NL FAAB Factor: A Cespedes for the Rest of Us

This is our weekly look at National 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 NL or Mixed, we'll specify)
• 5x5 categories
• $100 FAAB budget

Thanks to Erik Siegrist for filling in last week.

Starting Pitching

David Buchanan, Phillies - Buchanan started Friday with Cole Hamels traded to Texas. Prior to his last two starts, including Friday, Buchanan had really struggled his previous six games, posting a 7.58 ERA. With Jerome Williams back and Matt Harrison in town, it's unclear if Buchanan will remain in the rotation but outings like his last two give him a bit more of a hold on the job. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks - Corbin, who was up and down his first three starts after returning from March 2014 Tommy John surgery, found his stride his last two outings. In those two starts, Corbin has struck out 16 while allowing just 10 baserunners in 13 innings, including Wednesday, when he allowed one earned run in six innings with six strikeouts. Corbin's fastball has topped out at 94 mph while he also posted a 1.73 GB/FB ratio. Pitchers coming off TJS are often inconsistent, so be prepared for some uneven starts, but he should provide solid numbers as a mid-rotation starter the rest of the season. Mixed: $4; NL: $11

Brandon Finnegan, Reds - The Royals acquired Johnny Cueto from the Reds but it cost them three players, including Finnegan and John Lamb (more on him below). Finnegan, a 2014 first-round pick, was a key part of the Royals' run to the World Series last year. He was used in a similar role this season, posting a 2.96 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 24.1 innings. Finnegan struggled after going back to the minors, notching a 7.07 ERA and 1.714 WHIP in 14.0 innings. He will be stretched as a starter, as he clearly needs to work on his secondary pitches since he relies heavily on a fastball, and could be promoted when the rosters expand in September. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec call-up bid)

Mike Foltynewicz, Braves - Folty was promoted this week, starting Wednesday, when he allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings. He started several games for the Braves earlier this season, but was roughed up in three June starts, allowing 14 earned runs in only 15.2 innings. Foltyniewicz had pitched well recently in the minors, earning another call-up. With Atlanta playing for the future, look for Foltynewicz and his mid-90s heater that can hit 100 mph to remain in the team's rotation. Mixed: $2; NL: $7.

J.A. Happ, Pirates - Pittsburgh acquired Happ from the Mariners in exchange for Adrian Sampson. The Pirates needed a starter with A.J. Burnett headed to the disabled list, and Happ should slide into that rotation spot. Happ posted 4.64 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 108.2 innings this season, so don't expect that much from him, though he should benefit from pitching in the NL. Mixed: $0; NL: $3

John Lamb, Reds - Lamb, who came to the Reds in the Johnny Cueto deal, was considered a top-20 prospect going into 2011, but Tommy John surgery derailed that. He has turned back the clock this year, going 9-1 with a 2.67 ERA and 1.158 WHIP in 94.1 innings for Triple-A Omaha. Lamb is pitching at Triple-A for Cincy but should be up in the majors before too long. However, one concern has to be his high flyball rate, which likely won't play well at Great American ballpark. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (early spec call-up bid)

Keyvius Sampson, Reds - Sampson, called up following the Johnny Cueto trade and first used in the bullpen, started Sunday's game for Cincinnati. He was lights out at Double-A Pensacola but posted a 5.08 ERA over eight games for Triple-A Louisville. Sampson's big issue is walks, which has been a negative most of his career. If he fails to curtail those in the majors, his stint in the majors won't be long. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Jose Urena, Marlins - Urena appeared in nine games (seven starts) for the Marlins earlier this season, posting a 4.04 ERA over 42.1 innings before he was sent down in the beginning if July. The Mat Latos trade opened a rotation spot, which will be filled initially by Urena, who was called up Friday. Urena didn't pitch well Saturday, surrendering five runs (four earned) on eight hits in five innings to fall to 1-5. He should get at least one more start but will have to pitch a lot better to keep that spot. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Injury Activation/Updates:

Christian Bergman, Rockies - Bergman, out since the end of June, with right shoulder fatigue was activated Saturday. He could take the place of Kyle Kendrick, who was placed on the disabled list Saturday, in the Rockies' rotation. Bergman made just one rehab start; so don't expect much from him if he does slot into the rotation, and there is a good shot he ends up back in the bullpen. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Aaron Harang, Phillies - Harang, sidelined since July 1 with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, was activated off the disabled list and defeated the Braves on Thursday. He started the year off with a blaze but surrendered 32 of his 48 earned runs allowed over his last six starts, so tread cautiously when bidding. Mixed: No; NL: $3.

Wily Peralta, Brewers - Peralta, out since May 25 with an oblique injury, was activated off the disabled list and started Tuesday. He threw six solid innings against San Francisco, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over six innings. His fastball topped out 97 mph, several ticks up from earlier in the year. Last season, Peralta led Milwaukee with 17 victories and 154 strikeouts in 198.2 innings. Just an FYI as still should be owned in all leagues, if not, go Mixed: $4; NL: $11.

Williams Perez, Braves - Perez, out with a left foot contusion suffered when he was hit by a batted ball in his June 27 start, was activated off the disabled list to start Friday. That outing didn't go particularly well, as he allowed nine runs on nine hits, walking four and striking out three while lasting just 4.1 innings against Philadelphia. Prior to that start, Perez had pitched well, going 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA over 11 games, including eight starts. With Alex Wood traded and Manny Banuelos on the DL, Perez should remain in the rotation. Mixed: $0; NL: $3.

Stephen Strasburg, Nationals - Strasburg, out with a strained left oblique since July 4, started for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. He threw 64 pitches, allowing four hits and three earned runs with a walk and five strikeouts over four innings. Strasburg will make at least one more rehab start at Triple-A Syracuse before returning to Washington. It's been a lost year so far for Strasburg, who has a 5.16 ERA in 13 starts this season. He has not been healthy most of the season, dealing with several minor injuries since spring training to his left ankle, left trapezius muscle and left oblique. Just an FYI as still should be owned in all leagues.

Relief Pitching

Joe Blanton/Jacob Brigham/Leonel Campos/Dalier Hinojosa/Tommy Hunter/Matt Marksberry/Scott Oberg/Chris Reed/Tyler Thornburg - This week's key middle reliever call-ups/activations, as well as expected call-ups, were/will be in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, San Diego, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Colorado, Miami and St. Louis. None have any substantial value except for Hunter, who could see some save chances, as he did Saturday, and also pick up holds for the Cubs. All except for Hunter - Mixed: No; NL: $0; Hunter - Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Tyler Clippard, Mets - Clippard, who was acquired by the Mets for Casey Meisner, a 2.79 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while notching 17 saves for Oakland. He was a bit more wild than usual this year, issuing 21 walks in 38.2 innings but offset that with 38 punch-outs. Clippard is filling a set-up role in New York, but if Jeurys Familia continues to struggle -- as he has blown his last three save chances -- he could see save opportunities. Mixed: $1; NL: $4.

Ken Giles, Phillies - Giles, profiled last week, gets another mention, as he's now the closer in Philly. There really are no other options, and hopefully the Phillies are smart and just stick with Giles, whose fastball sits in the mid-90's coupled with a high-80s slider. Giles' high BABIP and WHIP are concerning, but after a slow start to the season, especially with his fastball velocity, he is back on the beam and should be closing in Philly the rest of the year and beyond. Mixed: $14; NL: $35

Rafael Betancourt/Tommy Kahnle/Justin Miller, Rockies - John Axford has been like a tire fire lately, which is why he lost his hold on the closer role. Colorado doesn't have a ton of options at the back end of the bullpen after dealing LaTroy Hawkins, but Betancourt or Kahnle or maybe even Justin Miller could get a look. Betancourt has experience in the role, having saved 57 games for Colorado from 2012-13 before losing the job. After struggling early, Betancourt has been a lot better lately (one earned run in his last 10 appearances). Kahnle's 96-mph fastball has allowed him to post a 2.96 ERA with 30 strikeouts though with 16 walks since his call-up in June, which is concerning. However, Kahnle has experience closing in the minors -- he saved 15 games for the Yankees' Double-A Trenton affiliate in 2013 -- that could tilt the scales in his favor. Miller, who has been up and down between the majors and minors this year, has the least major league experience of the bunch. But he has closed out games in the minors and has averaged better than a strikeout per inning at virtually every stop. Betancourt - Mixed: $1; NL: $4; Kahnle - Mixed: $2; NL: $7; Miller - Mixed: $0; NL: $3 (closer spec bid).

Addison Reed, Diamondbacks - Reed opened the year as the D-Backs' closer but posted a 5.92 ERA and 1.72 WHIP over 24.1 innings, resulting in him losing his job and spot on the major-league roster. Following his demotion to Triple-A, Reed reportedly worked on a split-fingered fastball, and proved effective once again (allowed just two runs in 10.1 innings). Brad Ziegler is pretty locked in as the Arizona closer, but Reed could get a shot at setting him up. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Joakim Soria, Pirates - Soria was traded to the Pirates for JaCoby Jones. Even though he closed and posted 23 saves for Detroit, Soria will be used to set up Mark Melancon. Soria was the beneficiary of a low BABIP and high strand rate, resulting in a 4.93 FIP ERA compared to his 2.85 ERA, so it's possible a regression is coming. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (unless you count holds).

Hector Rondon, Cubs - Rondon, who opened the season as the Cubs' closer but lost the job, seems to have regained the role lately. He has allowed just one run in his last two-plus months and notched saves in three appearances earlier this week. Pedro Strop and Jason Motte have had their chances while Rafael Soriano was expected to get a turn, but Rondon should hold the job based on how well he has pitched recently. Two caveats are that Rondon has benefitted from a low BABIP and high strand rate, but his strong K-rate -- using a mid-90s fastball and solid change -- offsets them. Mixed: $7; NL: $18 (go higher if think he keeps the job).

Arodys Vizcaino, Braves - I speculated a few weeks ago that Vizcaino, who overpowers batters with a 97-mph fastball, could be the closer in waiting if Jim Johnson was traded. Well, the massive three-team deal with the Braves, Dodgers and Marlins was finally consummated with Johnson heading out west. Vizcaino looks to be next in line, though David Aardsma, Ross Detwiler and Andrew McKirahan could get look-sees as well. Hopefully, manager Fredi Gonzalez is smart and just rolls with Vizcaino, who has made 10 appearances since being called up in early July, allowing one run on six hits with an 8:4 K:BB over nine innings. Mixed: $8; NL: $22

Catcher

Welington Castillo, Diamondbacks - Castillo is thriving since coming to Arizona from Seattle. He didn't hit well as a Cub or Mariner but hasn't had any issues as a D-Back. Castillo has a .293/.383/.595 line with nine home runs and 20 RBI in 116 AB in the desert. He is locked in as the starting catcher for Arizona. Mixed: $12; NL: owned.

Injury Activation/Updates:

Travis d'Arnaud, Mets - D'Arnaud, out with a hyperextended left elbow, suffered in his eighth game back from a hand injury, came off the disabled list Friday. He completed a short rehab assignment prior to returning to the Mets. D'Arnaud posted a .296/.338/.535 line with four home runs in the 19 games he played in between injuries. He should see most of the action behind the plate, spelled by Kevin Plawecki, who filled in for him. Mixed: $12; NL: $35 (upped bid given it's August).

Miguel Montero, Cubs - Montero has been sidelined since July 11 with a sprained left thumb. Originally, it was thought that the injury might sideline him until September, but that looks not to be the case. Doctors found no issues after examining Montero's thumb Thursday, and he will report to Double-A Tennessee on Sunday to begin a rehab assignment before rejoining the Cubs. Kyle Schwarber is catching in Montero's absence, but Chicago might play him in left or all over to make room for Montero, possibly by next weekend. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early spec return bid, in case he was waived).

Andrew Susac, Giants - Susac, out with a sprained right thumb, won't be activated when first eligible to come off the disabled list Monday, but shouldn't require much time beyond that. Once he returns, Susac will back up Buster Posey and start when Posey needs a day off or plays first base. Mixed: No; NL: $0 (early spec return bid).

First Base

Mike Morse, Pirates - Morse, who was having a nightmare campaign, batting just .213 with a .588 OPS in 53 games with the Marlins, went to L.A. from Miami in the three-team deal Thursday. He was designated for assignment by the Dodgers and then traded to Pittsburgh for Jose Tabata on Friday. Morse will back up Pedro Alvarez at first base and as each are signed through next season, one will likely not be there next year. Mixed: $0; NL: $2.

Brandon Moss, Cardinals - Moss, in the midst of a down year, was traded by Cleveland to St. Louis for prospect Rob Kaminsky. Prior to the deal, Moss had hit just .217 while posting just a .695 OPS, but oddly enough was hitting lefties (.789 OPS) far better than righties (.644 OPS) this season. Despite those poor numbers, he still had 15 home runs and driven in 50 runs. Moss should start at first base or left field, depending on where Steven Pisciotty is playing. Mixed: owned; NL: $50

Injury Activation/Update:

Matt Adams, Cardinals - Adams, out since late May with a torn right quadriceps that required surgery to repair, could be back sooner than expected. The initial absence was estimated at 3-4 months, but recently, Adams started to catch and also throw lightly. Adams, the team's starting first baseman and cleanup hitter, could possibly make it back before the end of the year if he continues to progress at his current pace. Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (very early spec return bid).

Second Base

Hector Olivera, Braves - Olivera was traded to the Braves on Thursday as part of a three-team, 13-player deal. That trade should open regular playing time for Olivera, once he returns from the hamstring injury that bothered him for a while and landed him on the 7-day DL a little more than week ago. Oiivera, who has a .348/.392/.493 line in 74 plate appearances, could be ready to play in games within the next week to 10 days. Since he is making $6.5 million for each of the next five years, look for Olivera to be up in the majors and starting in the near future. Mixed: $3; NL: $9 (early spec return and call-up bid).

Yangervis Solarte, Padres - Solarte has taken advantage of his consistent playing time, posting a .303/.349/.515 line with three home runs and nine RBI over the previous 30 days before Saturday. He continued to rake Saturday, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one driven in extending his hit streak to seven. Solarte is one game shy at qualifying at first, second and third next year. Cory Spangenberg is close to returning, but he likely will displace Jedd Gyorko with Solarte seeing time at second and third now that Yonder Alonso is back at first. Although if Alonso continues to struggle, Solarte could move back to first. Mixed: $4; NL: owned

Injury Activation/Updates:

Dee Gordon, Marlins - Gordon, who dislocated his left thumb on July 11, was activated off the disabled list Tuesday. Initially, it was believed that Gordon would be sidelined six weeks, but the injury proved to be less severe than first thought. Just an FYI as still should be owned in all leagues.

Cory Spangenberg, Padres - Spangenberg, sidelined since late June with a left knee contusion, will begin to ramp up baseball activities, and could head out on a rehab assignment by the end of the week. Once he is activated, Spangeberg will start at second or third, displacing either Jedd Gyorko or Yangervis Solarte. Mixed: $0; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Chase Utley, Phillies - Utley, out since June 23 with inflammation in his right ankle and who had a cortisone shot two weeks ago, will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday. Utley is slated to be a part-time player, as Philly is reporting going with Cesar Hernandez at second base, though that could change Mixed: $1; NL: $4 (slightly upped early spec return bid).

Shortstop

Greg Garcia, Cardinals - Garcia, having his third strong season at Triple-A Memphis, was promoted Friday. At the time of his call-up, Garcia was hitting .299/.404/.359 with 14 steals and no home runs, but that OBA stands out. With Kolten Wong and Jhonny Peralta set in the middle infield, Garcia will be limited to spot duty and pinch-hitting. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Jose Reyes, Rockies - Reyes, who has struggled this year and seen his OPS drop steadily since he posted .877 in 2011, was surprisingly traded to Colorado in the Troy Tulowitzki deal. Toronto upgraded at shortstop while offsetting some of the money Tulo is due by trading Reyes, who is slated to make $44 million the next two seasons, plus a $4 million buyout after 2017. Reyes hasn't hit well in his career at Coors Field, but as we wrote in our recommendation after the trade, his value should remain fairly static, as he leaves the power-laden Blue Jays lineup for the favorable hitting confines of Coors Field. It's possible his stint in Colorado may be short-lived, as Trevor Story has moved up, is thriving at Triple-A Albuquerque and likely ready for full-time duties by 2016. The Rockies might look to deal Reyes this offseason. For now, though, enjoy Jose in Colorado. Mixed: owned; NL: $75

Third Base

Alex Guerrero, Dodgers - Guerrero should see consistent playing time the next two weeks at third base with Justin Turner landing on the disabled list due to a skin infection. Alberto Callaspo and Enrique Hernandez likely will factor in at the position as well, but Guerrero should be the primary option at the hot corner. Guerrero had struggled with sporadic playing time but may thrive with regular at-bats. The Dodgers dealt Hector Olivera in their big three-team deal, removing one future impediment to future game action for Guerrero, who blasted a home run Friday. Mixed: $3; NL: $9

Elian Herrera, Brewers - Herrera was promoted with Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gomez traded. He has struggled in the majors, posting a .249/.304/.343 line, but hit .357/.413/.490 in 56 games with Colorado Springs this year. Herrera could see some time at third base along with Hernan Perez or could see time in center field with Shane Peterson and Logan Schafer. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Injury Activation/Updates:

David Wright, Mets - Wright, out since mid-April, first with a hamstring injury, then with spinal stenosis, finally began baseball activities Tuesday and emerged with positive results. He has worked out at Citi Field daily since then with no ill effects. Wright will head down with the team Monday to Miami and work out there during the three-game set and then head to Port St. Lucie to hopefully begin minor-league rehab games. He could rejoin the Mets later in the month. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec return bid).

Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals - Zimmerman, who has been bothered by plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of the year and was sidelined since June 11 with the injury, was activated Tuesday. RotoWire colleague Erik Siegrist had an excellent write-up on him last week. While I don't share his view on the possible bid, I understand it, even though with the trade deadline just passed, others are vying for your dollars. Zimmerman should play daily at first base while also qualifying at third, and if healthy, be a solid source of power and RBI. Mixed: $8; NL: $22

Outfield

Brandon Barnes/Drew Stubbs, Rockies - Barnes had seen regular playing time left. But when Corey Dickerson returned from a bout with plantar fasciitis earlier in the week, he was moved to the bench. Now, Dickerson is out with broken ribs, meaning that Barnes and Stubbs will share time in left. Barnes should see most of the action with Stubbs backing him up while also seeing some time in center. Barnes - Mixed: $3; NL: $9; Stubbs - Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Yoenis Cespedes, Mets - After the Carlos Gomez debacle, GM Sandy Alderson had to do something to bolster the Mets' lineup and quiet an angry fanbase. He did so at 3:47 p.m. Friday, 13 minutes before the non-waiver trade deadline, acquiring Cespedes for Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa. Cespedes hit .293 with 18 home runs, 61 RBI and an .829 OPS in 102 games for the Tigers this season. He provides the Mets a power bat in the middle of the batting order along with a plus defender in right field. It's "A Cespedes for the Rest of Us" in Queens. Mixed: owned; NL: Go the max.

Chris Coghlan, Cubs - Coghlan very quietly has had a nice season, building off the success he had a year ago. While he still sits against lefties, Coghlan has hit 11 HR in 289 AB. Coghlan falls through the cracks in many leagues, but he is a nice plug-and-play candidate against right-handed pitching. However, Coghlan could lose his job to Kyle Schwarber once Miguel Montero comes off the disabled list. Mixed: $5; NL: already owned

Jordan Danks, Phillies - The dismantling of the Phillies has created opportunities and open spots, one of which will be filled by Danks, who batted .245/.305/.335 with three home runs and 33 RBI in 94 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Danks probably won't see consistent playing time with the Phillies, but could serve as a pinch hitter and receive the occasional spot start in the outfield. Mixed: No; NL: $2.

Kyle Parker, Rockies - Parker was promoted Saturday to take the roster spot of Corey Dickerson, who was placed on the disabled list Saturday with broken ribs. He'll likely serve mostly as depth in the outfield and off the bench, but could see a few spot starts when Brandon Barnes or Drew Stubbs in left or Carlos Gonzalez in right need a day off. Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Shane Peterson/Logan Schafer, Brewers - Milwaukee has a hole in center field following the trade of Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gomez. Peterson and Schafer should split time at the position with Khris Davis remaining in left field and Ryan Braun in right. Peterson, who is not a center fielder by trade, started the last two games there, so it looks like Craig Counsell is giving him the first shot to man the spot. Schafer will serve as the fourth outfielder while Elian Herrera could also see time in center. However, all three are just placeholders until Domingo Santana is ready. Peterson - Mixed: No; NL: $2; Schafer - Mixed: No; NL: $0.

Domingo Santana, Brewers - Santana was one of the two main prospects, along with Brett Phillips, acquired by Milwaukee for Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers. Santana has torn up Triple-A this season, batting .320 with 16 HR and 62 RBI in 75 games. The key for him is plate discipline, for which he made some strides this year in the minors but wasn't apparent when he was promoted earlier in the year. Santana should be up by Sept. 1 and be given a chance to man center field. Mixed: $2; NL: $7 (early spec call-up bid).

Kyle Waldrop, Reds - Waldrop, who took a major step forward last year, was rewarded with a call-up Friday. He continued his fine play at Double-A Pensacola but struggled after hitting Triple-A Louisville, batting just .202 (21-for-104) with just three extra-base hits, all doubles. With Jay Bruce and Marlon Byrd still in Cincy, Waldrop won't see much playing time. In addition, if Keyvius Sampson can't fill Mike Leake's rotation spot, the Reds likely call up someone from the minors, which could come at the expense of Waldrop. Mixed: No; NL: $0

Injury Activation/Updates:

Norichika Aoki, Giants - Aoki, out since fracturing his fibula while getting hit by a pitch June 20, was activated as expected Monday. Just an FYI as still should be owned.

Michael Cuddyer, Mets - Cuddyer, who was bothered for a while by a bone bruise under his right kneecap, which finally landed him on the disabled list June 24, is expected to begin a rehab assignment within the next few days. Prior to being sidelined, Cuddyer had posted a very disappointing .250/.303/.380 line. With Yoenis Cespedes now in New York, Cuddyer may be relegated to back-up duty in left field and first base when he returns. Mixed: No; NL: $2 (early spec return bid).

Jayson Werth, Nationals - Werth, out since mid-May with two fractures in his wrist, was activated off the disabled list Tuesday after playing nine games on a rehab assignment. Prior to getting injured, Werth had struggled at the plate, hitting just .208 with two homers and 12 RBI in 27 games, though he had gotten hot his prior nine games. Werth joins a parade of returning Nationals and should be in the lineup almost daily in right field. Mixed: $4; NL: $11 (upped return bid).