Sandlot Shrink: Chapman, Jennings lead top waiver pickups

Here are some notable free-agent pickups -- both old and young -- for the stretch drive of the fantasy baseball season:

J.P. Arencibia, Blue JaysArencibia, 24, was called up again and should get a few starts behind the plate. He batted .301-32-85 for AAA Las Vegas, a park and league (PCL) that pads offensive numbers somewhat. He is an excellent defensive backstop and improved with his plate discipline, but still has to work on the pitch recognition in the majors. He struggled in a brief recall last month. Grade C+

Carlos Carrasco, IndiansCarrasco, 23, was recalled to join the rotation. He is a decent prospect and went 10-6 with a 3.77 ERA and a 127/45 K/BB ratio for AAA Columbus this year. He throws a low-90s sinking fastball, changeup, slider and curve. All decent pitches, but he has been inconsistent in the past. Rebuilding teams take note. Grade C+

Brad Hawpe, RaysHawpe, 31, was acquired to DH and play some right field. He has not been very productive for the Rockies this year (.255 with seven home runs in 259 at-bats) after making the All-Star team last season. Grab him if you need some hitting for the stretch run. Grade C+

Jeremy Hellickson, Rays Hellickson, 23, was again recalled to join the bullpen after a very successful short stint in the Rays rotation (2.05 ERA in four starts). He went 12-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.17 WHIP for AAA Durham. A top prospect, he throws in the low-90s with a curve and change, all plus pitches. He also has excellent location. Grade B+ (for the future)

Desmond Jennings, Rays Jennings, 23, is a top center field prospect but won't be used much -- save for a spot start and pinch-running situations. He has good speed, a keen eye at the plate and possibly 10-15 home run potential down the road. He batted .278-3-36-37 for AAA Durham. Grade B+ (for the future)

Lucas May, RoyalsMay, 25, has good power but has been a defensive liability behind the plate so far (converted infielder). He batted .283 with 16 homers and 59 RBI in 375 combined at-bats at three minor league stops this year, mostly in hitters parks. He will likely split time behind the plate the rest of the way with Jason Kendall out. Grade C

Manny Ramirez, White SoxRamirez was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers to DH. He is hitting .311 with eight homers in 66 games and missed some time with a calf strain. He will DH most of the time. Grade B+

Brad Snyder, Orioles Snyder, 23, was a 2005 first-round pick but has disappointed so far. He was batting .257 with nine homers and 43 RBI in 339 at-bats for AAA Norfolk. That is not enough for a major league first baseman. Some scouts think he might be pressing too much trying to hit home runs, thusly dropping his batting average. The Os could give him a look, but dont expect the power to all of a sudden develop. Grade C+

Brandon Allen, Diamondbacks Allen, 24, has good power and plate discipline and could get a long look down the stretch. He was batting .261-25-86 in 371 at-bats for AAA Reno (in the hitter-friendly PCL) but was overmatched in 104 at bats for the Dbacks last year (.202). He could see some time in left field as well. Rebuilding teams take a flier. Grade B-

Yonder Alonso, RedsAlonso, 23, is a good prospect but wont play much this year save for a spot start or two. He has worked in the outfield some this year since he is blocked by Joey Votto at first base, so left field could be a possible destination. He batted .285-16-69-13 at two levels this year. Grade B (for the future)

Aroldis Chapman, RedsChapman, 22, was recalled to pitch out of the bullpen. He is 9-6 with a 3.57 ERA with a 125/52 K/BB rate in 95 2/3 innings for AAA Louisville. He has been throwing in the high-90s while topping out in the low-100s. Grab him if you have an opening. They could groom him to be a starter next year. Grade B+ (for the future)

Lucas Duda, Mets Duda, 24, is a good defensive first baseman and can also hold his own in the outfield (albeit with limited range). He batted a combined .299-23-87 at two minor league stops and has pretty good plate discipline with legitimate power. He could see some time in left field this month. Grade C+

Danny Espinosa. NationalsEspinosa, 23, is a shortstop by trade but has been playing some second base since his promotion to AAA Syracuse. Combined he batted .268-22-69-25 in two minor league stops this year. He draws walks, plays solid defense and is a hard worker. He should get playing time down the stretch and is definitely worth grabbing for rebuilding teams. Grade B

Freddie Freeman, Braves Freeman, 21, is a top prospect but won't play much for the division-leading Braves. He batted .319 with 18 home runs and 87 RBIs at AAA Gwinnett as one of the younger players at that level. He will serve as a nice bat off the bench. Grade B+ (for the future)

Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers Jeffress, 23, throws in the mid-to-high 90s with a good curve but is wild. He missed the first two months of the season because of a second positive marijuana test. Upon his return, he posted a 1.26 ERA, a 0.70 WHIP and a 15/2 K/BB ratio in 11 relief appearances with AA Huntsville. A former starter, he has pitched exclusively in relief this season. At some point, the Brewers might return him to the rotation or groom him as a closer. Grade C+

Jenrry Mejia, Mets Mejia, 20, was recalled to join the rotation replacing Pat Misch. He posted a 3.25 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 28 relief innings for the Mets and then was sent down to build arm strength in the minors. In four different stops, he posted a 1.29 ERA in 42 innings with a 45/16 k/bb ratio. He throws in the mid-90s with sinking action along with a good changeup and inconsistent slider. Grade B+ (for the future)

Wilson Ramos, Nationals Ramos, 23, should get some starts behind the plate this month. He has some power but needs to continue to improve his eye at the plate to keep his batting average up. Defensively, he has a strong arm and calls a good game but is just average otherwise. He hit .316 with three homers in 20 games with AAA Syracuse after being acquired from Minnesota. Overall, he's batting .258-8-38 in 357 AAA at bats. He also hit .258 in an 8-game callup for the Twins last May. Should be the Nats' future catcher. Grade B