Hot Pickups

The fantasy baseball season is one week old and roster shuffling is already in high gear. Translation: fantasy owners are hardly a patient lot. Often times that is bad. Other times, when a player's spot in the lineup, injuries, or some other unforeseen factor comes into play early on, making quick roster changes is both understandable and advisable. In light of that, I have identified a few players who are being quickly snatched out of fantasy league free agency pools. I'll continue to post handfuls of hot pickups throughout the season, but for now here are four to consider grabbing.

RP Neftali Feliz, Rangers - The flame-throwing 21-year-old was handed the Rangers closing job after incumbent closer Frank Francisco blew his first two save opportunities of the season. Feliz has the nasty repertoire to be an effective closer, but also has enough plus pitchers to become a starter. For now, however, the Rangers' most glaring need is at the back of their bullpen. Manager Ron Washington has indicated that this may be a temporary move, but if Feliz blossoms in the closer role there will be little reason to mess with their roles. For now, fantasy owners should grab Feliz in re-draft leagues (he was already on teams in keeper formats) and soak up some extra early-season saves. He is still available in over 60 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues and nearly 30 percent of CBS Sportsline leagues.

SS Edgar Renteria, Giants - The 34-year veteran shortstop went undrafted in most fantasy leagues following last year's disappointing numbers, which included a career low .250 batting average and just five home runs. However, heading into play on Monday Renteria ranked second in the Majors in hitting with a .524 average and is the hottest pickup in fantasy leagues. To wit, according to ESPN he was owned in just one percent of leagues last week and now he is owned in 45 percent of leagues. The rate at which he is being picked up indicates the lack of quality depth at the shortstop position, the fickle nature of fantasy owners, and the fact that he still has some name value. I doubt E-Rent has a big bounce-back season in store, but he's worth having in the lineup for now while he is swinging the bat well.

SP Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays - Speaking of bounce-back candidates, after missing all of last season because of Tommy John surgery in August of 2008, Marcum looked like a solid pick to rebound in 2009. The Jays named him their Opening Day starter and he has responded very well through two starts, posting a 3.46 ERA, 11 strikeouts, and 0.92 WHIP despite netting two no-decisions. Playing in the A.L. East will continue to make those victories tough to come by, but if he keeps putting up ancillary numbers like those he can still be a quality fantasy contributor. Owners seem to agree, as he is flying off the waiver wire yet still available in about a quarter of leagues per CBS Sportsline.

OF Jeff Francoeur, Mets - One terrible (2008) and another ordinary (2009) season left Frenchy on the outside of fantasy rosters looking in to start the season in most standard sized leagues. In fact, he was owned in just 12 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues following drafts. That number has quickly risen to 30 percent thanks to a first week that included a .476 batting average, two dingers, and six RBI as the Mets every-day right fielder. Even more impressive is the way he has turned around his strikeout-to-walk ratio. Yeah, it's early but it's hard to believe that he is still available in so many leagues, and the CBS estimate of 70 percent owned is likely more accurate. Even so, that means he is still available in a third of fantasy leagues. And that means, you should find room for Jeff, who is still just 26 years old, on your roster...and probably in your lineup this week while he's raking.