Aug. 16, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder David Murphy (7) singles to center against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Rangers won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday was a slower day in the Major League Baseball world as everyone recovered from the King Felix perfecto and the Melky Cabrera imperfections. If you lost Cabrera or need to fill a hole on your roster for another reason, check out the sleepers listed below.

Each day on Sleeper Central (Archive here) we list a full lineup of players that can help fantasy teams to varying degrees and are available on waiver wires in over half of ESPN leagues. Here’s today’s options:

Sleeper Awakening

David Murphy – OF – Texas Rangers: Often lost in the shadow of all the other fantasy studs in the Rangers lineup, David Murphy has put together a solid season and has won the LF job outright. He had been in a platoon situation with Craig Gentry but has hit well enough to secure the full-time job. His big night last night pulled his average up to .300 even with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 40 runs, 21 doubles, and eight stolen bases. Since the All-Star break he’s played 29 games and is hitting at a .327 clip. Obviously the lineup  he’s in is a big boost to his value and now that he’s in it consistently he’ll be a great pickup for the rest of the season. If you need a solid outfield bat with some pop and plenty of run-scoring and run-producing potential, Murphy is definitely one of the top options out there. He’s currently available in 88.5% of ESPN leagues.

Sleeper Starting Lineup

C- Jeff Mathis – Tor: (0.0% ownership in ESPN leagues) 2-3. Mathis is playing everyday in Toronto while J.P. Arencibia is on the sidelines, and in deep leagues or leagues that require two catchers he’s proving he has value offensively. He is 4-11 in his last three games including his seventh home run of the year and has 20 RBI and 21 runs scored in 49 games played. He’s not worth owning in most standard leagues, but is a deep option.

Aug 16, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis (29) rounds second base after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

1B- Ike Davis – NYM: (43.9%) 2-4, 2R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR. Davis is what he is and there is some value. Make sure you know what you’re getting though. Davis will help you RBI (65) and home runs (21) while proving a liability in batting average (.216). If you can make that sacrifice, he’s a reliable power hitter. He’s now in the top 10 in the National League in home runs but has 107 strike outs in 384 at-bats. He’s worth a pickup if you can counter-balance him with some high-average, low-power pickups as well.

2B- D.J. LeMahieu – Col: (1.5%) 2-4, 2 R, 3B. LeMaheiu continues to rake as he average hovers around the .300 mark. He’s currently at .298 with five doubles, a triple, and a home run in his first 94 at-bats. He doesn’t have elite speed or power but can contribute runs, average, and RBI as he plays 2B everyday in the Rockies lineup. As with all Colorado players, he’s especially useful at home.

3B- Kevin Frandsen- Phi: (0.1%) 3-5, 3 RBI, 2B.  Frandsen has been contributing some solid fantasy numbers while filling in for Placido Polanco. Polanco is on the DL with a bad back and is hoping to return at the end of the week, but even once he returns Frandsen could still see significant playing time. Since he was recalled, Frandsen has hit .333 (21-63) with a home run, five RBI, a pair of doubles, and six runs scored. He’s hit safely in seven of his last eight games with five multi-hit games in his last 10 played.

SS- Clint Barmes – Pit: (0.1%) 2-4, 3 RBI, 3B. Barmes is showing some signs of life with four multi-hit games in his last six and eight RBI over that span. He’s still hitting just .221 on the year but he’s been better lately with a  .325 average in August with an .841 OPS.

OF- David Murphy – Tex: (11.5%) 3-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B. Murphy will be a solid bat for as long as he has the full-time job in Texas. See  above for more details.

OF- Moises Sierra – Tor: (0.1%) 1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR. Sierra has hit two home runs in his last three games and has hit safely in his last four going 7-15. He’s still adjusting to the Major Leagues, but Sierra has shown some promise in his limited time. If he continues to get time, he could win a starting job next year and be a big help to your fantasy team along the way.

Aug 14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Juan Pierre (10) makes a catch during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

OF- Juan Pierre -Phi: (18.1%) 2-5, SB.  Pierre stole his 29th base of the season and raised his average to .308. He’s in and out of the lineup, but can give you solid average and steals numbers when he’s on the field. If you have a need for speed, he’s most likely the best pickup available for you.

AL Starting Pitcher- Dan Straily – Oak: (10.3%) 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 K, W. Straily got his first Major League win throwing shutout ball for 6.1 innings in KC. His strike numbers from the Minors haven’t translated, but he still has managed to be very effective in two of his three MLB starts. He’s a good spot start option going forward and a deep league speculative pickup.

NL Starting Pitcher- Trevor Cahill – Ari: (24.6%) 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K, ND. Cahill pitched well, but the D-Backs didn’t score until the ninth so he ended up with a no decision. His road splits continue to be solid with another good road start although the lack of innings is a little troubling.

July 16, 2012: Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks (23) tries turning a double play as St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday (7) looks back during the eighth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Hey folks!  Hope you enjoyed your all star break and didn’t miss me too much.  I had a nice little extended weekend for it, but now back to the grind.  Many owners I’m sure are happy with the return of many injured players like Ellsbury, Crawford, and Halladay, but there are also many under the radar guys who are slowly becoming impact players.  Here’s 10 more quality players who could really help you benefit you down the stretch.

 Top 10 Waiver Wire Pickups

1. Lance Berkman, STL 1B – After his stellar comeback season last year, the Big Puma has been battling injuries all season long.  He’s now back into the lineup for the Cards and he is a must add in all leagues because of his production track record.

July 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

2. Doug Fister, DET SP – Dougie Fresh has been a bit disappointing to Tigers fans this season after he dominated all last year.  However, his last start he looked like his old self.  If he is back to his form, Fister is a very solid number 2 behind Verlander.  With the Tigers starting to pick it up, Fister needs to be owned.

3. Rickie Weeks, MIL 2B – The man is hot this last month to say the least.  After a terrible beginning to the season, Rickie is getting back to his old self and carrying the Brewers along with Mr. Braun.  Grab Weeks now before it’s too late.

4. Ben Sheets, ATL SP – Remember this name?  Well it’s been a couple years, but he’s shaken off the cob webs and looked mighty fine in his first outing for the Braves.  I’m not sure if he will continue this productivity, but it’s worth a shot.

5. Pedro Ciriaco, BOS IF – This dude is making Boston fans not even remember who Dustin Pedroia is.  He has already collected multiple hits in 3 of his first 5 starts and seems like he will be a mainstay with the Sox.  Punto will probably be the one who gets nixed, so definitely keep an eye out for Pedro.

6. A.J. Griffin, OAK SP – Secretly, the Oakland A’s are playing solid baseball and Griffin has been dealing since joining the rotation.  He has been very productive in his first 4 starts for the squad and if Billy Beane has anything to say about it, Griffin could be useful in these next couple of months for owners.

July 17, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Brantley (23) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

7. Michael Brantley, CLE OF – Household name, but his numbers haven’t always backed that up.  He is heating up lately though, and providing some Thunder in the Indians lineup.  Outfield is deep, but his recent streak makes him valuable.

8. Zach Britton, BAL SP – The Orioles are in desperate need for some starting pitching and Britten is on the rescue.  He finally made his 2012 debut on Tuesday, but the results weren’t great.  However, he should continue to get chances with the squad and he has much potential so definitely watch him closely.

9. Francisco Rodriguez, MIL RP – Axford has been horrible this year and they’re finally giving K-Rod the chance.  I mean he is not near as electric as his Angels days, but saves are always valuable and that’s what this man should give you.

10. Anthony Gose, TOR OF – If you haven’t been able to tell this season, I’m a big prospect guy.  I realize they don’t always work out, but why not catch that flash in a pan?  Gose started in the Futures Game last week and now is getting his crack with the Blue Jays.  He’s one of their top prospects and his blazing speed should make an impact immediately.

Hello, Waiver Wire!

I’m not getting cute with this list anymore, time to cut the guys who haven’t been living up to their potential.  It’s almost August folks and there’s no more rooms for lousy players.  Get out the scissors!

Bryan LaHair – CHC OF, Cody Ross – BOS OF, Jed Lowrie – HOU SS, Marco Scutaro – COL IF, Carlos Quentin – SD OF, J.J. Hardy – BAL SS, Lucas Duda – NYM OF, Heath Bell – MIA RP, Jason Hammel – BAL SP, Ubaldo Jimenez – CLE SP,