choo has been on a tear lately with three home runs last week and he came off an August where he hit .318 with five home runs and 17 RBI.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

• I missed the playoffs by one game. Yes, ONE GAME! This is proof that every stat counts. My star of the week was Geovany Soto who hit .429 with a home run and eight RBI.
• My special thanks goes out to Carlos Zambrano who blew up again with an ERA of 12.46 in 4.2 innings. I swear, he is hiding an injury. He has 21 ER in his last four starts.
• Three SoB contributors made the playoffs and Dev finished in first place.
• The SoB’s standings for the regular season: Dev (1st), Dan (4th), KC (5th), Pete (7th), Jeff (9th), Chris (10th), Geoff (11th).
• Recent pickups include: Rocco Baldelli, Mike Pelfrey, Lyle Overbay, Fred Lewis, Glen Perkins, and Paul Konerko.

Tags: Adrian Beltre, C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Cristian Guzman, Dustin Pedroia, Edwin Encarnacion, Elijah Dukes, Jimmy Rollins, Joba Chamberlain, Jose Valverde, Josh Johnson, Manny Ramirez, Shaun Marcum, Shin-Soo Choo, Victor Martinez, Wandy Rodriguez

© 2008 Sports of Boston, LLC.