Some of the young minor leaguers have already descended on the big leagues. Here are some of the guys you might want to know about.

Travis Snider, Toronto Blue Jays. He is perhaps the best hitting prospect the Jays have, and he was doing pretty good at AA. Snider was hitting just .262, but had 17 homers and drove in 67 runs in just 98 games. Of course, like most young guys, he strikes out a ton (116 times), but that is starting to become the norm nowadays, so I guess it isn’t as much of a concern. He plays the outfield for Toronto, and for you keeper leaguers, he is just 20 years old, and why would the Jays have called him up if they weren’t going to play him?

Max Scherzer, Arizona Diamondbacks. No need for an introduction here. Scherzer put the fantasy world on its ear when he was called up originally, as he was going to be the next great pitching prospect. Not that he did bad by any stretch, but there was just no long term spot in the Arizona rotation for him at the time. He transitioned to the bullpen and did ok for himself before the Diamondbacks decided to get him back to a regular starting role at AAA. He continued to pitch great in the minors with a sub-3.00 ERA and 79 Ks in 53 IP. Scherzer will pitch out of the ‘pen again for Arizona barring injury, so he will only be so valuable for the rest of this season. IF there is an injury in the desert, be quick to the waiver wire.

Blake DeWitt, Los Angeles Dodgers. Another guy who had a good showing for himself in his first time in the majors, DeWitt took over 3rd base for LA after injuries hit Nomar Garciaparra and Andy LaRoche. He started out like a house of fire before cooling down and being sent back to Las Vegas. DeWitt is back with the Dodgers, this time playing second base most likely for the rest of the season after Jeff Kent went down injured. He won’t carry you to a title, but he should get 2B eligibility soon, and will at least keep you afloat.

Brandon Wood, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. I for one am finished with Wood, but fantasy owners still are hoping that this guy someday turns back into that glorious season in Single-A three years ago. Wood continues to rake in the minors, as he hit 31 homers this season, and his plate discipline is improving, but he has yet to show anything in the majors. He did have five hits over the weekend, but I am still not sold that he will develop into a good hitter in 2008. Keep him on your radar, especially if you have nothing to play for in a keeper league. He has talent, it is just a matter of time to see if it ever manifests itself for the Angels.

Other news

Jeff Kent's season, and perhaps career, is over after he needs surgery to repair torn cartiledge in his knee. Kent, now 40 years old, can start to rehab right after the procedure, but with just a month to go in the season, don't expect to see him again in 2008, if ever again. Blake DeWitt will play in his place.

Ben Sheets had to leave his start against the New York Mets today with a groin injury. He first said he felt a twinge when he was warming up in the third inning, and was taken out after five for precautionary reasons. Sheets was cruising up to that point, as he had only given up two hits and one walk. As of now, the Brewers are saying that they did this because they have a 5.5 game lead in the wild card with just a month to go, and he should be ready to make his next start.

Carlos Zambrano was scratched from his start on Sunday due to a tired arm. Like Sheets, the Cubs are saying that this was simply a precaution and they saw it as an opportunity to get Big Z a few days rest at the end of the season. Zambrano will most likely pitch either Tuesday 9/2 or Wednesday 9/3.

Cliff Lee became the majors first 20 game winner as he blanked the Chicago White Sox for his fourth complete game and second shutout of the season. What else is there to say really? I was bashing this guy all season long, but I can admit when I am wrong. Lee has been incredible. Going deep into games, getting a decent number of strikeouts, and an ERA of 2.32. That all looks like it will add up to Cy Young.

Orioles OF Adam Jones returned to the lineup today after it appeared his season was over with a broken foot. In the first half of the year it looked like it would be a lost season for Jones, but he came on strong in the second half and became a pretty good hitter. He could help you here in the last four weeks if you have a spot to fill, and is definitely someone to keep your eye on for 2009.

Johnathan Sanchez also made his return for the San Francisco Giants, and pitched well despite taking the loss. Sanchez was a popular addition to many fantasy rosters after he was winning some games and striking out a lot of batters for the lowly Giants. He was struggling pretty badly right before he went on the DL, but that might have been Sanchez trying to pitch through the strained shoulder. He went seven innings, allowed three runs and struck out six in his return to the mound and definitely could be someone that can help you down the stretch if he stays healthy.

Stephen Drew hit for the cycle on Monday, going 5-5 and driving in a run. Drew has quietly started to live up to his expectations, and his stat line is pretty good. For the season, he has hit .289 with 36 doubles, 10 triples, 16 HRs, 56 RBI, and has stolen three bases. For 2009, look for Drew to possibly get close to being a top 5 shortstop.

Go to fightingchancefantasy.com for more information on baseball news as we come down the stretch.