This paragraph pains me to type. Josh Reddick, after months of injuries and lackluster fantasy numbers, ended up as a cast-off on my fantasy bench this past week. I traded for him weeks ago hoping he would come alive, and as of last Monday when rosters locked, he had not yet done so, and the A’s had a light schedule. Coming into Friday, Reddick had gone 0-13 in four games. Then Friday night, whilst enjoying an adult beverage, OK a few adult beverages, I get a text from my brother-in-law who is also in my league. His snarky commentary on my clerical roster mistake read: “Gotta love when Reddick hits three bombs from the bench.”  My response would require all sorts of holding down the SHIFT key while hitting numbers, so I’ll refrain. But, seriously, three homers in one game, from Reddick!? You have got to be kidding me. I tossed back another drink to dull the pain of having three precious homers sitting there on my bench to go along with five valuable late-season RBI while my team meddles like any other underachieving middle-of-the-pack conglomeration of studs.

So Friday passes and so do my worries, that was… until Saturday. How could my proverbial ass get proverbially chapped any worse, right? Wouldn't you know it-- another text on Saturday from league member and fellow Rotoballer Expert Josh Bixler read simply: “Reddick bomb.” At this point, I seem to recall kicking something while shoeless and then writhing in pain from both lapses in judgment.  Even then, I couldn't predict the now laughably miserable text I would received 45 minutes later: “Oh boy Reddick another bomb!”  SON OF A BITCH!!!!! Josh Reddick, needless to say, will be in my lineup this week (probably all primed up for a 2-for-26 week at the plate), and he should be in your lineup, as well. There is a Rotoballer lesson to be learned here for deep leaguers:  Play your best players, because Jake Marisnick’s pathetic 2-for-18, 1 RBI and 1 R hurt just as much as Reddick’s 6-for-19 with 5 HR, 8 RBI and 6 R glaring at you from the bench.

AL Hot Shots:

• Brett Lawrie swiped a pair of bases to cap off his 10-for-23 (.435) week. He continues to swing a hot bat and has his average up to .244 with 9 HR, 28 RBI and 5 SB.
• Martin Perez nailed down a one-run complete game over the Astros Sunday. He struck out eight and scattered just four hits. He’s been fantastic lately.
• Adam Jones pushed his hitting streak to nine games with a three run homer in a 2-for-4 performance Sunday.
• Greg Holland slammed the door for his 32nd save of the season in 34 chances. He’s been one of the most dominant closers in baseball with a 1.57 ERA and 0.89 WHIP.
• Danny Farquhar got his fourth save in as many chances Sunday and seems to have a hold on the job.
• Brian Dozier has hit .304 with 15 extra-base hits in 18 games since July 21. I don’t like to brag, but I’m pretty sure I told you to pick him up already.
• Mariano Rivera has allowed five runs on three bombs in his last three appearances. I still would trust him with getting the job done over pretty much anyone else in the game.
• Alex Rodriguez hit his first homer since being reinstated from the doghouse DL.
• Jonathan Villar (thumb) is expected to return to the lineup Monday.
• Dane De La Rosa has taken over as the Angels closer after Ernesto Frieri’s recent struggles

NL Hot Shots

• Stephen Strasburg tossed a complete-game shutout over the hapless Phillies with just 99 pitches, striking out 10.
• Clayton Kershaw struck out eight over eight one-run innings as he dominated the Rays on Sunday.
• Shelby Miller has been confirmed for his start on Wednesday versus the Pirates.
• Brian Wilson could end up in the Dodgers’ bullpen by this weekend to serve as the setup man for Kenley Jansen. Wilson has had three rehab appearances without permitting a hit or a walk.
• Matt Kemp took batting practice Sunday and could be about a week away from being activated. Teammate Hanley Ramirez should be active Monday as he aims to play through the pain in his shoulder.
• Jayson Werth is day-to-day after sustaining a knee injury on Sunday. Poor timing for Werth who has been very valuable of late. He was 3-for-4 with an RBI in the game.
• Starlin Castro was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI Sunday, he’s been a major disappointment this year.
• Pedro Alvarez uncorked his 28th homer on Sunday in a 1-for-4 day at the plate.
• Cody Ross left Sunday’s game with a dislocated hip. It sounds like an “I've fallen and I can’t get up” commercial. It also sounds like more playing time for Jason Kubel and A.J. Pollock.
• Jason Heyward has boosted his average from .231 to .247 in August. He was 4-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored Sunday.
• Mike Minor earned his third straight victory with a seven inning win over Miami. It wasn't all roses as he allowed four ER on six hits, but he’s still 12-5 with a 2.87 ERA on the year.
• I left my hike on Sunday with a hamstring cramp. Oh wait no I didn’t, I toughed it out and carried my three-year-old on my shoulders for a mile after sustaining the injury. Justin Upton however, left his game Sunday with a cramp. He should be fine for Monday, but who knows. These guys nowadays are such _____________. I’ll give you creative liberty to do with that what you will.

Poll Question to see who’s paying attention and reading to the bottom:

Who has been the most productive player of this group over the past 28 days? The answer could be surprising.

A.      Giancarlo Stanton

B.      Joey Votto

C.      Jean Segura

D.      Will Venable

The answer will be posted with tomorrow's roundup. Comment with your answer!

==========

If you want this article and other high-end fantasy baseball analysis delivered to you on a daily basis, sign up for our daily newsletter. And be sure to check out our 2013 Waiver Wire Watch List (updated daily) for in-depth analysis on gems that you may be able to find sitting on your waiver wire.  It’s one of the best fantasy baseball features currently on web!

Follow Shawn Caswell on Twitter, or don’t: @CasKnowsRoto