Change-of-scenery guys could be just the change your team needs

This week's waiver wire is heavy on outfielders, because it's a deep position, and change-of-scenery guys, thanks to a trade involving two guys desperately in need of a new address. But just because it's late in the season, doesn't mean a guy who has kicked it around all year can't justifiably vault himself into fantasy relevance. Our first man on the list has been doing just that since the middle of July, yet the fantasy community continues to pay him little mind. Remember, quite often the guys who end up carrying owners to fantasy titles are the ones who catch fire late in the season. One of our first candidates to be that guy is scorching out west.

Peter Bourjos, Angels -- Yes, Bourjos caught my attention after he turned into Babe Ruth against Babe's hometown Orioles last weekend, belting three home runs. But the Angels' speedster has been on a tear since the All-Star break, hitting .323/.380/.606 in 99 at-bats, making him one of the hottest hitters in baseball during the second half. It's time for more fantasy owners to buy in.

Jose Tabata, Pirates -- Fresh off a nice, team-friendly, long-term contract, Tabata finds himself right here on the waiver wire. Since returning from the DL on Aug. 16, the Pittsburgh outfielder is 13-for-34. His greatest value to the fantasy owner comes on the basepaths, and while he has attempted just one steal since his return, you have to feel like he'll get the wheels going eventually.

Kyle Blanks, Padres -- Blanks is on a power binge, belting three homers in his last four games while driving in eight runs. He's had 96 at-bats since his promotion in late July, and has posted an .874 OPS in that time. He has struck out in exactly one-third of his at-bats, which is terrible, but he's a very available source of power. He also brings eligibility at first base and in the outfield.

Dee Gordon, Dodgers -- Gordon is expected to return from the DL on Thursday and slot right back in as the Dodgers' shortstop. There really isn't anything fancy here. Shortstop remains a shallow position, and Gordon is a high-end source of steals. He has 12 swipes this year in just 111 at-bats. Assuming he stays healthy the rest of the way, he could pick up another 15-18 steals in the final five-plus weeks of the season.

Kelly Johnson, Blue Jays -- Johnson gets a much-needed change of scenery in Toronto, where he should be starting every day. Go get him.

Mike Trout, Angels -- The Angels recalled Trout on Friday, and he started all three games in the weekend series against Baltimore, with a homer, double and four runs. He should start about half the games going forward with Vernon Wells amid a dreadful season.

Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks -- Just like Johnson, Hill gets a change of scenery, only his comes with a division race attached. It isn't pretty, but he's a decent steal source going forward.

Kevin Kouzmanoff, Rockies -- We're about to find out if Kouzmanoff was just a victim of circumstance all these years. After playing for the Padres and A's his entire career, he finds himself in a hitter's paradise. I'm intrigued enough to make the addition.