With approximately100 games to go in the regular season for a majority of major league baseball teams, here is a quick look from 'A' to 'Z' of 26 items of note to fantasy baseball owners:
Altuve (Jose Altuve; Houston Astros)
His minor league stats list him at five foot, five inches tall. The Astros say he is two inches taller. But who cares? With a .326 batting average, 39 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases, he has played like a giant.
Bauer (Trevor Bauer; Arizona Diamondbacks)
According to Diamondbacks general manager, Kevin Towers, he has nothing left to prove in the minors. Bauer, who compares to Tim Lincecum, has struck out 102 batters in the 80.1 innings he has pitched in two minor league levels. He has amassed a record of 10-1. Impatient owners are chomping for him to appear in Arizona.
Closers
Any owner who invested heavily in Ryan Madson, Brian Wilson, Mariano Rivera, Andrew Bailey, Joakim Soria, or Kyle Farnsworth at their drafts have the condolences of the fantasy world.
Dunn (Adam Dunn; Chicago White Sox)
Once he was lost in the fantasy world (.159-11-42 in 2011), but now he is found (.226-20-46). The average is still tough to carry for owners but he may reward their faith with a 50 homer, 120 RBI season.
Ellsbury (Jacoby Ellsbury; Boston Red Sox)
Ellsbury was the fantasy most valuable player in many leagues for 2011 posting a .321-32-105-119-39 line. Due to injury, he has managed only 26 at bats in 2012. Taken in the first round of many drafts this campaign, he is swinging off a tee and hopes to return by the all-star break.
Frieri (Ernesto Frieri; Los Angeles Angels)
Since being dealt from the San Diego Padres to the Angels for prospects he has been on fire - 0.00 ERA in 17.1 innings pitched. The league is hitting a ridiculous .038 off of him. By the way, his 33 strikeouts are pretty nice, too. He should receive the bulge of the save opportunities for the Angels going forward.
Gio (Gio Gonzalez; Washington Nationals)
If you had faith in the Nationals and believed in Gonzalez, you were well rewarded. He is knee deep as the potential fantasy pitcher of the year in the National League with his 8 wins and 2.35 ERA. Stephen Strasburg isn't shabby either with his 7 wins and 2.41 ERA.
Hamilton (Josh Hamilton; Texas Rangers)
The Rangers have played 61 games and Hamilton has 61 runs batted in. If he manages 162, it would be the most RBI in a season since Manny Ramirez drove in 169 in 1999. Hamilton is also hitting .338 with 22 home runs.
Injuries
Every season presents injury challenges but this years 'Team Red Cross' includes Victor Martinez, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Carl Crawford, Michael Pineda, Chris Carpenter, Jorge De La Rosa and a bevy of relievers who haven't played yet in 2012.
Jansen (Kenley Jansen; Los Angeles Dodgers)
Despite last night's loss, fantasy baseball officially has its next great closer.
Kipnis (Jason Kipnis; Cleveland Indians)
Owners had high hopes for Kipnis as the season started but given he has a shot at a .285-25-100-100-35 year he could be the surprise of the 2012 fantasy year
Los Angeles (Dodgers and Angels)
Southern California has overtaken New York as the premier spot for fantasy owners looking to dominate their leagues. Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jensen, Albert Pujols, Jered Weaver, C. J. Wilson, and Andre Ethier are just a few of the areas hottest fantasy commodities.
Minors
As usual the wait begins for promotions to the majors. The list includes Trevor Bauer (Arizona Diamondbacks), Wil Myers (Kansas City Royals), and Danny Hultzen (Seattle Mariners).
No Hitters
ERAs, WHIPs, and wins all received a boost thanks to Jered Weaver, Phil Humber, and Kevin Millwood (with a little help from five relievers).
Orioles (Baltimore Orioles)
The Orioles have been the surprise American League team for the fantasy world as Adam Jones and Jim Johnson have become invaluable fantasy commodities.
Pirates (Pittsburgh Pirates)
In the National League, the Pirates have provided the most fantasy surprises. James McDonald, A.J. Burnett, and Andrew McCutchen have all broken out in 2012.
Quentin (Carlos Quentin; San Diego Padres)
Five homers in ten games with a .429 batting average since coming off the DL has rewarded the patience of his owners.
Rangers (Texas Rangers)
They lead all of baseball in batting average (.282) and runs scored (322). They have provided fantasy owners a bevy of players to choose from on offense.
Steals
Where are the steals? Emilio Bonifacio leads all of baseball with 20 but is hurt with a thumb strain. With most teams having played 60-plus games already, will anyone reach 60 this season?
Trout (Mike Trout; Los Angeles Angels)
.354-6-26-35-6 numbers makes him the 2012 fantasy baseball's top rookie thus far.
Underachievers
Rickie Weeks, Alex Rodriguez, Tim Lincecum, Ike Davis, and Carlos Marmol are just a few of the big names who have disappointed thus far in 2012.
Vultures
With closers going down early and often, middle relievers have been absolute vultures when it comes to saves. Casey Jenssen, Scott Downs, Sergio Romo and others have stolen opportunities.
Wilson (C, J. Wilson; Los Angeles Dodgers)
Pundits knocked the Angels signing of Wilson before the season. Seven wins, a 2.39 ERA, and 1.09 WHIP makes him fantasy elite.
Xcellence
Josh Hamilton is fantasy's most valuable player on offense thus far, Steven Strasburg is fantasy's most valuable pitcher.
Youngsters
Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Jason Kipnis, Brett Lawrie, and Brandon Beachy have injected much needed life into fantasy circles.
Zero
With a 3.18 ERA, 74 strikeouts in 70.2 innings pitched, and a 1.05 WHIP in 10 starts, it is grossly unfair to Cliff Lee owners that he doesn't have a single win on the season.
Sources: Yahoo! Sports
Robert Watkins is former investment professional and partner. A native New Yorker until 9/11, he considers Pa. his adoptive home. A passionate Yankees fan and Pennsylvania sports enthusiast, Robert is a frequent contributor to Yahoo! Sports and News.
