Carlos Carrasco (SP, Indians) – 41% owned.  He’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball since he was activated from the DL on May 11.  In June, he’s got 3 wins, a 1.77 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, .203 BAA, 3:1 K:BB ratio, and 21 K’s in 35 innings.  Four straight excellent starts and five of the last six with 2 or fewer earned runs deserves to be owned.

Alcides Escobar (SS, Royals)– 31%.  Since he changed his batting stance at the end of May, Alcides has been red hot (indeed, a top ten Mixed league shortstop!).  Batting .333 (.861 OPS) with 8 RBI, 15 runs and 7 steals, especially at the paper-thin SS spot, he’s a good MI or IF guy to have while he’s hot.

James Loney (1B, Dodgers) – 25%.  I’ll say right off the bat that I am generally not a fan of Loney, mainly because as a 1B, he just doesn’t hit for enough power for my liking.  But he’s quietly put together quite the productive month – .367 average, 12 runs, 3 homers, 13 RBI, and an OPS close to .900.  Don’t bet the farm on him, but while he’s hitting well, he’s worth a flyer.

Jason Vargas (SP,  Mariners) – 15%.  Not a sexy pitcher to be sure, but as solid as they come – and he’s proved last year was no fluke.  In 104 innings, Jason’s got 5 wins, a 3.88 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, and if you think its all Safeco, he’s actually been better on the road than at home.  He’s more of a matchups guy, but if its right, put him on your radar.

John Lannan (SP, Nationals) – 9%.  Forget his .500 record – In his 11 starts since April 25, Lannan’s given up more than two runs twice and fewer than two runs five times (leaving four turns to give up 2).  His May ERA is a misleading 5.14 (because it included  both of those 6-run blowups), but his June ERA is 1.44 with a .106 WHIP and .202 BAA.  Like Vargas, he’s more of a matchups guy (even though he’s beaten the Phillies, Cardinals, Giants (twice), and Braves during his hot streak.  Its time to give the guy some respect.

AL Only Special –Eric Thames (OF, Blue Jays) – 1%.  I witnessed this guy first hand in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, and was duly impressed.  This kid can flat out rake – and run, and field, and throw.  Called up to the Blue Jays last week, expect him to get regular playing time and fulfill some of that potential.

NL Only Special – Chase d’Arnaud (SS (soon to be 3B), Pirates)– 0%.  The former 4th round pick in the 2008 draft, Chase was recalled by the Pirates last week, and played all three games against the Red Sox over the weekend.  And with Alvarez suffering another quad setback late last week, d’Arnaud has a chance to play the hot corner for a little while.  He’s flashed a decent all around game in the minors, with 2011 being his best season – .280 average, 39 runs, 33 RBI, 17 steals and 20 extra base hits in 239 at bats.  He is initially eligible at shortstop even though he’s played third this weekend (and figures to remain there with the spectacular Ronny Cedeno playing shortstop), so that infield eligibility could be a little extra value.

Written exclusively by Jesse Mendelson for www.thefantasyfix.com.  Find and friend Jesse on Facebook.

(May 17, 2011 – Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images North America)