AL FAAB Factor: Calm Before the Storm

This is our weekly look at American League free agents. We have two goals for this article:

1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your free-agent budget you should bid on them.

One size does not fit all, and we could never hope to encompass all league structures, so bids are based on:

• 12-team league (either AL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Starting Pitching

Chris Bassitt, A's – Bassitt returned to the A's rotation Saturday and pitched six innings with two earned runs, no walks, and four strikeouts against the Giants on the road. On the season he now has a 2.94 ERA (4.01 FIP) with 21 strikeouts and 11 walks over 33.2 innings. He figures to remain in the rotation with Jesse Hahn (forearm) out indefinitely and Scott Kazmir now in Houston. Given his current success and his home park, he should have value in most leagues. This coming week he gets the Indians at home. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Erik Johnson, White Sox – Johnson is a candidate to join the White Sox rotation should Jeff Samardzija get traded this month. He was actually in the team's rotation earlier this season, but was sent to the minors after he flamed out badly with a 6.46 ERA (4.32 FIP) over five starts. Since then, he has flourished with a 2.59 ERA (2.40 FIP), 105 strikeouts, and 30 walks over 94 innings at Triple-A Charlotte. Stash him if you're speculating on starting pitchers. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Scott Feldman, Astros – In his second start back from the DL, Feldman pitched 7.2 innings and allowed one earned run with one walk and two strikeouts to the Royals on the road. Last season with the Astros, he had a 3.16 ERA (3.88 FIP) in the second half. The hope is that he can flip the switch and get back to pitching like that again this summer. On the season he has a 4.54 ERA (4.24 FIP) with 41 strikeouts and 17 walks over 73.1 innings. Never a pitcher to miss many bats, he's unlikely to have mixed-league value. This week he gets the Diamondbacks at home. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Matt Harrison, Rangers – In his second start back from the DL, Harrison pitched six shutout innings with one walk and two strikeouts against the Rockies on the road. Given that his first start was a disaster and he was pitching in Colorado this time around, it was a marked improvement. He obviously needs to work on his command, but to only walk one batter over six innings is certainly a step in the right direction. I still wouldn't start him if I could avoid it, as he doesn't miss many bats and never did even when healthy, as he relies more on his control. Still, he's starting to look serviceable in AL-only formats. This week he gets the Yankees and Giants at home. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Derek Holland, Rangers – Holland continues to work out and throw with the team, but remains without a scheduled date for a rehab assignment. At this point it seems likely we will not see him in the majors until September. The team has been cautious with him as he works his way back from a shoulder strain. Considering he has only pitched 38 innings in the majors since 2013, it's unclear what to expect from the once-successful lefty. Stashing him seems prudent only in keeper leagues. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Brian Johnson, Red Sox – Optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket last week, Johnson remains a candidate to rejoin the Red Sox rotation in the second half, especially once the last-place team concedes their season is over. He pitched 4.1 innings and gave up four earned runs with four walks and three strikeouts against the Astros on the road in his debut, but it wasn't enough, as the organization opted to have Joe Kelly and his 5.74 ERA rejoin the rotation. The move makes no sense, as Kelly belongs in the bullpen, but it is what it is and Johnson will be back soon enough. At Pawtucket he has a 2.73 ERA (3.27 FIP) with 81 strikeouts and 26 walks over 85.2 innings. Pick him back up in AL keeper leagues if he's available. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Joe Kelly, Red Sox – Kelly rejoined the Red Sox rotation last week and rewarded the organization with 5.1 innings, four earned runs, three home runs given up, one walk, six strikeouts, one hit batter, and one wild pitch against the Astros on the road. This is about par for the course with Kelly, who can flash good command at times, but pitches in the strike zone too often and gets punished for it. There is little reason for him to remain in the rotation when he has a 5.74 ERA (4.61 FIP), the team has the worst record in the AL, and there are other starters for the team to evaluate with an eye towards 2016. As such, he's not worth owning in most leagues. This week he gets the White Sox and Rays at home. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Martin Perez, Rangers – Perez looked shaky again in his second start back from the DL, as he pitched six innings and allowed three earned runs with four walks and two strikeouts against the Rockies on the road. He now has a 4:6 K:BB over 11 innings and cannot be trusted in any format. He has not been shy about throwing a slider or curveball, which is encouraging, even if the results haven't been. Even in AL formats, I would not bid on him unless you're playing for next season and have nothing to lose. This week he gets the Yankees and Giants at home. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Drew Pomeranz, A's – Pomeranz was shifted back into the A's rotation this week and lasted only five outs against the Blue Jays before getting pulled from the game. He gave up a two-run homer, but also had four strikeouts in his short outing. Expected to stick in the team's rotation now that Scott Kazmir is in Houston, he should pitch deeper his next time out. On the season he has a 4.63 ERA (4.11 FIP) with 36 strikeouts and 17 walks over 44.2 innings as a starter. This week he gets the Dodgers on the road. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Drew Smyly, Rays – Smyly will begin a rehab assignment Sunday at Triple-A Durham, as he works his way back from a torn labrum. Assuming no setbacks, this puts him on track to rejoin the team in the middle of August. With the Rays between last season and this one, he has a 1.96 ERA (3.36 FIP) with 65 strikeouts and 14 walks over 64.1 innings, so he's well worth stashing in all formats. For now, follow his rehab as he increases his pitch count and builds up his arm strength. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Steven Wright, Red Sox – Recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket last week, Wright returned to Red Sox rotation and was blasted for six earned runs over five innings with three walks and three strikeouts against the Angels on the road. The knuckleballer made another start against the Tigers on Saturday and only lasted 4.1 innings, as he gave up four runs (two earned) with two walks and four strikeouts in a loss. Tough to imagine the team running him out there again this week when they have options in the minors, but he's a knuckleballer, so perhaps Boston figures he'll have better luck next time. As is, he has a 4.78 ERA (5.44 FIP) with 31 strikeouts and 18 walks over 52.2 innings. This week he gets the White Sox at home. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Relief Pitching

Fernando Rodriguez, A's – As the trade deadline approaches, it's likely that the A's will be sellers and one of the possible pieces to go is closer Tyler Clippard. Should that happen, Rodriguez is the best healthy reliever to take over the role. He gave up two earned runs Friday, but otherwise has been dominant with a 3.60 ERA (1.53 FIP), 38 strikeouts, nine walks, and zero home runs given up over 30 innings. Drew Pomeranz was a possibility, but he has been shifted back into the rotation. Evan Scribner likely would be in consideration, but he's completely imploded since the end of June. The only other choice is Fernando Abad, who has been excellent the last two months, but he is a lefty, so I suspect he'd be left for the eighth inning. If Rodriguez is still available in your league, now would be a good time to stash him. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Aaron Sanchez, Blue Jays – Sanchez (back) was activated from the DL this week, though he rejoins the team as a reliever, not the starter he was when the season started. Last season he thrived as a reliever with a 1.09 ERA (2.87 FIP), 27 strikeouts, nine walks, and three saves over 33 innings. He was untrustworthy as a starter with poor command, but his fastball should play up more out of the bullpen and result in better numbers overall. Given what's ahead of him, he should move up in the pecking order and into high-leverage situations fairly quickly, though to invest in him for saves might be a stretch right now. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Vincent Velasquez, Astros – Despite his success as a starter this season, Velasquez was moved to the bullpen last week when the team landed Scott Kazmir in a trade. The move makes sense, as Velasquez jumped from Double-A straight to the majors and the team likely wants to keep him in the majors to preserve his arm some, rather than send him to the minors and have him start full-time. Given that Lance McCullers made the same jump and is already past the innings count he had last season (97), it wouldn't be surprising to see Velasquez make spot starts down the stretch. As is, he should be a nice source of strikeouts, as he throws hard and has a nice curveball. If you're in an AL keeper league, he needs to be owned. This season he as a 4.03 ERA (3.33 FIP) with 38 strikeouts and 14 walks over 38 innings. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Catcher

Blake Swihart, Red Sox – Swihart was activated from the DL last week after missing almost three weeks with a foot injury. He returns to share time with Ryan Hanigan, as he learns from the veteran and works on his .237/.279/.317 batting line. He has more power than the one home run he has on the season, but at 23 years old is still learning on the job. In mixed leagues, you can likely do better. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

First Base

Marc Krauss, Tigers – Krauss started three of the last four games at first base for the Tigers entering Saturday. This season between the Rays, Angels, and Tigers he's hitting just .141 with two home runs over 81 plate appearances and is no one's idea of a replacement for Miguel Cabrera (calf). Don't expect much from him, even if the Tigers stick with him a bit longer. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Mike Napoli, Red Sox – It might be nothing, but Napoli is hitting .364/.391/.636 to start the second half of the season. His numbers on the season are still depressing, as he's flirted with the Mendoza Line for much of the year, but he's a career .253 hitter and will hopefully pull out of his funk soon. Mixed: $3; AL: Owned.

Nick Swisher, Indians – Swisher (knee) moved his rehab to Double-A Akron last week, as he moves closer to being activated from the DL. There is no clear need for his bat, so the organization wants to see him play a bit of outfield - in addition to first base - so that he can be a versatile bench bat when he returns. At 34 years old, Swisher's skills are in decline and unlikely to help owners in mixed leagues. Last season he hit .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs over 401 plate appearances. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Second Base

Micah Johnson, White Sox – Johnson is hitting .331/.380/.486 with seven home runs and 24 stolen bases over 280 plate appearances at Triple-A Charlotte, and has proven that he's ready for a promotion. Meanwhile, Carlos Sanchez is hitting .204 on the season with zero home runs or stolen bases in the majors, as he's proven he's ready to be demoted. It's a mystery as to why the White Sox haven't made the switch, but then again it did take them quite a while to get rid of Conor Gillaspie. Hopefully we don't have to wait much longer, as the Pale Hose are going nowhere in the standings and Johnson doesn't have much more to prove in the minors. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Rob Refsnyder, Yankees – Refsnyder was sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this week after only 12 at-bats, as the team opted to go with Stephen Drew instead. It's a head-scratching decision, as Drew is hitting .185 with 12 home runs, as he shows he's good to put one over the fence now and again, but nothing more. Refsnyder was knocked for his defense in the minors and did commit one error while up, but it's tough to see the organization holding him back for that reason while Drew offers very little upside. To Refsnyder's credit, he holds a .292/.385/.415 batting line with seven home runs and 10 stolen bases over 380 plate appearances on the season at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If he's available in your AL-only format, I'd give him another look. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Shortstop

Tim Beckham, Rays – Beckham has started five of the last six games at shortstop for the Rays, as they deal with the loss of Asdrubal Cabrera (hamstring). He's hitting .236/.300/.453 with five home runs and three stolen bases over 120 plate appearances this season. With a small window of opportunity, he doesn't have much upside unless Cabrera were to have a setback in his rehab. Bid on Beckham only if you need a middle infielder to hold you over this week. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Marwin Gonzalez, Astros – In limited duty, Gonzalez has had a productive month, hitting .359 with three home runs over 43 plate appearances. He has played all over the infield, giving him plenty of positional flexibility for the Astros and his fantasy owners. He doesn't start, so his value only goes so far, but he's not a bad option as a middle infielder or utility player who won't hurt you and sometimes, that's all you're looking for. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Jed Lowrie, Astros – Lowrie started a rehab assignment at Double-A Corpus Christi last week and hit a double Friday, as he makes his way back from thumb surgery. Considering he has been out since late April, he may need a little while to get himself ready to return to the majors. When he does return, expect him to see time primarily at third base, though a utility role is also possible. Before his injury, he hit .300/.432/.567 with four home runs over 74 plate appearances. Mixed: $2; AL: $5.

Ketel Marte, Mariners – Marte hit a home run last week at Triple-A Tacoma, as he puts his broken thumb injury further behind him. On the season he's hitting .315/359/.403 with three home runs and 17 stolen bases over 262 plate appearances at Tacoma. He'd likely be in the majors right now, but that thumb injury held him out for over a month. The Mariners are currently going with a Brad Miller/Chris Taylor platoon and the two have combined to hit .232 with one home run and five stolen bases this month. If Marte can warm up offensively, we might see him before September, as the M's move further and further out of contention. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Third Base

Cheslor Cuthbert, Royals – Recalled by from Triple-A Omaha last week, Cuthbert figures to serve as a utility infielder for the Royals. He hit .272/.335/.402 with eight home runs and four stolen bases over 350 plate appearances at Omaha and is not considered much of a prospect, despite his youth at 22 years old. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Joey Gallo, Rangers – Gallo continues to struggle hitting for contact at Triple-A Round Rock, but the home runs have not stopped. He has a batting line of .183/.301/.437 with five home runs over 83 plate appearances at Round Rock, and he continues to work on his approach. The further the Rangers fall out of contention, the more likely we are to see Gallo resurface in the big leagues. Adrian Beltre has recently mentioned that he is still affected by his sprained thumb, so that's something to keep in mind as well. For now, continue to stash Gallo in AL formats, as his power is a difference maker. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Kyle Kubitza and Conor Gillaspie, Angels – David Freese fractured his right index finger last week and is expected to miss around three weeks as a result. In his absence, the team called up Kubitza from Triple-A Salt Lake, where he hit .276/.347/.454 with five home runs and three stolen bases over 354 plate appearances. He's expected to share duties with Gillaspie, who was traded from the White Sox this week after being designated for assignment. Gillaspie was a disappointment in Chicago this season, as he only hit .237/.276/.364 with three home runs over 185 PA. Neither Kubitza nor Gillaspie is a great option for the Halos, though Freese hasn't exactly been putting up great numbers either. Expect Gillaspie to see the majority of at-bats, as he's the veteran. Kubitza Mixed: No; AL: $2. Gillaspie Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Tyler Saladino, White Sox – Officially the new White Sox starting third baseman, Saladino has gotten off to a good start, hitting .273 with a triple and two home runs over his first 47 plate appearances. He has almost exclusively hit out of the second spot in the lineup, which bodes well for future success as a run scorer and stolen-base threat. At Triple-A Charlotte earlier this season, he hit .255/.332/.372 with four home runs and 25 stolen bases over 231 PA. With Conor Gillaspie now gone, expect Saladino to keep the job and his spot in the lineup so long as he continues to help spark the offense. Mixed: $3; AL: $8.

Richie Shaffer, Rays – Another week, a few more home runs for Shaffer at Triple-A, who continues to show he's ready for another challenge. On the season between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham, he's hitting .264/.361/.548 with 23 home runs over 367 plate appearances. He's currently blocked by Evan Longoria at third base, but could see time at first base, as James Loney is hitting only .200 this month and has a whopping three home runs on the season. Given the offensive struggles of the Rays, expect to see Shaffer up sooner rather than later. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Outfield

Oswaldo Arcia, Twins – As the month winds down, Arcia has started to slow down offensively, though that was to be expected when he was on such a tear. For the month, he has a .293/.361/.667 batting line with eight home runs over 83 plate appearances, as he continues to prove that he is above the Triple-A level. The team is very much in the postseason hunt, yet somehow can't find room for Arcia or his powerful bat. It's nice that they want to get him everyday at-bats, but really there is nothing left for him to prove in the minors. Stash him now in AL formats, as he's likely to be up sooner rather than later, though it's a mystery as to why he was demoted in the first place. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Coco Crisp, A's – Crisp, who has been out since May with a neck injury, is on a rehab assignment right now at High-A Stockton. The assignment could be lengthy, given the time he has missed. When he returns, it'll most likely be in a reserve role, as the team has filled his void nicely with Billy Burns. Moreover, Crisp will need rest to keep him fresh down the stretch, though the team doesn't have much to play for. Last season he hit .246 with nine home runs and 19 stolen bases over 536 plate appearances. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Daniel Nava, Red Sox – Activated from the DL last week after dealing with a thumb injury, Nava returned to a reserve role where he's unlikely to have much value. A career .285 hitter against righties, platooning would make sense, but the Red Sox already have Alejandro De Aza, who can hit righties as well. It's possible Nava could see time at first base, but Mike Napoli has started to warm up recently. Last season he hit .270/.346/.361 with four home runs and four stolen bases over 408 plate appearances. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Dan Robertson, Angels – Robertson started five of the last six Angels games entering Saturday, as Mike Trout shifted to DH with heel soreness. He produced modest results, going 6-for-18 with a double over the last week. On the season he's hitting .277 over 70 plate appearances and deserves more playing time than platoon-mate Matt Joyce, who has given the team a .114 batting average with one home run this month. Robertson is nothing special, but Joyce is dead weight at this point and in a current 1-for-29 slump. The Angels are likely in the trade market for a left fielder, but for now Robertson is their best option. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Jake Smolinski, A's – Smolinski hit two home runs in a game last week, as he continues to hit in a platoon role in left field. On the season he has produced meager results with a .195 batting average and three home runs over 93 plate appearances. His power outburst was followed by a triple the following game, but owners shouldn't rush to the waive wire to bid him up just yet, as the 26-year-old hasn't shown much power or speed, even in the minors. He's helped by the fact that fellow left fielder Mark Canha has hit just .220 this month with no home runs, so perhaps his recent success will lead to a few more at-bats. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Preston Tucker, Astros – Tucker hit four home runs last week and how has five for the month to go with a .318 batting average, and he's seemingly put his poor June in rearview mirror. Called up in May, he has a .267/.324/.480 batting line with nine home runs over 219 plate appearances overall this season. He's batting second more often than not lately, which is a good spot to be in (behind Jose Altuve and ahead of Carlos Correa). If he's still available in your mixed league, he makes for a fine fourth or fifth outfielder, as the rookie continues to grow into a full-time role. Mixed: $5; AL: Owned.

Note: If you have anyone else you'd like me to discuss, just drop a line in the comments section.