Third Base: July 27th

Want to know about three random third baseman? You’re in luck!

Bill Hall | Red Sox | 2% Owned

Once a fantasy darling, Hall is now most valuable for his eligibility at multiple positions. Hall has brought his BB% up to his 2005 (35 HR year) levels, and is flashing good power. His batting average is still a big hit, but he’s hit 10 homers and stolen 4 bases in less than 225 plate appearances. Usually this is the part where I tell you to pick up the player in certain leagues, but I’m not going to do that. If you have Hall, don’t drop him, but try to deal him. Ellsbury is starting a rehab stint right now, and Pedroia will be back quickly, so Hall isn’t going to get much PT when those two return.

Jerry Hairston Jr. | Padres | 10% Owned

I love guys who can fill in at both the CI and MI positions, so Hairston is a favorite of mine. He’s currently has 2B/3B/SS/OF eligibility in Yahoo! leagues, and he’s one of the few guys with that sort of flexibility AND playing time. Hairston is having a season on par with his career numbers, but his combo of small power and speed contributions (7 HR, 7 SB) makes him a valuable asset. I picked him up yesterday, and you should think about doing the same if you are in anything deeper than a 12-team standard league.

Chris Johnson | Astros | 3% Owned

Johnson may be one of the many guys who are better fantasy players than they are real baseball players. In the 116 times he’s walked to the plate for Houston this year, Johnson has hit 3 homers and is hitting .315. His BABIP is very high (.390), but his high line drive rate will help him keep the batting average at a reasonable level. Here’s where it gets tricky: He walks less than Miguel Tejada, making him close to worthless in OBP leagues. He’s a good buy in NL-only leagues that have held onto AVG this year, and has some added value in keeper leagues.