Rocco Baldelli played OF in AA yesterday. Rays manager Joe Madden said that Baldelli may be the right-handed bat that helps the team down the stretch.  While a return from Baldelli would be a great story, fantasy owners should get too worked up about it yet.  He is unlikely to play enough to help mixed league teams and may not even get enough time to help AL-Only teams.

Joey Gathright was placed on the DL yesterday with a bruised right shoulder. This isn't a huge loss for any fantasy owner, but AL-Only teams will miss the steals that Gathright was providing.  However, if he only misses the minimum he could still steal close to 30 bases this year.

Jarrod Washburn is rumored in a deal to the Yankees. This rumor has been around for a few days, so it probably has some truth to it.  Washburn has quietly pitched well during June and July.  His value would go up if dealt to New York since he would have better run support.  Jose Vidro is also rumored to be in the deal.  He would obviously be joining a better lineup but he would lose value if he doesn't get to play everyday in New York.

Gerald Laird played all 9 innings of a rehab game yesterday. Laird could be activated as soon as this weekend.  He is a candidate to be traded next week.  If he isn't traded he will have to split time at catcher in Texas and therefore wouldn't help mixed league teams.

Jhonny Peralta has been hitting much better since the Indians put him in the cleanup spot. Peralta has been in the cleanup spot for one month and in that time he has hit .351 with 6 home runs and 22 RBis.  He can have a lot of value for the rest of the year since the Indians are likely to leave him there as long as he is successful.

Joe Crede missed Tuesday's and Wednesday's games with back stiffness. Crede has had problems with his back in the past.  For now we will just call him day-to-day.

Carlos Quentin hit two home runs last night, giving him four in a week of action since the All-Star break. Quentin slowed down a little in June, but has brought his pace right back up in July.  He can make a legitimate run a 40 home runs this year and will probably earn some AL MVP votes in the process.