We're back with the first weekly entry in a season-long series spotlighting widely available players who may be able to help your fantasy team. Recommended auction values assume a $100 free agent acquisition budget (FAAB).  Brandon Belt, 1B, Giants (Mixed: $10) – The only way he's available is if your league drafted before it was announced he'd made the team. However, if that's the case, the five-category contributor will be worth the large investment required to land him. Expect 445 AB, .290 AVG, 16 HR, 95 RBI, 79 R, and 16 SB.  David Freese, 3B, Cardinals (Mixed: $7) – He's not worth as large an investment as Belt due to his lack of speed on the base paths. Still, if you're scrambling to replace Evan Longoria in mixed leagues, Freese's production will more than hold the fort for the next few weeks. Expect 456 AB, .292 AVG, 19 HR, 82 RBI, 71 R, and 3 SB.  Sean Rodriguez, 2B/OF, Rays (Mixed: $5, AL: $12) – Once he gains eligibility at third base, he'll be another potential replacement for Longoria. In the meantime, enjoy the power and speed combination, and don't worry too much about the batting average. Expect 457 AB, .263 AVG, 24 HR, 77 RBI, 92 R, and 12 SB.  Cameron Maybin, OF, Padres (Mixed: $3, NL: $10) – It's hard to believe that this highly touted player, who turns 24 this week, is already playing for his third team. He won't hit for much power, but he'll still thrive as one of the few bright spots for one of baseball's worst teams. Expect 425 AB, .266 AVG, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 70 R, and 14 SB.  Jonathon Niese, SP, Mets (Mixed: $3, NL: $8) – It's difficult to stay under the radar while playing in New York, but Niese has managed to do that so far. He tired badly at the end of last year, but his stamina should be noticeably improved this season. Expect 171 IP, 11 W, 4.62 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 147 K.  Ryan Hanigan, C, Reds (Mixed: $2, NL: $5) – Although he hit two home runs on Sunday his greatest asset is his batting average at a position that usually offers no help in that category. He's in a timeshare now, but he'll get the lion's share of the catching work as the season progresses. Expect 262 AB, .302 AVG, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 34 R, and 0 SB.  David Murphy, OF, Rangers – He plays well when he's given the opportunity to start and he also produces as a role player. Given the injury histories of both Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton, he's likely to be a starter sooner rather than later. Expect 379 AB, .282 AVG, 13 HR, 59 RBI, 53 R, and 10 SB.  Brett Wallace, 1B, Astros – Another highly-regarded 24-year-old prospect who seems to change teams frequently (the Astros are his fourth). It would be easy to look at his disappointing audition at the end of last season and move on, but that would be a mistake. Expect 432 AB, .273 AVG, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 66 R, and 1 SB.  Jordan Walden, RP, Angels – Fernando Rodney is on arguably the shortest leash of any closer. Walden's had his own control issues in the past, and Mike Scioscia has several other candidates to choose from, but Walden may be the hardest thrower in baseball this side of Aroldis Chapman. Expect 70 IP, 3 W, 2 SV, 3.34 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 66 K.  -- Scott Swanay (aka The Sherpa)  FantasyBaseballSherpa.com@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter FantasyBaseballSherpa.com on Facebook
FAAB factor: Longoria owners longing for a replacement - Fantasy Windup: A community for fantasy baseball news and strategy - USATODAY.com