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Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Designated Hitter Rankings.

1. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Big Papi just keeps delivering. He hit .309 with 84 runs, 30 home runs and 103 RBI. He hit .688 with two home runs and six RBI during the World Series.

2. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Carlos Santana has eligibility at catcher and first base, but he will serve as Cleveland’s primary DH. He has averaged 77 runs, 21.7 home runs and 76.3 RBI over the past three seasons.

3. Billy Butler, Kansas City Royals

Billy Butler hit .289 with 62 runs, 15 home runs and 82 RBI. It was a little disappointing after hitting .313 with 29 home runs and 107 RBI in 2012, but he’s been solid for the past five years averaging .302 with 72.66 runs, 19.8 home runs and 91 RBI.

4. Alfonso Soriano, New York Yankees

The additions of Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran moves Soriano to DH. He hit .255 last year, but he scored 84 runs with 34 home runs, 101 RBI and 18 stolen bases. Soriano has outfield eligibility, which adds to his value.

5. Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Victor Martinez hit .301 with 68 runs, 14 home runs and 83 RBI. The Tigers will use him at catcher more this season (via Tom Gage of The Detroit News), which would add to his appeal.

6. Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays

Adam Lind hit .288 last year with 67 runs, 23 home runs and 67 RBI. He has averaged 23.6 home runs and 77 RBI over the past five seasons.

7. Chris Carter, Houston Astros

You’ll have to live with his .223 average, but Carter slugged 29 home runs with 82 RBI.

8. Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers

Mitch Moreland has averaged 18 home runs over the past three seasons. He offers some pop, but he is a .253 hitter.

9. Adam Dunn, Chicago White Sox

Dunn is a career .238 hitter but has 11 seasons with at least 26 home runs. He’ll yield some at-bats to Paul Konerko, which hurts his value.

10. Matt Joyce, Tampa Bay Rays

Matt Joyce is a .249 career hitter but has averaged 18 home runs over the past three years. He can add some pop to your lineup.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Closer Rankings.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

Craig Kimbrel has a 1.48 ERA, a 0.57 WHIP, 138 saves and 341 strikeouts in 206.2 innings over the past three seasons. He’s as dominant as they come.

2. Aroldis Chapman, Cincinnati Reds

Aroldis Chapman can throw heat like nobody else. He had 38 saves, a 2.54 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 112 strikeouts in 63.2 innings lasts year.

3. Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kenley Jansen had 28 saves, a 1.88 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. He throws gas and has a great rotation to give him leads to protect.

4. Koji Uehara, Boston Red Sox

Koji Uehara was nearly flawless during the Red Sox’s World Series run. He racked up 21 saves, a 1.09 ERA, a 0.57 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 74.1 innings.

5. Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals

Greg Holland had 47 saves, a 1.21 ERA, a 0.87 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 67 innings. He had a ridiculous 0.56 ERA after the All-Star break.

6. Trevor Rosenthal, St. Louis Cardinals

Trevor Rosenthal had a 2.63 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, 108 strikeouts and three saves in 75.1 innings. He did not allow a run in 11.2 innings during the playoffs while racking up 18 strikeouts and four saves.

7. Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers

Joe Nathan had 43 saves, a 1.39 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 64.2 innings. He has 341 saves and a 2.76 ERA throughout his career.

8. Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants

Sergio Romo had 38 saves, a 2.54 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and 58 strikeouts. He also has a quality rotation in front of him.

9. Glen Perkins, Minnesota Twins

Glen Perkins had 36 saves, a 2.30 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 62.2 innings. An improved rotation should work in his favor.

10. David Robertson, New York Yankees

David Robertson has huge shoes to fill, but he’s got the goods. Robertson had a 2.04 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 66.1 innings last year.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Catcher Rankings.

1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

Buster Posey hit .294 with 61 runs, 15 home runs and 72 RBI. He’ll be 27 and is a year removed from a .336-78-24-103-1 line.

2. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

Joe Mauer has catcher eligibility, but moving away from the position should keep him fresher. Mauer hit .324 last year with 62 runs, 11 home runs and 47 RBI. He doesn’t offer much pop in his bat, but he’s a lifetime .323 hitter.

3. Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Over the past three years, Carlos Santana has averaged .253 with 77 runs, 21.7 home runs and 76.3 RBI. His power is enough to compensate for the batting average.

4. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

Yadier Molina is best known for his defensive ability, but over the past three years he has hit .313 while averaging 62.7 runs, 16 home runs, 73.7 RBI and 6.3 stolen bases.

5. Brian McCann, New York Yankees

I think the movie to Yankee Stadium will pay big dividends for Brian McCann. His average has slumped a bit in recent years, but the power is there. McCann has averaged 21.4 home runs and 79.8 RBI. He’ll have the luxury of playing DH from time to time.

6. Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies

Wilin Rosario has averaged 24.5 home runs and 75 RBI over the past two seasons. He narrowed the gap of his home-away splits last year as he posted a .817 OPS at home and a .785 mark on the road.

7. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

Salvador Perez posted a .292-48-13-79-0 line last year. He won’t provide big-time power, but he’ll deliver a quality average.

8. Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers

Jonathan Lucroy has hit .285 over the past three years while averaging 50 runs, 14 home runs, 66.3 RBI and five stolen bases. He doesn’t excel in any category, but he’s solid across the board.

9. Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles

Matt Wieters was once called “Mauer with Power”. With three straight years with at least 20 home runs, the power part is true. You’ll have to deal with a lifetime .255 hitter though. During that three-year stretch he’s averaging 66 runs 22.3 home runs and 76.7 RBI.

10. Evan Gattis, Atlanta Braves

Evan Gattis slugged 21 home runs with 65 RBI last year. He’s a solid source of power at a reasonable value.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends’ Shortstop Rankings.

1. Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hanley Ramirez was limited to 86 games, but he hit .345 with 62 runs, 20 home runs, 57 RBI and 10 stolen bases. If he can stay healthy and motivated, he should return to his spot as the premier player at his position.

2. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Troy Tulowitzki has averaged 109.5 games over the past four seasons. When he stays healthy, he’s a rock. Despite the limited workload during that stretch he averaged .307 with 68.8 runs, 22.5 home runs, 77.3 RBI and 5.8 stolen bases per year.

3. Jose Reyes, Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Reyes was limited to 96 games, but he hit .296 with 58 runs, 10 home runs, 37 RBI and 15 stolen bases. If he can stay healthy he will give you a big boost in runs, average and stolen bases.

4. Ian Desmond, Washington Nationals

Ian Desmond has developed into a quality power-speed combination player. He has back-to-back 20-20 (HRs-SBs) seasons. Over that stretch he’s averaging .286 with 74.5 runs, 22.5 home runs, 76.5 RBI and 21 stolen bases.

5. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers

Elvis Andrus hit .271 with 91 runs, 67 RBI and 42 stolen bases. In five seasons he’s averaging 86.4 runs and 33 SBs. The additions of Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder should keep the Rangers’ offense humming. Look for Andrus to set the table.

6. Jean Segura, Milwaukee Brewers

Jean Segura led all shortstops with 44 stolen bases. He also hit .294 with 74 runs, 12 home runs and 49 RBI. He’ll give you a leg up in the stolen base category.

7. Andrelton Simmons, Atlanta Braves

Andrelton Simmons hit just .248 in his first full season, but he managed 76 runs, 17 home runs, 59 RBI and six stolen bases. His power numbers may come down, but he should improve in the other categories.

8. Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs

Starlin Castro was a major disappointment with a .245-59-10-44-9 line, but he’ll turn 24 in March. In his first three years he averaged .297 with 74 runs, nine home runs, 61.7 RBI and 19 stolen bases. A major rebound should be in order.

9. Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres

Everth Cabrera is another speed option. He doesn’t bring much else to the table, but he has averaged 40.5 stolen bases over the past two years.

10. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians

Asdrubal Cabrera hit just .242 last year, but the .273 lifetime hitter is a solid bet to get on track. Over the past three years he’s averaged .263 with 74.3 runs, 18.3 home runs, 74.7 RBI and 11.7 stolen bases.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the first look at the 2014 Lester’s Legends Third Base Rankings:

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

(2013 Stats: .348 BA, 44 HR, 137 RBI, 103 R, 3 SB)

Although Miguel Cabrera is playing first base this year, he maintains third base eligibility in most fantasy baseball leagues. Regardless whether you use him at first or third base, he’s the premier player at his position.

Seriously, what more can be said about Cabrera after his second straight MVP-winning season?

If Chris Davis (53 HR, 138 RBI) didn’t have his breakout season last year, we’d be talking about Cabrera as a back-to-back Triple Crown-winner. Cabrera’s career average looks like this: .321 BA, 33 HR, 115 RBI, 97 R, 3 SB.

Playing first base could help Cabrera avoid nagging injuries and, dare I say, be even more effective.

2. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

(2013 Stats: .315 BA, 30 HR, 92 RBI, 88 R, 1 SB)

Over the past four years, Beltre is hitting .314 with an average of 31.5 home runs, 100.3 RBI and 87.3 runs scored. The Rangers figure to have a potent offense with the addition of Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo this year, too.

3. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

(2013 Stats: .269 BA, 32 HR, 88 RBI, 91 R, 1 SB)

Evan Longoria bounce-back season in 2013 and should be able to improve his batting average this year while still providing ample runs, home runs and RBI.

4. David Wright, New York Mets

(2013 Stats: .307 BA, 18 HR, 58 RBI, 63 R, 17 SB – 112 games)

David Wright has career averages of .301 BA, 22 HR, 88 RBI, 85 R and 18 SB. If he can stay healthy in 2014, he’s the most-balanced third baseman in the game. Have a decent backup plan if you do decide to draft him, however.

5. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

(2013 Stats: .275 BA, 26 HR, 79 RBI, 84 R, 6 SB)

Ryan Zimmerman hasn’t played in 150 games since 2009, but he has averaged 146 over the past two seasons.

In the six seasons in which Zimmerman played at least 140 games, he has averaged 25.5 home runs, 94.3 RBI, 92.5 runs and 5.3 steals while hitting .284. You’ll want a decent backup with Zimmerman as well.

6. Josh Donaldson, Oakland Athletics

(2013 Stats: .301 BA, 24 HR, 93 RBI, 89 R, 5 SB)

Josh Donaldson exploded onto the scene last season. He’s not a top-five choice, but you can’t overlook last year’s success.

7. Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

(2013 Stats: .283 BA, 14 HR, 71 RBI, 88 R, 6 SB)

Manny Machado (knee) should be ready for Opening Day, which should help the phenom to build upon the solid line he posted in his first full season.

8. Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

(2013 Stats: .278 BA, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 52 R, 0 SB)

The Kung Fu Panda has reportedly shed some weight this offseason as he enters his contract year.

Over the past five years, however, he has hit .295 while averaging 17.4 runs and 73 RBI. Money can be a motivating factor.

9. Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates

(2013 Stats: .233 BA, 36 HR, 100 RBI, 70 R, 2 SB)

Pedro Alvarez has averaged 33 home runs and 92.5 RBI over the past two years, but you’ll have to live with his .235 lifetime batting average.

10. Aramis Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers

(2013 Stats: .283 BA, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 43 R, 0 SB)

Aramis Ramirez is another player with a lengthy injury history, but when he’s healthy, he can hit.

Over the past seven years, he has hit .292 while averaging 22.6 home runs. 86.7 RBI and 70.1 runs, despite playing just 125.3 games per year. Have a backup plan with him as well.

Also check out:

• 2014 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2014 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

There is something to be said about anchoring your fantasy baseball team with players that have already reached their potential.

That said, there is always a new crop, often made up of younger players, that take their game to the next level. Here’s a look at some National League Central fantasy baseball breakout candidates. 

Gerrit Cole, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Cole will start the year in the minors, but he is one to keep an eye on when he gets the call. 

Todd Frazier, 3B, Cincinnati Reds

Frazier hit 19 home runs in 422 at-bats last year. He showed that he could handle both left-handed pitching (.857 OPS) and right-handed pitching (.817 OPS). He struggled down the stretch, hitting .176 in 74 September/October at-bats. He has power and is part of a potent lineup. 

Jason Grilli, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Grilli has 21 career wins and five career saves, but he has a chance to make a mark at 36, manning the closer gig for the Pirates. He struck out 90 in 58.2 innings last season, along with a 2.91 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, so he should help in multiple categories. 

Starling Marte, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates

Marte stole 12 bases in 47 games last year. He should be a strong contributor in that category, with potential in the other 5×5 categories. 

Shelby Miller, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Miller won a spot in the rotation for the Cardinals. He has excellent stuff, as evidenced by his 16 strikeouts in 13.2 innings for the Cardinals and 160 in 136.2 innings for Triple-A Memphis last year. The Cardinals had four pitchers reach double-digit wins last year and five in 2011. 

Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs

Rizzo posted a .285 average with 44 runs, 15 doubles, 48 RBI and three stolen bases in 337 at-bats last year. He struggled against left-handed pitching (.599 OPS) but raked against righties (.891 OPS). He posted nearly identical splits at home (.789 OPS) and on the road (.824). He has the potential to be a star and he’s just 23. 

Jean Segura, SS, Milwaukee Brewers

Segura has the speed to produce a decent average and run total, but the biggest upside is his stolen base potential. He swiped seven bases in 45 games last year. He should be able to steal 20-30 bases this year.

Also check out:

• 2013 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Catcher Rankings for NL-only leagues.

1. Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants

Posey led the Majors with a .336 batting average. He led all catchers with 103 RBI. I’m not sure there is much he can’t do. Last year, he finished with a .336-78-24-103-1 line.

2. Miguel Montero, Arizona Diamondbacks

Montero has back-to-back years hitting better than .280 with at least 15 home runs and 86 RBI. He’s been better in the second half the past two years, so you’ll have to be a little patient.

3. Wilin Rosario, Colorado Rockies

Rosario led all catchers last year with 28 home runs. His .270-67-28-71-4 line was impressive. His home and away splits (.957 OPS vs. .721) are a small cause for concern.

4. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals

Molina has been a model of consistency but blew up last year with a .315-65-22-76-12 line. Even if regression is likely, he should remain one of the league’s top catchers.

5. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves

McCann hit at least 20 home runs for the fifth straight season but struggled mightily with a .230 batting average. He’s a lifetime .279 hitter, so I expect him to bounce back. He’ll miss the start of the year as he recovers from shoulder surgery, but he should be a pretty nice value.

6. Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers

Lucroy was limited to 96 games last year thanks to a broken hand, but he hit .320 with 46 runs, 16 home runs, 58 RBI and four stolen bases. His OPS, which was .881 last year, has improved each year.

7. Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies

Ruiz put on a display last year, turning in a .325-56-16-68-4 line. Unfortunately, he got popped for taking performance-enhancing drugs, so he’ll miss the first 25 games of the year. He’s a solid option once he returns, but you’ll have to make alternative plans early.

8. Travis d’Arnaud, New York Mets

He won’t make an impact early, but d’Arnaud could finish the season as solid fantasy catcher option, particularly in NL-only leagues. Last year, he turned in a .333-45-16-52-1 line in 279 at-bats for Triple-A Las Vegas.

9. Russell Martin, Pittsburgh Pirates

Martin struggles with his batting average, but he is a decent source of home runs and stolen bases.

10. A.J. Ellis, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ellis had a modest .270-44-13-52-0 line last year. He’s not going to carry you, by any means, but at least his average isn’t a hindrance.

Also check out:

• 2013 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Third Base Rankings for NL-Only Leagues.

1. David Wright, New York Mets
Wright returned to form with a stellar .306-91-21-93-15. He has alternated good and bad years since 2008. Hopefully, he can buck that trend.

2. Hanley Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

Hanley has not been the same force as earlier in his career, but his .257-79-24-92-21 line was solid. He’s only 29 and should be even better in an improved offense.

3. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

Zimmerman is solid, but has missed 98 games over the past three years. When he’s healthy he delivers in all 5×5 categories besides stolen bases.

4. Aramis Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers

Ramirez has not played 150 games since 2006, but he did play 149 games in each of the past two seasons. He has hit 25 or more home runs in nine of his last 10 seasons.

5. Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

Kung Fu Panda came alive during the World Series. He routinely hits for a solid average and has the ability to improve on his power numbers.

6. Chase Headley, San Diego Padres

I don’t think he can come close to the .286-95-31-115-17 line. Even with a pretty serious regression, he could have a solid year. He’s a solid bet for a nice home run/stolen base combo.

7. David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals

Freese had a solid .293-70-20-79-3 2012 line. He built upon his strong 2011 postseason and I feel there is more room for growth.

8. Martin Prado, Arizona Diamondbacks

Prado is a low-end third baseman to target if you’re looking more for batting average than power. He tends to provide decent run and RBI totals. Last year he stole 17 bases after stealing just 13 in his first 227 games. I’d figure on a .300-80-12-65-10 line.

9. Michael Young, Philadelphia Phillies

At 36, Young isn’t likely to return to the days of 90 runs, 20 home runs or 80 RBI. He should hit at a solid clip, but I would be surprised with anything better than a .300-70-12-70-5 line.

10. Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates

Alvarez will continue to be a batting average liability, but he realized his power potential, smacking 30 bombs last year.

Also check out:

• 2013 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Second Base Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.

1. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

Cano was tops among second basemen in runs, home runs, RBI and batting average. He has as much of a stranglehold on the position as any player in the league.

2. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

Kinsler has averaged 156 games the past two seasons and has played in at least 144 games in three of the past four years. His batting average has become the biggest issue rather than his health. Kinsler delivers an elite amount of runs and home runs, as well as a solid amount of RBI and stolen bases.

3. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

Pedroia took a step back last year with a .290/81/15/65/20 line in 141 games. He’s a strong bet to be among the leaders in all five categories once again.

4. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

Zobrist can be used at second base, shortstop and outfield, which gives him great versatility. He isn’t a big average guy, but his .270 mark last year was solid. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 88.8 runs, 19.3 home runs, 82.8 RBI and 18.5 stolen bases.

5. Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians

Kipnis had a solid first half, hitting 11 home runs with a .764 OPS. His dismal second half (three home runs, .650 OPS) soiled his first full season. Still, Kipnis finished with 86 runs, 76 RBI and 31 stolen bases.

6. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels

There is nothing flashy about Kendrick, but he should be a solid contributor in all five 5×5 categories. The Angels should have a potent lineup in 2013, so a solid year should be in the cards.

7. Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners

Ackley will turn 25 this week. He nearly doubled his at-bats last year, and his run, home run, RBI and stolen base totals nearly matched that same proportion. Unfortunately, his average fell from .273 to .226. His BABIP was .265, which was 74 points lower than his 2011 mark. He should see improvement in that category, which should help his average and his counting stats.

8. Emilio Bonifacio, Toronto Blue Jays

Bonifacio plays all over the place, so his positional flexibility may be his primary benefit. That and his ability to steal bases.

9. Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners

Seager plays third base, but played second in 18 games last year, which gives him flexibility. He also quietly posted a modest line: .259/62/20/86/13. He has some decent pop and should benefit from the changes made to Safeco Field.

10. Omar Infante, Detroit Tigers

Infante does not excel in any category, but he’s solid across the board.

Also check out:

• 2013 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings
• 2013 Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Rankings

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Atlanta pitcher Kris Medlen, who threw a shutout as my recent streaming pitcher option, has been lights out since joining the Braves’ rotation. Is he for real?

It is truly hard to argue with the results. Since joining the rotation Kris is 3-0 with a 1.05 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and 22 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings, including the aforementioned shutout against the San Diego Padres.

On the season he is 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP and 58 strikeouts in 80.0 innings. Whether he is starting or relieving he has been spot on, aside from a bumpy May.

It doesn’t matter if Medlen is pitching at home or on the road. He is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and .234 batting average against at Turner Field. He has been even more difficult to hit on the road, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.95 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and a .212 BAA.

His day numbers (2.81 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) aren’t as nasty, but they are still solid. Meanwhile, at night he is nearly untouchable (1.66, 0.94).

He had a 1.42 ERA in April, a 2.79 mark in June, a 0.84 mark in July and has a 0.87 ERA so far in August. His lone hiccup came in May when he posted a 5.17 ERA, but he quickly righted the ship.

Medlen is owned in about thirty-five percent of Yahoo! and about sixty percent of ESPN fantasy baseball leagues. He has SP and RP eligibility, which makes him even more valuable to fantasy owners.

As long as he remains in the rotation, he is certainly worth riding the hot hand. His next start is Wednesday against the Nationals.

Your thoughts?

Also check out:

• Is Now the Time to Buy Tommy Milone?
• Can Carlos Lee be a Fantasy Factor?
• Should You Be Looking At Hisashi Iwakuma?
• Is Lorenzo Cain Able?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com