AL FAAB Factor: Ready for Moore?

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

Cody Anderson, Indians - Anderson made his MLB debut last week against the Rays and gave up six hits, no earned runs and one walk with four strikeouts over 7.2 innings. It was a fine effort coming on the heels of a 1.89 ERA with 54 strikeouts and 14 walks over 71.1 IP between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus earlier this season. His command has improved considerably from last season, when he had 81 strikeouts and 45 walks over 125.2 innings at Akron. Until he slows down or stumbles, he needs to be owned in all AL-only formats and most mixed leagues. This week he gets the Rays and Pirates on the road. Mixed: $3; AL: $9.

Danny Duffy, Royals - In his first start since coming off the DL, Duffy gave up eight hits, two runs (one earned), no walks and struck out four over 4.2 innings in Seattle. It was a successful outing, though he could've pitched deeper into the game. On the season he now holds a 5.44 ERA (4.29 FIP), though he was much more dominant last season, when he held a 2.53 ERA (3.90 FIP) over 149.1 IP. This week he gets the Astros on the road and Twins at home. He needs to be owned in more mixed leagues if he can pass these two tests. Mixed: $3; AL: $9.

Kevin Gausman, Orioles - Gausman made his season debut as a starter last week in a five-inning start in Toronto. The good news is he gave up just four hits, two earned runs and one walk. The bad news is he struck out only one, hit a batter, and threw a wild pitch. For his efforts he was rewarded with a trip back to Triple-A Norfolk, where they will keep him stretched out until the team needs another starter. This logistically makes sense, but overall shows the Orioles just don't get it, as Bud Norris and his 6.70 ERA (4.89 FIP) are still toiling in the team's rotation. If you've made it this far, don't lose faith now. Last season Gausman had a 3.57 ERA (3.48 FIP) with 88 strikeouts and 38 walks over 113.1 innings. Mixed: $1; AL: $4.

Matt Harrison, Rangers - On a rehab assignment as he comes back from a back injury, Harrison is still a ways off from returning to a major league mound. It doesn't help that he has a 6.59 ERA with 15 strikeouts and 11 walks over 28.2 innings in said rehab starts. Considering Harrison has made six starts in the majors since 2012, no one should be counting on him to return as an effective starter. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Andrew Heaney, Angels - Heaney was brought up from Triple-A Salt Lake this week, after Jered Weaver (hip) landed on the DL. It's been an up-and-down season for Heaney in the offense-friendly Pacific Coast League: he's started seven games for Salt Lake in which he had seven or more strikeouts and five starts in which he gave up four or more earned runs. In his season debut last week against the Astros, he was excellent, as he struck out five and gave up four hits, one earned run and one walk in six innings. The Angels rotation has been stable this season and Weaver is expected back after the All-Star break, so while Heaney may impress, his spot in the rotation is not assured. For now though, he needs to be owned in all AL-only formats and in deeper mixed leagues, as he can miss bats, has shown a good ability to keep the ball in the yard, and has the pedigree of an upper-end pitching prospect. This week he gets the Yankees at home. Mixed: $2; AL: $6.

Brian Johnson, Red Sox - Per Red Sox manager John Farrell, Johnson is "getting closer" to a promotion from Triple-A Pawtucket, where he has a 2.57 ERA (3.29 FIP) with 76 strikeouts and 23 walks over 80.2 innings. We can only wonder what is taking so long, as Joe Kelly has been optioned to the minors and Justin Masterson, whose struggles against left-handed batters are well documented, is now the new fifth starter in the Red Sox rotation. Johnson is not considered an elite prospect, but what he lacks in upside he makes up for in his polished approach. He needs to be owned in most AL-only formats, as his promotion now seems a given. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Justin Masterson, Red Sox - Masterson (shoulder) was activated from the DL last week and was relegated to the bullpen, but he'll start Sunday against the Rays. With a 6.37 ERA (5.35 FIP), 24 strikeouts, and 19 walks over 35.1 innings this season, Masterson is on thin ice to keep his rotation spot no matter the outcome Sunday. There has been chatter that Brian Johnson (see above) will be promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket to join the rotation, so don't bid more than the minimum on Masterson, who looks destined for the bullpen, where his woes against LHB can be managed. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Matt Moore, Rays - Moore, working is way back from Tommy John surgery, is almost ready to be activated from the DL. There were reports that his return would be this week, but that timetable may have been moved back. In his rehab start at Triple-A Durham on Saturday, he struck out eight and gave up five hits, three runs (two earned), and three walks over five innings. It's unclear whose rotation spot he'll be taking, but Matt Andriese doesn't seem long for that rotation, despite his efforts Saturday against the Red Sox. In 2013, Moore had a 3.29 ERA (4.10 FIP) with 143 strikeouts and 76 walks over 150.1 innings. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Ivan Nova, Yankees - Back from Tommy John surgery, Nova made his return to the Yankees rotation this week, as he struck out one and gave up three hits, no earned runs and two walks in 6.2 innings against the Phillies. The lack of strikeouts against a weak opponent is worrisome, but he put zeroes on the board and it was his first start back, so we'll cut him some slack. He was not effective in his last rehab start, giving up five earned runs over five innings, but coming back from Tommy John surgery is a process. That said, I have little confidence he'll hold value in mixed leagues this season. In AL-only formats, he's worth owning to see where his progress goes. In 2013, he had a 3.10 ERA (3.62 FIP) with 116 strikeouts and 44 walks over 139.1 innings. This week he gets the Angels on the road. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Martin Perez, Rangers - Working his way back from Tommy John surgery, Perez is on a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco, where he's made two starts. He was able to overcome a brief groin issue, and if he continues to make rehab starts in the minors with no setbacks he'd be in line to be activated sometime in July after the All-Star break. Last season he had a 4.38 ERA (3.76 FIP) with 35 strikeouts and 19 walks over 51.1 innings. Never a pitcher that showed strong or even average command in the majors or minors, Perez may have difficulty as his rehab ramps up. I wouldn't count on him to help owners in even AL-only formats this season unless he shows considerable improvement with either his ability to miss bats or his control. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Ervin Santana, Twins - Big Erv is set to join the Twins on July 5, but before that he'll make one more start in the minors at Triple-A Rochester. In his previous two starts there he has pitched a combined 12.2 innings with 12 hits, four earned runs, four walks, and six strikeouts for a 2.84 ERA (5.49 FIP). He has pitched in the AL for all but one of his 10 seasons, so he knows the league well. With a career 4.17 ERA (4.26 FIP), he needs to be owned in all leagues. Last season with the Braves he had a 3.95 ERA (3.46 FIP) with 179 strikeouts and 63 walks over 196 innings. Mixed: $6; AL: $15.

Luis Severino, Yankees - The top pitching prospect in the Yankees system, Severino had a 3.32 ERA (2.31 FIP) with 48 strikeouts and 10 walks over 38 innings at Double-A Trenton before he was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre about a month ago. Since arriving in Triple-A, Severino has had no problems with his new challenge, as he has a 1.73 ERA (2.87 FIP) with 24 strikeouts and 10 walks over 36.1 IP. There is no clear need for him at the major league level, but if he continues to be this successful (zero earned runs in his last two starts), the Yankees will have no choice but to challenge him with another promotion. For now he needs to be on the radar of all AL-only owners. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Relief Pitching

Roberto Osuna, Steve Delabar, Blue Jays - After imploding over three appearances, where he gave up eight earned runs and took two losses in the process, Brett Cecil was removed from the Blue Jays' closer role. In his place, Osuna is the favorite to carry the torch moving forward, as he has a 2.10 ERA (2.21 FIP) with 40 strikeouts and 10 walks over 34.1 innings. Also in the mix is Delabar, who has much more experience than the rookie Osuna, though he has no experience working as a closer. On the season, Delabar has a 1.42 ERA (4.15 FIP) with 21 strikeouts and seven walks over 19 IP. Of the two, Osuna has better stuff and has not given up home runs like Delabar has, though Delabar has been sharper this month. Go after Osuna with your FAAB, but back up your bids with something close on Delabar. Osuna - Mixed: $6; AL: $12. Delabar - Mixed: $5; AL: $10.

Fernando Rodney, Mariners - Rodney nailed down his first save in nearly a month Friday against the Angels, as closer Carson Smith was used in the eighth inning to face Albert Pujols and Mike Trout. Rodney has likely not fully earned back the trust of his manager, but he has done well to only give up one hit over his last six outings. On the season his numbers are still ugly with a 5.70 ERA (4.90 FIP), and even over the last 30 days, he has almost as many walks as strikeouts, but this is progress for the hat-tilted reliever. I wouldn't be rushing out to grab Rodney, considering his volatile control, but he's worth a dart if you're starved for saves. Mixed: $2; AL: $4.

Catcher

Alex Avila, Tigers - Avila (knee) started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Friday and is due back before the All-star break. A career .245 hitter, he hasn't hit over .227 in any of last three seasons and what power he has is fleeting, making him a larger asset to the Tigers than to fantasy owners. Considering the decent job James McCann has done in his absence, don't expect Avila to come back as the starter despite his experience. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Ryan Hanigan, Red Sox - Like Avila, Hanigan (hand) is also on a rehab assignment (at Triple-A Pawtucket) and expected to return before the All-Star break. When he returns, he'll likely back up rookie Blake Swihart, who has done fine offensively, but still needs work defensively. Hanigan has little power and his hand injury isn't likely to help either, leaving him an option only as a second catcher in AL-only formats. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

First Base

James Loney, Rays - Loney (finger) is ahead of schedule on his return and could be back with the Rays before the All-Star break. Likely still owned in all AL-only leagues, Loney is a low-end option in mixed leagues because of his lack of power. He should still provide help in the batting average department, but that's about it. Expect Jake Elmore to go back to the bench, as his bat has cooled considerably. Mixed: $2; AL: Owned.

Jonathan Singleton, Astros - Promoted from Triple-A Fresno on Friday, Singleton is set to see time at first base and DH for the Astros, cutting into the playing time of Chris Carter and Evan Gattis, both of whom have struggled this season. Singleton's promotion is well-deserved, as he hit .280/.387/.553 with 17 home runs over 313 plate appearances at Fresno. The last time we saw Singleton in the big leagues, he struggled, as he hit .168/.285/.335 with 13 home runs over 362 PA, showing the power was no fluke, but there was far too much swing and miss in his approach. It's fair to be skeptical, but there's nothing left for Singleton to prove in the minors, so it's time he learns to make those adjusts at the big-league level, and he can be massaged into the lineup with Carter and Gattis. In mixed leagues, he's an interesting corner infielder for the power, but don't expect anything close to a helpful batting average. Mixed: $3; AL: $9.

Second Base

Brock Holt, Red Sox - Likely owned in all AL-only formats, Holt needs to be picked up in mixed leagues, as he steps in for the injured Dustin Pedroia (hamstring). He doesn't have much speed (just four stolen bases) or much power (just two home runs), but he makes contact, gets on base, and can play multiple positions defensively. He isn't likely to carry mixed-league value the entire season unless he starts running more, so don't bid him up unless you're desperate for a middle-infield bat. Mixed: $4; AL: Owned.

Micah Johnson, White Sox - After the White Sox pulled the plug on him in May and sent him to the minors, Johnson has emerged with a .297/.353/.413 batting line, three home runs, and 13 stolen bases over 156 plate appearances at Triple-A Charlotte. His replacement at the MLB level, Carlos Sanchez, is hitting just .164 with six extra-base hits over 132 PA and is running out of time to prove himself the answer at the keystone. Knocked for his defense, Johnson should be up sooner rather than later, as the White Sox need every run they can get with an offense that is among the worst at scoring runs. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Gregorio Petit, Jose Pirela, Yankees - Petit and Pirela were both recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last week to add some depth to the Yankees' middle infield. Neither is much of an option offensively and now that Stephen Drew is back from the paternity list, at-bats will be difficult to come by. Avoid this situation, if possible, as both Petit and Pirela are low-end options at best in AL-only formats. Both Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Jonathan Schoop, Orioles - Schoop (knee) is close to being activated after a minor-league rehab assignment. Earlier this season he started to generate heat in AL-only formats when he hit three home runs in only nine games. A .214 hitter over a career 525 plate appearances, his power is likely to be the only area where he helps owners, as he does not run, make much contact, or take a walk. Ryan Flaherty is hitting .260 with three home runs over 149 PA this season at second base, so it'll be interesting to see how the team mixes in both infielders, though a platoon might be in order. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Devon Travis, Blue Jays - Out for over a month, Travis (shoulder) should be picked up in any mixed leagues where he's available. He's hitting .270 with seven home runs and two stolen bases over 150 plate appearances and been a pleasant surprise in the first half of the season. He hit ninth in the order Saturday, but will move up in the lineup if he can get back to where he left off. I'm not sure how much power we can expect in the second half, but I am expecting him to run more, as he stole 16 bases last season at Double-A Erie. Mixed: $10; AL: Owned.

Shortstop

Devon Marrero, Red Sox - With Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) landing on the DL last week, Marrero was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, where he hit .241/.300/.345 with four home runs and nine stolen bases over 259 plate appearances. Brock Holt will take over at second base for Pedroia, so don't expect much action for Marrero. If pressed into more playing time, he'd likely be exposed at the plate, though there might be a handful of stolen bases that come along as well. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Danny Santana, Twins - Back from Triple-A Rochester, Santana has taken flyballs in the outfield, as he may be used in center while Byron Buxton (thumb) is out. Santana has personified the sophomore slump this season with a .217 average, zero home runs, and four stolen bases in seven attempts over 189 plate appearances. Eduardo Nunez and Eduardo Escobar have been decent enough at shortstop that Santana likely won't be winning that job back right away, and with Aaron Hicks (forearm) likely back soon, Santana might not be up in the majors for long. He gets credit for hitting .308/.343/.492 at Triple-A Rochester, but he didn't hit a home run and is still getting caught too frequently on the basepaths. Don't bid much more than the minimum. Mixed: $1; AL: $2.

Third Base

Andrew Romine, Tigers - With a .229 batting average and only four home runs this season, Nick Castellanos has been mired in a season-long slump. As such, Romine has started to eat into his playing time and the results have been encouraging as Romine has hit two home runs in the last week. A shortstop by glove, Romine is unlikely to carry this type of power going forward, but he's doing well to hit for contact, get on base, and steal the occasional base and that's really all anyone can ask of him. He's worth a look in AL-only formats this week, where every little bit helps. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Miguel Sano, Twins - While it's difficult to see where Sano fits in with the Twins right now, as Trevor Plouffe is set at third base and Kennys Vargas is picking it up lately at DH, we still might see Sano promoted after the All-Star break because of the power he offers. An elite prospect, Sano has bounced back nicely from a 2014 season that was lost to Tommy John surgery and a slow start to this season as well. Since the start of May, he's hitting .292/.372/.565 with 10 home runs and four stolen bases over 196 plate appearances at Double-A Chattanooga and is probably deserving of a promotion to Triple-A Rochester. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Richie Shaffer, Rays - After 175 plate appearances at Double-A Montgomery this season, Shaffer was promoted to Triple-A Durham and not only has he not missed a beat, but his numbers have improved with a .306/.394/.694 batting line and nine home runs over 99 plate appearances. Blocked by Evan Longoria at third base, Shaffer and his power could prove useful at first base or possibly DH in the majors. Seeing as how the Rays struggle to score runs, his offensive help should be welcomed anywhere. Keep him on your radar in AL-only formats. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Outfield

Jackie Bradley, Red Sox - Bradley was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket this week in the wake of Hanley Ramirez suffering a hand injury, Rusney Castillo being send back to the minors, and Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) landing on the DL. Bradley, a wiz defensively, has yet to prove he can hold his own offensively in the majors, as he has a career .195 batting average over 551 plate appearance. Shane Victorino (calf) will be back soon, so even if Bradley were to heat up, he'll likely be on his way out soon enough, so it's best not to bid more than the minimum in any format. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Alejandro De Aza, Red Sox - De Aza has seen his playing time perk up in response to injuries and demotions in the lineup, and he has responded with three extra-base hits in the last week, including a home run. When Shane Victorino (calf) returns, it would be surprising to see De Aza be the casualty, as Jackie Bradley can be optioned to the minors. That said, De Aza is going to need to keep hitting to earn his keep. Since joining the Red Sox, he's hitting .269/.309/.481 with one home run and one stolen base over 55 plate appearances. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Delino DeShields Jr., Rangers - DeShields began a rehab assignment Saturday, as he looks to work himself back from a hamstring injury. Before he left the team, the fleet-footed outfielder hit .269/.358/.386 with 13 stolen bases and 32 runs over 168 plate appearances, giving him value in all formats. Expect him to go back to leading off when he returns, which means he needs to be picked up in any mixed leagues where he's been dropped. Mixed: $6; AL: Owned.

Franklin Gutierrez, Mariners - A stud defensively, Gutierrez was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma when the Mariners sent James Jones back to the minors. At 32, Gutierrez is no stranger to the majors, having logged over 2,800 plate appearances with a career .256/.306/.391 batting line. He has more power than speed on the basepaths and has struggled to stay healthy, including missing the entire 2014 season completely due to gastrointestinal issues. He'll serve as a reserve for now and isn't likely to have value unless an injury occurs. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

Aaron Hicks, Twins - On a rehab assignment at Triple-A Rochester, Hicks (forearm) has an opportunity to return to the Twins with Byron Buxton (thumb) out for the next 4-6 weeks. There are no assurances though, as Hicks is a career .209 hitter 10 home runs and 19 stolen bases over 637 plate appearances in the majors. Still, his defense is likely missed and for that, he's worth a speculative bid in AL-only leagues, which is really the only place he has value. Mixed: No; AL: $1.

David Lough, Orioles - Adam Jones (shoulder) hasn't played in a game since June 20 and has avoided the DL for now. In his place, Lough has stepped in and shown he can hit home runs, as he has three of them over the last two weeks. Unfortunately, he hasn't shown much more than the power burst. He's hitting .193 with one stolen base in four attempts in the last month. If Jones does go on the DL and O's backdate the move, Lough would have value for about another week, which could make him useful in AL-only formats. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Efren Navarro, Dan Robertson, Angels - With one start in left field over the last eight games, Matt Joyce has effectively been removed from the position and rightfully so, as he has a .186 batting average with only four home runs over 225 plate appearances this season. In his place, the Angels are going with a combination of Navarro and Robertson. Navarro hit .370/.421/.556 with two home runs over 121 PA at Triple-A Salt Lake this season, but hasn't done much in the majors with three extra-base hits and a .254 average over 72 plate appearances. Robertson hit .245/.320/.309 with one home run and four stolen bases over 232 PA at Salt Lake, but he too has failed to do much in his brief time in the majors. Combined, the two are showing it might be wise for the Angels to explore a trade to get a veteran player in left field. For now, neither are much of a fantasy option, though Navarro can play first base, which gives owners some roster flexibility. Both Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Shane Robinson, Twins - The thumb injury to Byron Buxton has Robinson working in center field, possibly with Danny Santana, as his replacement. With no real skills to hit for power or average or steal a base, Robinson isn't of much use to fantasy owners. Moreover, we might see Aaron Hicks back soon, which would further cut into Robinson's playing time. Don't bid much more than the minimum, no matter your format. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Ryan Rua, Rangers - Back from the DL after dealing with an ankle injury, Rua has been sharing time with Joey Gallo in left field since his return. As a right-handed hitter, he's seeing time mostly against lefties, though that playing time might shrink once Delino DeShields Jr. (hamstring) returns. Rua has some power, but struggles to make contact and hasn't shown much speed, which leaves his value limited to AL-only formats for now. Mixed: No; AL: $2.

Shane Victorino, Red Sox - Victorino began a rehab assignment last week at Triple-A Pawtucket to recover from a calf injury. Once he returns, which should be before the All-Star break, he should be able to find some playing time, but it's doubtful he's able to help many owners, as his power and contact rate are in steep decline and his leg injuries have him running less and less. At 34 years old, there might be something left in the tank, but on a Red Sox team that needs to retool for 2016, he may need a trade in order to have mixed-league value this season. Mixed: $1; AL: $3.

Note: Got another player to discuss? Drop a line in the comments.