If you're thinking about sneaking away from Father's Day festivities to check on your fantasy team -- and see if Dustin Ackley's available -- go ahead, your secret's safe here. Recommended auction values assume a $100 free agent acquisition budget (FAAB).  Alcides Escobar, SS, Royals (Mixed: $8) – Escobar's been on fire the last two weeks, offering fans a glimpse of the talent that led the Royals to insist that he be included as part of their haul for trading Zack Greinke. He has little power, but the stolen bases and runs scored will be enough. Expect 336 AB, .265 AVG, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 47 R, and 17 SB.  Dustin Ackley, 2B, Mariners (Mixed: $6; AL: $15) – He may be an All-Star someday, but he won't produce at that level this year. Don't overbid now unless you're in a keeper league. If you can afford to be patient, save your FAAB dollars and spend them next month on Toronto's Brett Lawrie. Expect 226 AB, .257 AVG, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 39 R, and 5 SB.  Jason Bartlett, SS, Padres (Mixed: $4) – His power (or lack thereof) and speed are similar to Escobar's, but his supporting cast is decidedly worse, which limits his value. His 2009 season with Tampa Bay was an outlier, but he's still a useful player at a very thin position. Expect 297 AB, .269 AVG, 3 HR, 38 RBI, 32 R, and 12 SB.  Paul Maholm, SP, Pirates (Mixed: $3) – The Bucs offense may be improving, but you'd never know it by looking at Maholm's 3-8 record. His K/9 won't entice you, but he doesn't have many bad outings either, which is more than you can say for most waiver wire options at this time of year. Expect 114 IP, 7 W, 4.03 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 70 K.  Carlos Carrasco, SP, Indians (Mixed: $3) – He was overshadowed by rotation mates Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin earlier in the season, but his last three starts have made people realize why Cleveland wanted him included in the Cliff Lee trade. He's inconsistent, but has a high ceiling. Expect 100 IP, 6 W, 4.68 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 79 K.  James Loney, 1B, Dodgers (Mixed: $2) – It's hard to fathom that a first baseman with a career high of 15 homers has been able to hold on to a starting position for five years now. Be that as it may, Loney's been hitting a lot better the last two months after an atrocious April. Expect 296 AB, .267 AVG, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 28 R, and 4 SB.  Mike Adams, RP, Padres – He's been one of the top setup men in the game since coming over from the Brewers in a trade in 2006, and he stands a good chance of inheriting the closer role when Heath Bell is traded. The only knock on him is his inability to stay healthy for long stretches. Expect 33 IP, 1 W, 2 SV, 1.64 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and 37 K.  Emilio Bonifacio, SS/3B/OF, Marlins – Chris Coghlan's surprising demotion to the minors has created yet another opportunity for the 26-year-old speedster. He'll have to compete for at-bats with DeWayne Wise, and Coghlan will be back eventually, so don't expect a long-term fix here. Expect 253 AB, .269 AVG, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 35 R, and 10 SB.  Chris Denorfia, OF, Padres – He's moved into the leadoff spot, and he's played well the last two seasons when given the chance. Still, with Ryan Ludwick, Cameron Maybin, and Brad Hawpe also in San Diego's outfield mix, Denorfia is more likely to fill the role of fourth outfielder going forward. Expect 171 AB, .292 AVG, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 25 R, and 6 SB.  -- Scott Swanay (The Sherpa)  www.FantasyBaseballSherpa.com@fantasy_sherpa on TwitterFantasyBaseballSherpa.com on Facebook  See photos of: Jason Bartlett, James Loney
FAAB guide: Royals' Escobar swinging, stealing successfully - Fantasy Windup: A community for fantasy baseball news and strategy - USATODAY.com