Welcome back to the Hot Corner. Looking to fill an empty spot and get a leg up on your league? This article has some players that will help you. As I mentioned in the last few articles, stay active with your team and even some small trades can really sway your team a couple of points down the stretch. Many guys are heating up at the perfect time and making a big impact to your team. And in the words of the late Jimmy V, “don’t give up, don’t ever give up!”

Third Base

Well, for the record, kudos to anyone that has hung on to Garrett Atkins and has been starting him recently nonetheless. Today against a good young pitcher in Yovani Gallardo, Atkins collected four hits and cranked six RBIs. Ryan Zimmerman is another guy I like recently. The “Z Pack” as he is sometimes referred to has raised his average eleven points in the past seven games. He also collected 13 RBIs in his past 10 games, but may not be available in several leagues. Mark Teahen is probably a much more attainable option and is a good player for AL-Only Leagues.

Starting Pitching

If you’re looking for a spot start, take a look at Shawn Marcum of Toronto who has been pretty solid lately. He is pitching against the Royals on Friday and could get an owner a few good starts if you’re looking for a fill-in. Rich Hill has also pitched well recently and aside from a bad start versus the Nats has had a pretty solid July and is a good source of strikeouts. I like him for the rest of the year in the heated NL Central. And just in case you forgot, “It’s gonna happen.” Also another solid start for Orlando “El Duque” Hernadez even though he couldn’t pick up the win. Rick Peterson has done a great job this year with those Mets pitchers so I’d expect that ERA of his to stay around the low three area.

Outfield

If you’re looking for a replacement for Alfonso Soriano, look no further than Braves’ Jeff Francouer. He has tweaked his batting stance and has changed his batting average. Also keep an eye out for Jermaine Dye, who has been playing great of late. This year, Dye has always had fairly good power numbers, except now he is hitting for average and looks like a solid option for those missing Soriano. (Or Victorino)