AL FAAB Factor: Mother's Day Edition

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

Matt Andriese, Rays – The Rays were thought to have depth to their rotation with Drew Smyly (shoulder) back and Alex Cobb (elbow) on his way, but both are now gone for the season, which leaves Andriese with some. On Saturday he came up from Triple-A Durham and pitched 3.2 innings with two earned runs on five hits, one walk, and two strikeouts against the Rangers. He now has a 5.40 ERA (4.71 FIP) with nine strikeouts and five walks over 16.2 innings. Last season at Durham he pitched much better, finishing with a 3.77 ERA (4.09 FIP), 129 strikeouts, and 48 walks over 162.1 IP. Expect ups and downs until he is stretched out. This week he gets the Yankees at home. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Bruce Chen, Indians – Now that T.J. House is on the DL with a shoulder injury, the Indians have decided to turn to Chen for the time being. On Saturday that did not go so well, as he was rocked by the Twins for six earned runs over four innings with one walk and three strikeouts. Last season he was awful as a starter with a 6.49 ERA (4.72 FIP), 23 strikeouts, and 11 walks over 34.2 innings. Don't be surprised if he doesn't last long in the Cleveland rotation. This coming week he gets the Rangers on the road. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Buck Farmer, Tigers – The news that David Price injured his hamstring after slipping on a bat Friday night leaves some doubt as to if he'll make his next start. If Price can't go, the Tigers might turn to Farmer, who has a 3.94 ERA (2.42 FIP) with 40 strikeouts and 13 walks over 32 innings at Triple-A Toledo. Considered the top pitching prospect in the Tigers' system, Farmer got a taste of the majors last season with poor results, though I wouldn't read anything into them. I'd also keep an eye on Shane Greene, who has turned into a pumpkin in his last three outings after such a nice beginning to the season in his first three starts. If Greene can't hack it, I wouldn't be surprised to see Farmer given a shot to take his rotation spot. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Brian Johnson and Eduardo Rodriguez, Red Sox – With an AL-worst 4.95 ERA, the Red Sox fired their pitching coach this week and brought in Carl Willis coach the pitching staff. The changes might not stop there though, as most of the Red Sox rotation has looked lost this season, in particular Wade Miley and Justin Masterson, though Joe Kelly has shown very little command of his fastball as well. Meanwhile at Triple-A Pawtucket, Johnson has a 3.42 ERA (3.24 FIP) with 27 strikeouts and 14 walks over 23.2 innings. He's not considered much of a prospect, but he's a polished product at this point. Also in Pawtucket, Rodriguez has a 2.73 ERA (2.52 FIP) with 29 strikeouts and four walks over 29.2 IP. He is considered a prospect and is worth keeping an eye on in keeper formats. Unless Miley, Masterson, and Kelly get things turned around quickly the Red Sox will either need to make a trade or look to their farm system to help stop the bleeding, so keep Johnson and Rodriguez on your radar. Both Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Colby Lewis, Rangers – In his last two starts, Lewis has pitched 14 innings with one earned run on eight hits, three walks, and 14 strikeouts. At this point he has a 2.61 ERA (3.41 FIP) with 29 strikeouts and nine walks over 38 innings and needs to be on the radar of mixed leaguers. I've been slow to come around on Lewis, but he's performing somewhat like the pitcher we saw in 2012, when he had a 3.43 ERA (3.98 FIP) with 93 strikeouts and 14 walks over 105 IP before injuries got to him. With a career 1.31 home-run rate though, his 0.71 HR/9 isn't likely to last unless he's changed his approach or the way he pitches, which is unlikely, so don't go that extra dollar in bidding. This week he gets the Royals and Indians at home. Mixed: $3; AL: Owned.

Daniel Norris, Blue Jays – Demoted to Triple-A Buffalo last week, I'm not ready to give up hope on Norris having value this season in AL-only formats. In his first start in the minors, he gave up one earned run over 5.2 innings with four walks and three strikeouts. The lack of control is still there, as it was when he was in the majors, but I still think he's talented enough to get things turned around. Last season he breezed through the minors, going from High-A Dunedin to Double-A New Hampshire to Triple-A Buffalo with a combined 2.53 ERA, 163 strikeouts, and 43 walks over 124.1 IP. Those are results I'm willing to bet on and are reason enough for me to claim Norris in AL-only formats, where he may have been dropped, if I can stash him on my bench. In related news, Marco Estrada gave up four earned runs over 4.2 innings in his first start replacing Norris in the Blue Jays rotation. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Brett Oberholtzer, Astros – Oberholtzer (finger) should come off the DL this week to face the Giants at home. Last season he had a 4.39 ERA (3.62 FIP) with 94 strikeouts and 28 walks over 143.2 innings. He needs to keep the walks to a minimum and keep the ball in the yard, as he doesn't miss many bats. Because of the lack of strikeouts, he's really only an AL-only play, though he might have some value in deep mixed formats as well. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Wandy Rodriguez, Rangers – Rodriguez was outstanding this week against the Astros, pitching eight innings with one earned run on three hits, one walk, and eight strikeouts. He now has a 3.12 ERA (4.58 FIP) with 16 strikeouts and nine walks over 17.1 innings and needs to be owned in all AL-only formats and on the radar of owners in deeper mixed leagues. Considering this is his first season in the AL, he pitches in a hitters park, and he hasn't had any sustained health since 2012, I'm leery of him holding value all season long, but for now you have to like the results and roll with it. This coming week he gets the Indians at home. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Chase Whitley, Yankees – After three turns through the Yankees rotation, Whitley has a 3.06 ERA (4.40 FIP) with 16 strikeouts and three walks over 17.2 innings. He was excellent in his first two outings, but roughed up Saturday by the Orioles. Still, he's shown enough that he needs to be on the radar for mixed leaguers and picked up in all AL-only formats where he's still available. Last season as a starter he had a 4.76 ERA (3.81 FIP) with 43 strikeouts and 12 walks over 48.2 IP with the team. He'll get the Rays on the road this week. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Chris Young, Royals – Jason Vargas landed on the DL this week with an elbow injury that isn't thought to be serious but will still require him to miss a few starts. In his place, Young will make his second start of the season Sunday against the Tigers and then his next start this coming week against the Yankees. In his first start he pitched five innings against the Tigers with zero earned runs, three walks, and nine strikeouts for a win. Last season he was surprisingly useful with a 3.65 ERA (though with a 5.08 FIP), 108 strikeouts, and 60 walks over 165 innings. I don't trust him long-term, but after his first start and how helpful he was to owners last season, he needs to be bid on in all AL-only formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $5.

Relief Pitching

Chad Qualls – With Luke Gregerson on the family medical emergency list, Qualls will serve as Houston's temporary closer. He should be owned in all AL-only formats, as he's the clear top setup man to Gregerson and figures to get most of the save opportunities when Gregerson is back and needs a day of rest. As is, he has a 3.97 ERA (2.98 FIP) with a 15:3 K:BB ratio and three saves on the season. If you're speculating for saves, bid on him. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Will Harris, Tony Sipp, Evan Scribner, Zach McAllister, and Roberto Osuna - In the non-closer-sometimes-setup-men division, these guys are doing a great job of striking batters out and keeping their ratios low. The Harris/Sipp combo has really helped Houston's bullpen, but they can also help owners with sub-1.00 ERAs, though that won't last forever. Scribner is proving to be a very capable setup man with a 20:2 K:BB ratio over 17 innings this season. McAllister has converted from starter to reliever and is throwing harder than ever with a 17:4 K:BB ratio over 15.2 IP. He might be the best arm in that pen right now. And finally, with Brett Cecil back in the closer role of the Blue Jays, Osuna might be settling into more high-leverage situations, as he has been used in multiple innings and for the most part been great with 16 strikeouts and a 1.10 ERA over 16.1 innings. Of all these relievers, I think McAllister has the best shot at closing, as Cody Allen has been vulnerable at times this season. All Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Catcher

James McCann, Tigers – Starting catcher Alex Avila hit the DL with a left knee injury that will require surgery to help repair. This leaves McCann as the team's new starting backstop and someone worth bidding on in all AL-only formats. He's hit well this season with a .295/.311/.432 batting line and one home run over 46 plate appearances. He posted nice batting averages in Double-A and Triple-A, once he settled in, so he could be an asset for owners in that respect. Don't expect much power, though he's only 25 years and more may come as he continues to develop. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Carlos Perez, Angels – Perez was brought up from Triple-A Salt Lake this week when Drew Butera was designated for assignment. He figures to see more playing time than most back-ups, as starter Chris Iannetta has yet to awaken from an early=season slumber that has him hitting just .091/197/.106 with one extra-base hit over 76 plate appearances. Perez hit .361/.418/.556 with two home runs over 79 plate appearances at Salt Lake and it has carried over, at least initially, as he hit a walkoff homer in his first game up. At 24 , Perez is not a prospect, but he'll continue to steal playing time from Iannetta as long as he hits. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

First Base

Kyle Blanks, Rangers – Since coming up from Triple-A Round Rock last week, Blanks has been fantastic, going 12-for-35 with two doubles, three home runs, and even a stolen base. A career .239/.322/.418 hitter over 900 plate appearances, it's unlikely that Blanks has turned the corner, but as long as he's this hot, he needs to be owned in most leagues. He's battled injuries for much of his career, so perhaps he's finally tapping into his power, which has always been there with his big build. Don't expect Mitch Moreland to steal too much playing time away if Blanks is able to keep this going. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Chris Colabello, Blue Jays – With Danny Valencia (ankle) and Michael Saunders (knee) banged up, Colabello was brought up from Triple-A Buffalo this week and immediately contributed, going 7-for-12 with two doubles, a home run, and stolen base. Fantasy owners likely remember his hot start with the Twins in 2014, when he hit .295 with three home runs over 102 plate appearances in April, only to regress significantly before being demoted to the minors. Unless one of his teammates hits the DL, Colabello is likely a short-term fix and not one worth bidding up. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Jesus Montero, Mariners – Montero is hitting .325/.342/.465 with three home runs over 117 plate appearances at Triple-A Tacoma, and if he keeps it up, he may be an option for the struggling Mariners offense soon. He would need to play first base or DH, which would be an option if Logan Morrison or Nelson Cruz were to shift to the outfield. As is, Montero is an offense first player, who could be a post-hype sleeper, now that he has moved off from catcher. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Mitch Moreland, Rangers – Moreland (elbow) is on a rehab assignment that should finish up Monday and lead to his activation shortly thereafter. He hit .304/.393/.457 with one home run over 56 plate appearances before hitting the DL. Given how hot Kyle Blanks has been in his absence, it'll be interesting to see how the team juggles their playing time, though Blanks does have some experience playing left field. Last season Moreland hit .268/.312/.380 with two home runs over 154 PA against right-handers. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Nick Swisher, Indians – Swisher was activated from the DL this week after dealing with a knee injury to start the season. He's been hitting out of the DH spot and figures to stay there most games, though he could see time in the outfield. So far he's 2-for-15 in his first four games back. Last season he hit just .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs over 401 plate appearances. With his power fading and plate discipline waning, it's doubtful he has value outside of AL-only formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $6.

Second Base

Nick Franklin, Rays – Franklin (oblique) is on a rehab assignment but should be activated sometime later this week. Once that happens, he should join the team in the majors and get a shot at winning the job outright. So far Logan Forsythe and Tim Beckham have done a passable job filling in, so there may not be a rush to usher Franklin back in. Last season between Triple-A Tacoma and Triple-A Durham, he hit .271/.366/.412 with 11 home runs and 11 steals over 466 plate appearances. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Jose Pirela, Yankees – Finally over his concussion and rehab assignment, Pirela was activated from the DL this week and has since made three starts at second base for the Yankees. Last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he hit .305/.351/.441 with 10 home runs and 15 stolen bases over 581 plate appearances. The power will likely take time to grow, if it ever does, but he has speed. Expect him to be in there most games against southpaws, though he could earn more playing time overall if he clicks offensively. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Adam Rosales, Rangers – Hitting only .144/.252/.233, Rougned Odor has started to lose playing time to Rosales, who lacks upside, but at this point is a veteran. There have been rumblings that Odor may sent back down to the minors, which isn't all that surprising, considering he skipped Triple-A on his way to the majors last season. At best, Rosales won't hurt you too badly with his batting average. At worst, he'll produce a shallow battling line with no real counting stats to help offset it. If you're scrapping for a second baseman, you could do worse than Rosales, but don't bet the farm on him. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Carlos Sanchez, White Sox – One of the worst offensive teams this season, the White Sox desperately need a spark and it may come in the form of Sanchez, as he's hitting .389/.411/.537 with two home runs and five stolen bases over 113 plate appearances down at Triple-A Charlotte right now. Only 23 years old, he has almost zero power, though that may change as he ages. He has some speed, but will get most of his value from putting the ball in play. Micah Johnson is doing about the same thing in the majors right now, but has almost nothing to show for it with two extra-base hits and only seven runs scored over 74 PA. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Joe Wendle, A's – Though he's starting everyday, Eric Sogard is giving the A's zero offensively. He's batting .253/.269/.319 with five extra-base hits and one stolen base over 95 plate appearances. He's much more effective as a utility player up the middle, rather than acting as a starter, but such is life without Ben Zobrist (knee), who should be back in about a month. Meanwhile, Wendle is hitting .292/.333/.557 with four home runs and a stolen base over 115 PA at Triple-A Nashville. Though not a prospect, it would make sense to give Wendle a shot to see if he can help the club offensively, though I strongly suspect he'd strike out quite a bit if brought up now. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Shortstop

Mike Aviles and Francisco Lindor, Indians – Entering Saturday, Aviles has started four of the last eight games at shortstop over Jose Ramirez, who is hitting just .177/.214/.241 with three extra-base hits over 87 plate appearances. Aviles is out right now due to a family emergency, but should continue to steal playing time when he returns. On the season he's hitting .288/.373/.462 with two home runs over 59 PA. Lindor, is only hitting .248/.336/.347 with one home run and six stolen bases over 117 PA at Triple-A Columbus, but if he can just start to turn that around some, he might be in the majors sooner rather than later. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Chris Taylor, Mariners – Brought up from Triple-A Tacoma this week, Taylor has started every game at shortstop for the Mariners, as Brad Miller has seemingly lost the job. At Tacoma, Taylor hit .313/.385/.475 with two home runs and six stolen bases over 91 plate appearances. He has more upside than Miller and certainly has more speed. Keep an eye on where Taylor hits, as he's been ninth so far, which limits his value to AL-only formats, at least initially. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Third Base

Matt Davidson, White Sox – Only hitting .240 at Triple-A Charlotte, Davidson is up to six home runs over 120 plate appearances and is again showing he can hit for power. Meanwhile in the majors, Conor Gillaspie continues to battle plantar fasciitis and he is hitting .242 with only one home run over 66 PA. If Davidson can show improved plate discipline or Gillaspie's foot does not improve, he might get a shot in the majors soon. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Outfield

Joey Butler, Rays – Butler was brought up from Triple-A Durham last Sunday and has since played in the outfield and served as the Rays' DH, going 4-for-18 with a double, home run, and two runs scored. At Durham he hit .317/.404/.488 with two home runs over 94 plate appearances. He figures to see a fair amount of playing time until John Jaso (wrist) and Desmond Jennings (knee) rejoin the team. Offensively, he should hit for some power with no real speed and a passable batting average. Mixed: $2; AL: $8.

Rusney Castillo, Red Sox – Castillo looks like he's over his shoulder injury, as he's gone 5-for-13 with a double in his last three games. There is still no clear path to playing time right now, as Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) doesn't look like he'll need to go on the DL and Shane Victorino (hamstring) is due back soon. Still, Castillo is worth throwing a buck at to keep on your bench, as he should be a nice blend of power and speed when he's healthy. In mixed leagues, you can wait until he's producing in the minors before speculating on him. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Allen Craig, Red Sox – Craig was optioned to the minors Saturday, though he could also be dealt in a trade. If you believe in buying-lowest on a player, this is likely your chance with Craig, as any owners he does have will be dumping him Sunday. He has really fallen off offensively since the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Cardinals, though he hasn't exactly seen much playing time upon which to work through things. He could also be dealing with an injury we don't know about or dealing with something in his personal life. Whatever it is, Craig is worth throwing a buck at in the hopes that he returns from the minors as a changed hitter, whether for Boston or another team, if you can stash him on your bench. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Delino DeShields, Rangers – DeShields got some playing time this week as Leonys Martin dealt with a wrist issue. He showed some nice speed with five stolen bases and five runs scored over five games. Martin's injury isn't serious and he was back starting Saturday, so don't expect DeShields' recent bump in playing time to continue. Still, it was nice to see what he can do when called up. In AL-only formats, he should be owned, as he's a source of cheap speed if you can put up with the lack of batting average and counting stats elsewhere. He's hitting .200/.314/.267 with seven stolen bases over 35 plate appearances this season. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

Carlos Peguero, Rangers – Peguero hit three home runs this week, as he's shown himself to be something of a three-true-outcomes player so far this season with a .224/.371/.490 batting line, three home runs, and 24 strikeouts over 62 plate appearances. He's likely got a few more weeks worth of value before Josh Hamilton joins the team, so don't get carried away with bidding in mixed leagues. If anything, he's worth a flyer in daily formats, where the downside is much lower. Mixed: $2; AL: $9.

Dalton Pompey, Blue Jays – After struggling through April, Pompey was demoted to Triple-A Buffalo so he could regroup and refocus as a hitter. He essentially skipped Triple-A on his way to the majors, as he only played in 12 games there last season, but figures to get more time than that this time around. Still, I don't think it's a terrible decision to stash him on your bench in AL-only formats, as he still has nice upside as a speed threat once he comes back up. It might take until the All-Star break for him to resurface, but I wouldn't just dismiss him outright after one failed audition. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Eddie Rosario, Twins – An ailing Oswaldo Arcia (hip) landed on the DL this week and opened the door for Rosario to come up from Triple-A Rochester and join the club. So far he's played left and right field and gone 5-for-16 with a home run. At Rochester, he hit .242/.280/.379 with three home runs and one stolen base over 100 plate appearances. At 23 years old, he's no longer considered much of a prospect, but he still might make himself useful while Arcia is out. His batting-average skills seem shaky, though he might not be up long enough for that to matter much; Rosario may go back down to Rochester once Arcia returns. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Preston Tucker, Astros – Brought up from Triple-A Fresno last week after George Springer landed on the seven-day DL with a concussion, Tucker doesn't figure to spend too much time with the Astros. Still, it's nice for him to get a taste of the majors and see what MLB pitchers have to offer. In Fresno he was hitting .320/.378/.650 with 10 home runs over 111 plate appearances and showing he might not be long for the minors. In some organizations that would be true, but in Houston with Springer, an emerging Jake Marisnick, and Colby Rasmus, Tucker is better served getting everyday playing time in the minors, which is likely where he'll be once Springer can rejoin the team. Don't bid more than the minimum unless you can stash Tucker for later this season. Mixed: No; AL: $3.

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