All fantasy baseball scoring runs on batteries. Referring to specific pitcher and catcher combinations, rather than the famous alkaline batteries in television commercials, an understanding of battery power can drive fantasy production on every level.

Call-ups for August 8, 2012: Barnes.

After 400 ABs, it's fair to say about Danny Espinosa: "He was who we thought he was." After a promising - albeit frustrating - 2011 in which he amassed a 17 HR/21 SB combination, there were hopes that the less desirable parts of his game (namely, the 71% ct%) would improve to the point where his BA wouldn't be a boon to fantasy owners. Alas, it seems Espinosa's plate skills has regressed even further.

Brandon Phillips (2B, CIN) returned to action Monday after missing five games with a left calf strain. Phillips had been swinging a hot stick for two months before the injury, with similar numbers in June and July. He batted .311 with an .830 OPS in June, while his July stats included .317 BA and .828 OPS. His June .300 xBA and July .315 xBA supported his production. Replacements Miguel Cairo (IF, CIN) and Wilson Valdez (2B/SS, CIN) return to reserve roles after splitting time during Phillips' absence.

Week-to-week consistency is an important factor in managing your batting roster down the stretch.

Cubs add two heralded young players to roster; in KC, an elite speedster works his way into the good side of a platoon; the A's have issues in both their rotation and bullpen; and Evan Longoria may be about to make his long-awaited return.

We expected Tommy Milone (LHP, OAK) to have some nice end-game value this season. But the best skills of any SP in July?

It wasn't so long ago that there were concerns that Matt Harrison (LHP, TEX) might never reach the point where he could command his pitches effectively enough to stick in the Texas rotation. Harrison has silenced those doubters in the past year and half by harnessing his stuff and posting strong numbers, to the point that he was named to the AL All-Star squad last month...

Nothing frustrates fantasy owners more than having a big power hitter struggling to get through a rehab assignment when you need them in your lineup. Right now, Jose Bautista and David Ortiz are in that situation. Inside, we have the latest on these two players and a bunch of others.

This AL Midweek Series Matchup column previews one four-game series and six three-game series.

This NL Midweek Series Matchups column will cover five three-game series and three four-game sets.