Rent-A-Vet: Alex Gonzalez

Seems early to be talking about 'renting' a player, but what Alex Gonzalez is doing so far cannot be ignored.

The 33 year old Toronto shortstop has 4 HRs already (1 behind the league lead). Combined with 4 doubles, a stolen base, and a .333 AVG makes him a nice guy to rent.

This 'rental' could end up being more. Gonzalez has shown some flashes throughout his career of having a good bat, but his real issues have always been with his health. As long as he is healthy he could be a nice option at SS. However, he hasn't been able to stay healthy for years. Time will tell.

What can we expect? Assuming a healthy year, we could be looking at a .280 AVG, 20+ HRs (but really, way to early for this). Regardless of where he will end up at the end of the year, he's healthy now and hitting good (and available in over 80% of leagues). Consider him an early rental with a little upside.

-Scout Monkey

( scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Rent-a-Vet: Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo is one of the hottest hitting 2B in baseball right now. After losing more then 10 pounds over the off season, Luis has come to camp ready to play some serious ball. He is hitting .389 with 4 RBIs, 2 Doubles, and 5 runs scored. Often the angst of Mets' fans, he needed to do something to get them and the Mets back behind him. So far, mission accomplished. Give him a good long look if you have a need at 2B (which many of you do). He is owned in about 5% of fantasy leagues. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)

Rent A Vet: Russell Branyan

This Week I recommend picking up Russell Branyan. He is the Staring first baseman for the Mariners and is only owned in 1% of Yahoo Leagues, 14% of CBS Leagues and 3% in ESPN leagues.

So far Branyan has carried over his spring success (7 HR's and 18 RBI with a 278 AVG and 337 OBP) into the regular season (2 HR's 3 RBI 1 SB a 286 AVG and a 373 OBP). Branyan has always been a hot streak guy and he could be starting one right now. It helps that he has 6 games this week all against right handers. Branyan has a 519 SLG % over the past three seasons against righties. In that three year span he has hit 36 HR's in 462 at bats. Pick him up for this week and hope this is the start of a 1-2 week homer binge. The Bay State Scout