You’ve checked out of baseball. Your fantasy team was dead by June. The Nats and Orioles were done even earlier than that. But this is October, and it’s time to check back in. Here are five players, all new to the postseason, who could play big roles:
1. Drew Stubbs (CF, Reds) » In his first full season, the 6-foot-4, 25-year-old was largely hit or miss (22 home runs, 168 strikeouts) but produced lots of runs (91 runs, 77 RBI) and has speed (29 steals). Think a frisky Corey Hart.
Recommended Stories
2. Colby Lewis (SP, Rangers) » A 7.30 ERA in 26 starts in 2003 put Lewis on the scrap heap at age 24. But he rediscovered his stuff in Japan (2008-09) and has gone 12-13 with excellent numbers (201 IP, 174 H, 65 BB, 196 Ks).
3. Jonny Venters (RP, Braves) » The rookie was one of baseball’s top relief workhorses, eventually filling the setup role and giving Atlanta a rare lefty-lefty finishing duo along with closer Billy Wagner. Venters had a 1.95 ERA and 93 Ks in 83 IP.
4. Buster Posey (C, Giants) » The 23-year-old rookie had a good hit/no field reputation but has been better than advertised with the glove while living up to expectations with the bat — .305 BA, 18 HR, 67 RBI.
5. Danny Valencia (3B, Twins) » Sounds like a Backstreet Boy, but Valencia is a 25-year-old rookie who has emerged as a solid hitter (.314 BA, 40 RBI) in 296 ABs and a dependable fielder (six errors).
