Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market - NL

Fantasy baseball waivers and the acquisition of fantasy baseball free agents can make or break your season. Your fantasy baseball cheat sheets won't help you after spring training. If your team remains the same after opening day, you will have trouble competing in your rotisserie baseball league.

Do you need to replace your fantasy baseball busts? Which fantasy baseball players can you ignore? KFFL.com's Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market gives you fantasy baseball tips and insight to sort through the masses quickly.

Key

Middle infielders

Kevin Frandsen, IF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The Halos placed Maicer Izturis (shoulder) on the disabled list, and the versatile Frandsen will fulfill a similar role. The nearly 28-year-old hasn't been a semi-regular in the bigs since '07, and his impact probably will depend on how long Izturis is out.

Frandsen had a productive Triple-A stint in '09, though, and although he probably won't provide outstanding contribution, he can be a decent temporarily mono plug-in or bench player. He might see plenty of PT avenues in a sluggish offense, especially if Brandon Wood keeps struggling.

Shallow mixed: Pass

Deep mixed: Pass

AL-only: Watch

Outfielders

Marcus Thames, OF, New York Yankees

With Nick Johnson (wrist) hitting the DL, Thames will probably assume a chunk of Johnson's time at DH. The Yanks will probably also use that spot to keep their vets fresh, but the streaky Thames has 20-homer pop that could serve as a No. 4 or 5 single-universe outfielder.

Shallow mixed: Pass

Deep mixed: Watch

AL-only: Acquire

Corey Patterson, OF, Baltimore Orioles

Take the Holland Tunnel to the bigs

The lagging O's are considering turning to the busted former prospect. Though of shaky plate discipline, Patterson, 30, is off to a noticeable start at Triple-A Norfolk.

He has some speed potential (21 steals in Triple-A last year) and has displayed some big-league power. AL-only dwellers, don't give up anything of value, but a trial spot for desperate owners is suitable with tempered expectations.

Shallow mixed: Pass

Deep mixed: Pass

AL-only: Watch

Designated hitters

Randy Ruiz, DH, Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays skipper Cito Gaston aims to give Ruiz more reps, likely alternating him between first base and designated hitter in giving starters rest. Though luck (.366 BABIP) was on his side, Ruiz posted 10 dingers in 115 at-bats last season as a hot fantasy pickup.

First baseman Lyle Overbay hasn't rewarded Toronto's faith, and Ruiz, 32, might work up to at least keeping the seat warm for Brett Wallace. Ruiz whiffs a ton but boasts power potential that can't be ignored, even in part-time work.

Shallow mixed: Pass

Deep mixed: Watch

AL-only: Acquire

Pitchers

Matt Thornton, RP, Chicago White Sox

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen might be re-evaluating his closer situation after a Bobby Jenks blowup Sunday. Thornton, already valuable in deep fantasy circles, should be picked up everywhere as a pre-emptive move. J.J. Putz might earn consideration, yet Thornton's elite skills and reliability make him the better candidate.

Shallow mixed: Acquire

Deep mixed: Acquire

AL-only: Acquire

Derek Holland, SP, Texas Rangers

Texas' insistence on keeping Holland as a starter is paying off: 4-1, 0.93 ERA, 37 K's and seven walks in 38 2/3 frames at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Holland will take the rotation spot of Matt Harrison (biceps) Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics and could retain it with a commanding long-term showing, even with Texas' ample options to start.

Holland's Wednesday outing alone warrants a pickup, but don't stream-drop him; his waters run much deeper.

Shallow mixed: Watch

Deep mixed: Acquire

AL-only: Acquire

Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market - NL