There was a Thursday game, which means some owners missed their free-agent waiver wire period because the waiver period was earlier than normal. That’s what happens when there are Thursday games! Some leagues do offer first-come, first-served. Top players this week, such as running backs Justin Forsett (Seattle Seahawks), Jason Snelling (Atlanta Falcons), Jerious Norwood (hip, Falcons), Bernard Scott (Cincinnati Bengals) and Larry Johnson (Bengals), are gone. So who is there? I hope some of the wide receivers, place kickers and defenses I’m listing.

Kansas City WR Chris Chambers is a late addition because Dwayne Bowe is serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Chambers, in my eyes, only has two weeks of calculable data as his stint was with the San Diego Chargers before the Chiefs signed him. In those two games, he has gone 6-130-2 with nine targets. View him as a No. 3 or flex fantasy receiver. He’s not going to post numbers as good as Bowe simply because he doesn’t have the chemistry with quarterback Matt Cassel yet, nor, at 32 years old, does he have Bowe’s skills. Greater detail on Chambers and the Bowe suspension is provided at Keith Hernandez’s blog: “Four-game suspension for Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe.”

St. Louis Rams WR Brandon Gibson will replace Keenan Burton (knee), whose season is over with a torn patella tendon. He went 7-93-0 with nine targets last week. Remember, he was part of the trade that sent linebacker Will Witherspoon to the Philadelphia Eagles. Many thought Gibson would eventually eat away at Burton’s playing time anyway. The kid has talent and at one time some saw him as a Day 1 draft prospect that fell to the sixth round. Some believe his poor senior season was because of bad quarterback play and double-teams. If you’re desperate, such as some owners in deep leagues or high-stakes leagues, give him a shot.

Gaining chemistry?

Tennessee Titans WR Nate Washington has come alive the last few weeks with touchdowns but that’s it. His only value is in leagues that don’t have point-per-reception scoring rules and touchdown only leagues. He’s only averaging 2-28-0.67 with an average of 3.3 targets per game. In total over three games, 10 targets, 7-85-2.

Oakland Raiders WR Chaz Schilens is available on some waiver wires, and for those that don’t know, he is arguably the team’s best receiver. While he only went 3-27-0 with four targets, the team has a new quarterback in Bruce Gradkowski after benching JaMarcus Russell, who I call, JaAwful Russell! In deep leagues he’s worth grabbing for a couple of weeks to see what happens. I’ll say this, I love tight end Zach Miller’s talent, but both he and Schilens fall under the “start at your own risk” philosophy.

New York Giants TE Kevin Boss is available in some leagues and over the last three weeks he’s seen 16 targets, an average of 5.33 per game. He has produced 8-122-2. Obviously the two touchdowns make him attractive, so riding the hot hand is what we’re looking at here. I also like his matchup this week against the Atlanta Falcons. They’ve allowed tight ends to gain either yardage or touchdowns the last few weeks, so the Giants can exploit that.

Tennessee Titans PK Rob Bironas is unlikely to be available in most leagues after the initial free-agent waiver wire period. I was able to grab him in one first-come, first-served league, and he may still be available in your league. He’s kicking at a 90.9 percent clip over the last five games. Over the last three games he has posted 12 XPs, 7 FGs, including a 51-yarder and a 48-yarder. Right now the Titans are playing with anyone, so pick him up while the team and Bironas are hot!

Cincinnati Bengals DT is for real, and though they’re probably gone with this week’s initial waiver wire period, they may still be available in a few leagues. They face the hapless Oakland Raiders this week. Over the last five games they have recorded nine interceptions, forced four fumbles and generated 13 sacks. Damn impressive numbers, breaking up to 2.6 turnovers and sacks per game. I like them long-term regardless of who they play after giving the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers a beat down!

Houston Texans DT is a good stretch-run D to grab. Sure, this week and next week (Weeks 11 and 12) they’re not recommended as they face the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts not being great options but when you enter the fantasy playoffs in Week 13-16, they face the Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins.

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

Don’t forget, I’m a Tweeter and post what’s happening in a breaking or timely manner. I also point you to solid links that can help you win your leagues. Follow me at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.

To this we will add that the Thrashers are a scoring machine. Their 3.56 goals per game ranks second in the NHL, behind only the Capitals. Given these circumstances, how is it that Afinogenov, 30, remains only 42.4 percent owned in ESPN formats and 43 percent owned in Yahoo! games? To read more, click over to Fantasy Hockey Genius.

Deep down everyone probably thinks they could be a head coach or general manager in the NFL, and there really isn’t anything wrong with that. Sure, it was annoying when your buddy that didn’t know who Percy Harvin was during your fantasy draft professed he could run the Colts better than Jim Caldwell would be able to.

You chuckled and moved on with your day.

“Sure, pal … sure you could.”

“You want to bet on it?” said friend barks back, as though his theory will actually be proven right some day. ”I’ll give you Drew Brees for your place kicker if the Colts win more than three games by Week 8!”

“Deal, my friend.”

The rest is history, and your friend undoubtedly feels like a dolt. You win, he loses. It may be unfair, because you saw it coming, or at least recognized his foolishness before he did.

Now that the scene has been painted, I will play the role of the idiot friend that thinks he knows best. After all, isn’t that what I’m paid to do?

Buffalo Bills

Your season is going nowhere fast after it was set up for failure with poor planning and putrid personnel decisions. Your offensive line stinks beyond all belief, which was largely due to atrocious offseason moves (see: Dockery, Derrick and Peters, Jason). You had a shot at signing a respectable left tackle (some fella named Levi Jones) but passed to see how many more sacks Demetrius Bell could allow in an injury-shortened season. Your prized free-agent acquisition and future Hall of Famer has been left to rot since your quarterback hasn’t been able to get the ball to him. Oh, let’s not forget you have fired the head coach and, naturally, replaced him, at least for the interim, with one of his cronies. That usually translates into immediate success, I hear.

The most recent presumed franchise quarterback, Trent Edwards, has thrown more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns (six) and hasn’t topped the 230 passing yards all year.

His backup, veteran brainiac passer Ryan Fitzpatrick, hasn’t fared much better. He seems to have an improved ability to connect with the receiving corps, but Fitz hasn’t exactly lit the world ablaze. His dazzling 49.4 completion percentage is only accentuated by Fitzpatrick’s lurid 49.8 passer rating (two touchdowns, four interceptions in four appearances).

It’s tough to place all of the blame on the quarterbacks since the O-line blocks oh so effectively.

Fitzgerald has been named the starter by interim head coach Perry Fewell, presumably for the remainder of the season. The Bills signed former Louisville star quarterback Brian Brohm off the Green Bay Packers‘ practice squad. A second-round pick in 2008, Brohm has a strong enough arm to make all of the necessary NFL throws. He’s not going to blow people away it, but his arm isn’t a noodle, either.

You have a player to groom for the future, and while it may not be your regime reaping the potential rewards of his experience, but that is your duty to the player as a coach. The season is lost. You know Fitzpatrick isn’t the future of your organization, and it’s hard to imagine Edwards has done enough to cement himself into that conversation, so what’s the harm in giving Brohm the keys to the city, at least for the final six games? Maybe you have a hidden gem on your hands – it certainly can’t hurt to find out!

The only major fear I would have is that Brohm could be mentally rattled from all of the pressure he will face. He was able to handle being demoted in favor of a seventh-round pick with the Packers, and eventually landing on the practice squad. He should be tough enough between the ears, and if he isn’t, you don’t want that kind of player leading your team anyway.

Cleveland Browns

I’m not sure which franchise is more of a mess between the Browns and Bills, but I know who Cleveland should trot onto the field as their starting quarterback. I’ll give you a hint: His name is not Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.

Eric Mangini’s draft-day trade of the No. 5 overall pick to his former employer, the New York Jets, sent a familiar face to join him in Ohio. Second-year quarterback Brett Ratliff is a 6-foot-4, 224-pounder from Utah. He has a live arm and can’t possibly be any worse than the other two jokers Cleveland has marched out there. Ratliff deserves a chance, if even by default. If Browns owner Randy Lerner is serious about endorsing Mangini as head coach, he needs to force the issue to help determine their offseason plans at the position.

Maybe Ratliff isn’t the answer. It’s tough having no weapons to work with, but now is the time to find out. If anything, maybe he learned a trick or two from Brett Favre last year. Mangini at least could bring hope to the fan base by playing Ratliff. It’s time to hit that big red button when you have scored only five offensive touchdowns in nine games.

It was roughly one year ago today that the fantasy community was ready to bury Westbrook anyway.

You remember the circumstances: In Weeks 9-12 last season, Westbrook looked finished. For four consecutive games, he did not score. Nor did he surpass 100 yards from scrimmage (or 65 yards rushing) in any of those contests. Anyone owning Westbrook was panicking.

Some of us even benched him for the Thanksgiving game vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

And what did Westbrook do? He torched the Cardinals for four touchdowns (two rushing, two receiving) and 130 yards from scrimmage (110 rushing, 20 receiving on three catches).

The Eagles destroyed the Cardinals 48-20 and eradicated whatever hangover might have lingered from the previous week, when Eagles coach Andy Reid benched QB Donovan McNabb for Kevin Kolb at halftime of a 36-7 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

One of the biggest clichés in the world of fantasy advice is “don’t bench your studs.” Last Thanksgiving, Westbrook epitomized the truth behind that cliché.

I remember watching him on all four of those touchdowns and thinking to myself: “He is over the hill — he doesn’t have that burst anymore.” I also remember thinking: “I am an idiot – I should have started him.”

Fast forward to this season, and “don’t bench your studs” applies to San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

Tomlinson certainly looks as if he has lost his burst. He is averaging 3.3 yards per carry (career average is 4.4).

In addition, Tomlinson had not surpassed 75 yards rushing in a game – until last week, when he amassed 96 rushing yards on 24 carries. He also scored twice, in the process turning a disappointing fantasy campaign (three touchdowns in six games) into a respectable one (five touchdowns in seven games.)

Coincidentally enough, Tomlinson recorded this gem vs. the Eagles in what might be the final game of Westbrook’s career.

Up next for Tomlinson: at Denver. If you are considering benching him for a sizzling rookie (Cardinals RB Beanie Wells at St. Louis), an irresistible matchup (Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith vs. Cleveland) or an opportunistic poacher (Indianapolis Colts RB Joseph Addai at Baltimore), congratulations: You have a deep team.

But don’t go crazy. Keep Tomlinson in your lineup.

A four-touchdown game could be in his future.

Are you keeping the faith in LT? Are you benching him for Wells or Addai? We invite you to share your thoughts – and actions – in the comments.

It started with Joe Mauer’s double down the left-field line that was called foul in the ALDS; it was clearly fair, by a mile! Then there was the double play that wasn’t in the ALCS when both Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano were tagged at third base and neither was exactly touching the bag.

There were many more examples of poor calls made under the microscope of playoff baseball that raised the question: Does baseball need to expand instant replay?

I am here to plead with you Bud Selig. PLEASE do not ruin the Great American Pastime!

I am a firm believer that more instant replay will defile the game that we have all come to know and love. We already have replay for questionable home run calls, just leave it at that.

Most casual sports fans constantly complain that baseball is too boring to watch. As a die-hard baseball fan, and former player, I will be the first to admit that there are a plethora of dull moments in between brief spurts of high intensity. There is no skirting around the fact: baseball involves a lot of down time.

So why slow down a slow game even more? There will always be fans of baseball, past and present, but more replay is bound to alienate many and force the casual fan to change the channel during a 10-minute replay timeout. It will ruin one of the aforementioned high-intensity moments, which brings me to my next point.

Instant replay changes the game too much. Baseball is unique in that one crucial play can change the momentum drastically. How can a team or player gain that advantage when a momentum-shifting play must first be reviewed for 10 minutes?

Baseball is also the sport we can rely on for frequent ejections of players and managers. I know everybody enjoys an occasional base toss by Lou Piniella or a hat slam by Bobby Cox. But how can these managers argue with the all-powerful umpires when a bad call is immediately fixed?

Replay would eliminate those silly moments when pitchers actually get to hit, taking their frustrations out on the defenseless water coolers. It would rob Milton Bradley of chances to throw entire buckets of baseballs onto the playing field, and even avoid him from tearing his ACL while attacking an ump.

Advancements in video and camera technology have allowed us to evaluate sports action in ultra slow motion. Plays that unfold in realtime in a matter of seconds are now at our disposal in frame-by-frame segments. This doesn’t necessarily mean that baseball needs to use this technology to fix every questionable call.

Bad calls are just part of the game, bottom line. Making the move to more instant replay will open the floodgates. Where will the lines be divided between human judgment and computer-generated boundaries? Replay could eventually make umpires unnecessary.

In my mind, baseball has always been a way to escape from reality, a way to relax and enjoy the simplicity of the greatest game the world has to offer. In a world dependent on technology, baseball can continue to stand alone if we let it.

We have hit a crucial period in the fantasy football season. The trade deadline in many leagues has passed, so the waiver wire is your surreal squad’s sole source of sustenance. Recent developments have you pining for players in the pool.

Philadelphia Eagles halfback Brian Westbrook has absorbed two concussions in the span of three weeks. The Washington Redskins‘ Clinton Portis said he’s in no hurry to suit up after suffering a concussion in Week 9. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) has been suspended for four weeks because he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

What do I do with (insert name here)?

Oftentimes, that’s an easy question to answer.

Situation: Miami Dolphins do-it-all Ronnie Brown (foot) won’t play football again in 2009 (unless that’s what he calls his ukulele).

Solution: Toss him out on the street.

Situation: The Cincinnati Bengals‘ Cedric Benson has a strained abductor and may not play in Week 11.

Solution: Make a cozy spot by the fireplace for him – and see if he’d like some dark chocolate cocoa or mango chai. It’s chilly outside!

Westbrook, Portis and Bowe each present more of a dilemma. And, of course, the opening statement always begins with … say it with me … “It depends.”

Brian Westbrook

Situation: First, I hope you traded for LeSean McCoy, like I did a couple of weeks ago.

Until we get word from a pair of docs in the Steel City, Westbrook’s 2009 fantasy value seems up in the air. The NFL doesn’t follow the concussion grading scale anymore. The medical community knows relatively little about the brain and post-concussion syndrome.

Will Westy land on your waiver wire?

According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms can last for weeks, even months. Evidence suggests folks who have endured more than one concussion in their lifetime have cumulative neurological damage.

B-West’s risk for another concussion is high. Many athletes probably return from their first one too quickly. (In 2002 I suffered one in a soccer match and then re-entered it. Or was it ‘03? Crap. See?) Eric Lindros, Ted Johnson, Pat LaFontaine, Harry Carson … youch.

Solution: In leagues with 168 players or fewer owned (i.e., your 12-team, 14-man variety), cut him loose. No sense in waiting. The 16-man, 12-teamers are on the brink; if you need a body and have no one else to drop, see ya. Anything bigger, you can probably afford to wait for official word.

(Incidentally, Pittsburgh is quite the health hub. My cousin is graduating from nursing school and is interviewing at UPMC Presbyterian, a branch of the world-renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital circuit. Memo to UPMC: Alanna McWilliams is awesome! Can she use this as a reference?)

Clinton Portis

Situation: Westbrook’s second head ding served as a public service announcement. Portis is playing it smart; he cited Ladell Betts‘ strong play in his absence as a factor. C’mon. If the ‘Skins had to line up George Clinton at tailback, it mustn’t affect Portis’ timetable. (By the way, that P-funk would play nice in the flats, wouldn’t it?)

Portis called his situation “major.” He’s open to splitting touches with Betts when he’s healthy. It may take Portis a couple of weeks or more, but the veteran rusher has been dealing with aches and pains all season.

The extra time could allow him to be fresh for the fantasy playoffs. The Oakland Raiders (Week 14) beckon, and the New York Giants (Week 15) haven’t been so tough against the run lately. The Dallas Cowboys (Week 16) present a challenge, though.

Solution: Hang on in most formats. What Portis has given you ain’t much, but the touches he’ll probably receive means he could deliver more than waiver wire fodder can, especially if he’s a rested. He should still be able to work out in some non-contact activities.

Dwayne Bowe

Situation: Straight deal: You won’t see him until Week 15. Bowe and his agent state that Bowe was popped for use of a diuretic. He was apparently attempting to lose weight to comply with head coach Todd Haley’s strict conditioning edicts.

Bowe released a statement today. Among the highlights: ” My reputation is everything.” He may not have been in Haley’s good graces in training camp, but he busted his butt to earn his starting job back. Maybe it was easy, considering that he’s the most talent receiver on the roster.

Portis will wait until he sees a clearer path

Maybe he cares, too. Someone urging you to throw him away? Not me. Bowe might be motivated enough to do some damage against the Cleveland Browns in his first game back. The Bengals (Week 16) loom. They have a great defense, but they’re 21st in the NFL against the pass.

Solution: Drop Bowe in very shallow leagues; you probably need someone to help you now. Just keep him in mind as you approach Week 15. If you’re in a league in which you can house him as your fifth wideout or worse, though, do it. Receivers are always floating on the wire, but few have his potential.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Miami Dolphins placed running back Ronnie Brown (foot) on the Injured Reserve list Wednesday, Nov. 18, ending his 2009 season.

A Brownout in Miami

Brown injured his foot and ankle in Week 10, and there were several different opinions on when he would be able to return this season, if at all. Brown was scheduled to meet with a foot specialist to see if he would be able to play again in 2009. Brown was one of the most important pieces in the team’s wildcat formation for the last two seasons, taking the direct snaps from the center.

Brown was putting up very good numbers during the first half of the season. He rushed for 648 yards and eight touchdowns on 147 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He has also produced in the passing game both as a receiver and passer. He caught 14 passes for 98 yards in nine games and completed two passes, including one touchdown, out of the wildcat.

From a fantasy perspective, owners who are not in keeper leagues should obviously drop Brown because he will not able to help anymore. Owners in keeper leagues should hold on to him because he should be able to return for next season.

The Dolphins will now turn to running back Ricky Williams to be their starting running back; he’ll get the bulk of the carries. Williams likely is not available in many setups, so owners of the already productive Williams will see a big jump in production from the runner.

Brown owners looking for a replacement on barren waiver wires should look to Lex Hilliard, who probably will be the primary backup running back. He should see some touches, similar to what Williams received with Brown starting, but don’t expect the same volume of work. Hilliard has not seen any regular-season action in his first one-plus NFL seasons.

Expect Miami to give some carries to fullback Lousaka Polite, as well, but he probably won’t receive enough to make a huge difference in fantasy circles aside from maybe a vultured touchdown or two. In desperate times, you could still take a stab at Polite if you miss out on Hilliard.

I’m happy; bye weeks are over, and to boot, I went 7-0 in all my fantasy leagues this past week. I do represent KFFL in four expert, leagues and I’m at 29-11, for a .725 win percentage, in those leagues. I’m happy and not bragging, just sharing my joy with you!

One reason I bring this up is because I study waiver wire players, matchups, trends, schedules and whatever else I can dig up to help me with decisions. I always, always, always consult someone to hear their thoughts and to challenge me as well as to catch something I may not have considered. I hope these blogs help and I hope you get something out of it just as I do when I research and decide who to pick up and waive.

Some free agent players to consider on your waiver wire:

Seattle Seahawks RBs Justin Forsett and Louis Rankin will share the load for the injured Julius Jones (rib, lung). I’m including Rankin in this list because Forsett is only 5-foot-8, 194 pounds. There is concern about his durability. If you miss Forsett and have the roster space, give Rankin a shot. Forsett is quick, elusive and can make players miss.

Rankin just came off the practice squad a few weeks ago. He’s similar in that he can be elusive because of his quickness and has speed to get to the outside and make big plays. However, he’s bigger at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. But it’s Forsett’s job, possibly for the rest of the season if he can stay healthy and produce. Jones has been a big disappointment this year with a 3.7 yards-per-carry average and only two touchdowns.

Forsett is an easy choice on the waiver wire

Atlanta Falcons RBs Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood (hip) are in similar positions. They will see increased carries this week because of Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain. Neither running back will replace Turner or his production, but Snelling, just a few weeks ago, was in the news, with the team stating they want to get him more touches. However, he had developed a hamstring injury.

Look for Snelling to see most of the utilizations with Turner out, because Norwood is just coming back from a hip strain and has been out for about a month. It would be unrealistic to believe he’ll come in and take most of the carries. He’s probably not even in great game shape after the time off!

Grab Snelling first, and then look toward Norwood if Snelling is gone. For the record, don’t believe the team when it states Turner may only miss one game. While technically that could be true, his return date is anyone’s guess as we have to see how long it takes him to heal and get back to form. Just because Turner has stayed fairly healthy in his career does not mean he’ll return from this injury in one week. That’s simply being optimistic without reason.

Cincinnati Bengals RBs Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson are on this list only because the team is facing the Oakland Raiders this week, and they have one of the league’s worst run defenses. The team needs Cedric Benson (hip) healthy for the long run, and they may be able to get by with Scott starting and resting Benson. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Scott should have the power to run between the tackles, but some question his ability to do that. However, he has speed to get to the outside and break it big, so target him this week.

Benson's hip injury may open the door for Bernard Scott and ... LJ?

I added Johnson for no reason outside the fact some believe his statistics in Kansas City this year are due more to the team around him than his abilities. Others state otherwise, but if you have the roster space, why not stash him? For much more details on LJ, Benson and Scott, check out Hot off the Wire Analyst Keith Hernandez’s blog “Cincinnati Bengals expected to sign RB Larry Johnson.”

There are other running backs many view as better to stash than LJ. Those are: the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Willie Parker and the New England Patriots‘ Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor.

Thursday, let’s tackles some wide receivers, place kickers and defenses you should target via the waiver wire or first-come, first-served pickups.

Just remember, it’s up to you to make sure the players listed are good fits with your league’s scoring rules. For other players and detailed breakdowns, check out KFFL.com’s Waiver Wire and other articles. You can also check out my videos at http://www.kffl.com/static/video-archive.php.

Don’t forget, I’m a Tweeter and post what’s happening in a breaking or timely manner. I also point you to solid links that can help you win your leagues. Follow me at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Do not leave fantasy questions for me to answer here. Please go to KFFL.com forums and my specific forum, Q&A with KFFL’s William Del Pilar, or ask me through Twitter.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Tuesday, Nov. 17, that the National Football League has suspended wide receiver Dwayne Bowe for four games for “violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.” Bowe’s suspension will begin immediately.

Bowe was the Chiefs’ leading receiver through the first 10 weeks with 33 receptions for 466 yards and four scores. However, he won’t be back in action until the final three weeks of the 2009 campaign.

No Bowe for four weeks

With Bowe being punished, wideouts Chris Chambers, Mark Bradley and Lance Long figure to benefit the most. However, don’t expect these receivers to have the success that Bowe had in the Chiefs’ lackluster offense. KC ranks 28th in the NFL in total passing yards through Week 10.

Chambers has been a different player after being released from the San Diego Chargers after Week 8. He scored two touchdowns and had 70 yards in his first game in Kansas City after scoring only one touchdown in eight weeks with the Bolts. He will now essentially be the No. 1 receiver in KC, but remember, he is 31 and his skills have drastically declined. Chambers will not be as productive as Bowe was for your fantasy roster.

Bradley and Long have not been anything special either, but both should receive a boost in their numbers for the next four games. Bradley has just 17 receptions for 211 yards and one TD, while Long, who was signed to the practice squad in September, has just 12 receptions for 104 yards in three games.

Bradley should see more time because he’s the option most familiar with Bowe’s position. Long, however, has shown a better grasp of this offense than Bradley and has flashed some talent as their slot wideout.

Depending on the situation in your fantasy league, you may be forced to send Bowe packing. However, he does have a good matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, the first week he would be eligible to return. The Denver Broncos, his Week 17 opponent, also present a solid fantasy opportunity for those in leagues that count the final week of the regular season. Hang on to him if you are in a good position to make the playoffs.

Chambers should be immediately scooped up off the waiver wire if you need help at the wideout position. Consider Long before Bradley; Long may be just as useful as Chambers in point-per-reception setups, as well. Wide receiver Bobby Wade, who has been inactive the past two weeks, could also see a limited role. He should not catch your interest until he proves to be a consistent contributor, though.

I’ll admit, I was slightly cut off from fantasy football leading up to Week 9 games. First, my New York Yankees won the World Series that Wednesday (let the hate mail start). The next day, my colleague Nicholas Minnix and I flew to Arizona for a rawhide weekend at the Baseball HQ First Pitch Forums.

(If you didn’t know, Nick is a Phillies fan. We somehow remained civil.)

Anyway, much thanks to the folks at HQ and all of the speakers. We were all there for something beyond the industry elbow-rubbing: Arizona Fall League baseball, a proven springboard for young talent.

It’s hard to make a thorough evaluation based on several days of observations (sometimes a few at-bats), but we can still get a feel for how soon a player can make an impact.

Of course, in the case of Stephen Strasburg, a neck strain can rob 100-plus symposium attendees of seeing The Next Big Thing.

I don’t want to jump the gun on our upcoming AFL rundown, due out soon, but I can’t let these observations sit in my head any longer.

Best fantasy bets for 2010

Jason Castro, C, Houston Astros – Imposing lefty stick showed an OK presence as receiver, and the ‘Stros really don’t have many other options. He’ll be priced as a speculative No. 2 catcher on NL draft day.

This guy wasn't the only prospect there....

Drew Storen, RP, Washington Nationals – His funky delivery didn’t help when he gave up a two-run dinger to blow the save in the Rising Stars game, but he recovered nicely after that. His K potential alone makes him a must-watch candidate for the Nats’ closer job.

High Alert

Yonder Alonso, 1B, Cincinnati Reds - The best power prospect I saw. The lefty bat has a hint of left-field pop, as well. Cincy needs to make room for him at third or in left with Joey Votto entrenched, but don’t expect them to wait too long.

Chris Heisey, OF, Cincinnati Reds – Safe to say I was a Reds fan in Phoenix. Poised at the plate, he has scorched the desert diamonds. As with Alonso, there may be a left-field slot calling for Heisey.

Dustin Ackley, OF, Seattle Mariners – Not much power coming from his wood, but his opposite-field prowess stood above and beyond the rest of the talent I observed. This year’s No. 2 overall pick looks like a prototypical two-hole hitter but probably won’t touch the bigs until 2011, at earliest.

Chase D’Arnaud, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates - Smooth in the field, aggressive on the basepaths, and patient and chippy at the dish. A 2010 impact isn’t out of the question, NL players….

Keeper leaguers: Remember this name

Tanner Scheppers, RP, Texas Rangers – High-level heat that could spell trouble for Frank Francisco owners in a few years. Think long-term more so than 2010 and keep him on your inseason watch list.

Carlos Triunfel, SS/3B, Seattle Mariners – I’m impressed by reports of his work ethic, and he hit a bomb in the AFL Rising Stars game that hasn’t landed yet. Oh, and he turns 20 in February. Though it might not happen this season, he’ll soon ease the pain those Yuniesky and Adrian guys caused M’s fans.

Sleepers

Wilin Rosario, C, Colorado Rockies - Hands down the best defensive catcher I laid eyes on – Posey and Castro included. Nick and I are still talking about this 20-year-old, who boasts a compact batting stance and smooth footwork behind the plate (think Carlos Ruiz). He has a long way to go, but don’t lose track of him.

Kenley Jansen, P, Los Angeles Dodgers - This converted catcher showed standout velocity and some electric movement, but control has been an issue. Think center-of-the-Earth NL-only sleeper, probably not even for this season.

Undecided

Grant Desme, OF, Oakland Athletics – His 31-40 season at Class A was nice, but he looked overaggressive in the two contests I observed.

Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants - He looked fatigued. He has received a ton of work this season and displayed flatness at the plate and behind the dish. I’d say it’s too soon for San Fran to give him anything more than one-third of the work next year, but expect him to be overvalued in your draft.

Jordan Danks, OF, Chicago White Sox – Has nice speed-power potential, but needs to work on his discipline. He hacked a bit too much at the plate.

Josh Bell, 3B, Baltimore Orioles – Didn’t see enough of him to make a judgment, but intrigued to see if he makes enough progress to start at third in B-more this year.

Not interested

Mike Moustakas, 3B, Kansas City Royals - I used to be high on him, but it doesn’t look like he has done much to improve his plate approach or his diet. Alex Gordon doesn’t have much to worry about.

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