CATCHER

Miguel Montero has taken full advantage of Chris Snyder's absence raising his average 43 points to .295 since June 1.  If he stays hot, Montero will earn the lion's share of playing time even when Snyder returns.  Ramon Hernandez is slated for arthroscopic surgery and will miss about a month.

FIRST BASE

A calf strain forced Lance Berkman to the 15 day DL.  It's unknown if he will be ready after two weeks.  Kendry Morales is in the midst of a 20-game hitting streak.  San Francisco placed Rich Aurilia on the DL with and infected toe (phantom injury).  Boston acquired Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh in exchange for Argenis Diaz and Hunter Strickland.  LaRoche's value takes a hit since he won't be a regular in Boston unless Mike Lowell goes on the DL.

SECOND BASE

Kelly Johnson was activated from the 15 day DL.  Martin Prado swooped in to lock down the second base slot, so Johnson is relegated to bench duty for the time being.  Felipe Lopez missed a couple of games with a bum hamstring.  San Francisco recalled Matt Downs from AAA.

SHORTSTOP

St. Louis sent Chris Duncan to the Red Sox for Julio Lugo.  The Cards stepped in front of the Mets who were waiting for Lugo to clear waivers and get a better price.  St. Louis had no problem shedding Duncan and picking up the rest of Lugo’s 9 million dollar contract to help sure up their weak middle infield.

THIRD BASE

Joe Crede is suffering from extreme pain in his shoulder; it's just more of the same.  Mat Gamel was sent down to AAA.  The Brewers will give him another shot, but the chance of him providing an impact may be pushed to next year.  Oakland acquired highly regarded prospect Brett Wallace from St. Louis.

OUTFIELD

St. Louis landed a huge prize by acquiring Matt Holliday from the Oakland A's.  Holliday will return to familiar NL surroundings and excel hitting behind Albert Puljos - who wouldn't?  Brett Gardner was placed on the DL with a broken thumb.  Melkey Cabrera benefits with more playing time and gets an up tick in value.  Gary Sheffield's strained hamstring will force him to the DL.  Homer Bailey hit Manny Ramirez on the hand causing the slugger to leave the game early.  Jose Guillen will be placed on the 15 day DL with a torn knee ligament. 

STARTING PITCHER

Jason Schmidt was activated from the 15 day DL - don't expect any fantasy value.  Tommy Hanson was recalled from AAA to make his next scheduled start.  His demotion was simply a procedural move before the All Star break to give Atlanta another bullpen arm.  Mark Buehrle hurled a perfect game versus Tampa Bay.  He already has a no-hitter in his career.  Luke Hochevar struck out 22 batters over 13 innings.  He's been sharp and could be used in mixed leagues until the dominance tails off.  Aaron Harang has lost 11 games in a row. 

RELIEF PITCHER

Colorado acquired Rafael Betancourt from Cleveland for a minor league pitcher.  The Rockies desperately needed bullpen depth and Betancourt is a fine choice to help setup Huston Street.