I’m back with another edition of Pickup Lines; we intend for this column to run every Wednesday. Again, the first group of players includes solid options and sleepers that are still available in roughly half of the mixed leagues. The second group will include deeper sleepers available in the majority of mixed leagues that may be better suited for NL/AL-only options. The numbers in the parentheses denote the percentage a player is owned in all CBS, Yahoo and ESPN mixed leagues, respectively.

“Do you have a map? Because I keep getting lost in your eyes.” Here are this week’s solid pickups:

C: Ramon Hernandez, CIN (60/31/62)

Over his last eight games, he has hit safely in six (four multiple hit games) and homered twice. Currently, Ramon ranks 9^th in RBIs (21) and 5^th in BA (.283) among catchers.

1B: Billy Butler, KC (49/27/8)

He collected 33 hits in 27 May games and is currently riding an eight game hit streak. For what it’s worth, Butler is now hitting third in the Royals’ lineup. His power numbers could be a drag on your 1B slot, but he’s a decent play for your CI slot.

2B: Clint Barmes, COL (41/19/6)

Since May 15, Barmes has hit safely in 13 of his last 16 games and raised his lines from .222/.415/.265 to .262/.469/.323; he has also swiped 3 bags over that span. He’s eligible all over the infield and should be a solid play up the middle.

3B: Pedro Feliz, PHI (38/13/8)

He’s boring and he hits at the bottom of the lineup, but Pedro’s year-end numbers are usually decent. His average is hovering around .300 and he has 27 RBI; like Butler, he could be a passable CI option for the time being.

SS: Clint Barmes, see 2B

I’m not seeing many attractive options at SS this week. If Barmes isn’t available, why not pursue some of the “buy low” candidates at the position (Peralta, Hardy, Tulowitzki, etc.)?

OF: Gary Sheffield, NYM (59/27/28); Milton Bradley, CHC (67/39/66)

A couple of big names who started slow have been heating up lately and may still be free agents in your league. Bradley has collected ten hits in his last eight games and Sheffield is working on a nine game run streak.

Note: since posting, Bradley injured himself (again). Look elsewhere.

P: John Smoltz, BOS (71/43/17)

He’s still a couple weeks away, but he’s been impressive so far in his rehab starts. Do yourself a favor and stash him on your DL while you still can. If he’s not available, maybe you could take a chance on Jeremy Bonderman.

P: Livan Hernandez, NYM (71/6/6)

Kidding! I’m hoping you know better than to pick him up. Apparently, one of my league mates doesn’t. Chasing wins at the expense of Ks, ERA and WHIP doesn’t pay. Forget guys like Livan, Nick Blackburn and Joe Blanton and give A’s rookie Josh Outman a shot.

“Wow, your eyebrows are really thick.” Here are this week’s lesser pickup options:

C: Omir Santos, NYM (5/1/1)

With Ramon Castro being traded to the White Sox and Brian Schneider on the DL, Santos has made a strong case for receiving regular at-bats. In his 80 at-bats this season, he has totaled 3 HR, 11 R, 18 RBI and a .275 BA. Schneider has the better glove, but Santos’ offense may be useful in shared duty going forward.

1B: Ryan Garko, CLE (19/6/2)

Homered three times in the last week; compare his numbers to Derrek Lee. That sound you just heard was all of the DLee owners pounding their heads against the wall.

2B: Willy Aybar, TB (12/4/2)

I mentioned him in last week’s edition; he should remain a solid AL-only stopgap until Bartlett returns from the DL.

3B: Joe Crede, MIN (19/6/9)

Joe’s hot hitting was interrupted by a foul ball off his knee; prior to the injury, he had launched four HR in the last week. Because of his day-to-day status, there’s a good chance he’s still sitting on your waiver wire. His average may hurt, but his power could come in handy; his nine homers are good for 9^th place among 3B this year.

SS: Gordon Beckham, CHW (21/1/1)

Beckham was recently promoted to Triple-A; if you’re in a keeper league and have an extra bench slot, you may want to lock up Beckham now before someone else does. No telling with Ozzie will bring him up, but expect him to make a big impact once he arrives.

OF: Scott Hairston, SD (33/14/11)

It appears that Hairston’s power is the real deal; he was slotted behind Gonzalez in the cleanup spot and responded by hitting his third homerun in as many days.

P: Antonio Bastardo, PHI (20/-/1)

Had a nice game in his major league debut; he’s worth a look in deeper mixed leagues.

Let’s face it; all we’re looking for is a little fantasy baseball love. But the tough reality is that love doesn’t always come easy, and neither does solid fantasy production. We can’t all date the prom queen; sometimes the only one available is her lazy-eyed friend. If you can’t have Albert Pujols, you’re still going to need somebody to hold onto during those lonely summer nights. In order to help you bring your “A Game” and land the best roster option possible, I’ll provide my Pickup Lines on a weekly basis. Each week, I’ll hook you up with two groups of possible replacements available in the free agent pool. The first group of players includes solid options and sleepers that are still available in roughly half of the mixed leagues. The second group will include deeper sleepers available in the majority of mixed leagues that may be better suited for NL/AL-only options. The numbers in the parentheses denote the percentage a player is owned in all CBS, Yahoo and ESPN mixed leagues, respectively.

“Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only ten I see!” These pickups won’t land you a perfect player, but you may land the breakout potential that will outweigh the shortcomings. Here are this week’s solid pickups:

C: Jason Varitek – BOS (64/24/31)

‘Tek has gone yard eight times since May 16. I’m skeptical of this production continuing, but you might as well ride the lightning while it’s striking.

1B: Russell Branyan – SEA (75/61/62), Casey Blake – LAD (85/61/45)

These guys are still available in a lot of leagues and continue to post solid numbers. Blake won’t kill you in any category and Branyan can provide plus power. I feel that most are waiting for the other shoe (and Branyan’s average) to eventually drop, but he could be this year’s Aubrey Huff.

2B: Adam Kennedy – OAK (26/10/10)

He burst onto the scene in Oakland piling up multi-hit games; even after cooling off, he could prove to be serviceable option at a thin position.

3B: Branyan/Blake – see 1B.

SS: Ben Zobrist – TB (77/49/50)

I’m hoping you didn’t sleep on this guy; he was providing good power and more value in limited at-bats than the majority of everyday shortstops. With Iwamura’s season ending injury, he’ll now see everyday at-bats; moreover, he’ll soon gain 2B eligibility. Utility man Willy Aybar should also see more time until Jason Bartlett returns from the DL; Aybar has flashed some power and could be worth a look in AL and the deepest mixed leagues.

OF: Luke Scott – BAL (37/10/7), Nolan Reimold – BAL (30/6/3)

By now, you’ve missed the boat on Cuddyer, but you can still find some hot hitting in Baltimore. Scott has homered three times in two games since returning from the DL; Reimold has homered in three straight games. Both are worth a look in deeper mixed leagues.

P: Kelvim Escobar – LAA (46/18/6)

After missing all of last season, Escobar could join the Angel’s rotation as soon as next week. In his second rehab start, he retired 18 of the 19 batters faced with eight K’s in 76 pitches. The former 18 game winner is scheduled to make one more rehab start in AAA on Monday.

P: J.A. Happ – PHI (30/18/4)

Happ was solid in his first start after replacing Chan Ho Park in the Phillies’ rotation. With the loss of Brett Myers, Happ should continue to see plenty of starts.

“Weren’t you at the tractor pull last night? I remember your Tweety Bird tattoo.” These pickups may not be the most attractive options, but availability counts for something, right? Here are this week’s lesser pickups:

C: Chris Snyder – ARI (29/10/8)

Over the last two weeks, Snyder has four home runs and nine RBI. After a horrible April, he has raised his batting average 81 points, hitting .294/.413/.588 in May.

1B: Jake Fox – CHC (30/7/3)

The recently recalled slugger currently leads all Triple Crown categories among AAA hitters. Fox has been used at corner infield and outfield spots, catcher and DH; he could see plenty of at-bats as the Cubs lineup has been full of holes lately.

2B: Alcides Escobar – MIL (15/1/0)

His natural position is SS, but the Brewers may be grooming their elite prospect to replace Rickie Weeks shortly; Escobar recently played 2^nd in AAA. He has 18 steals through 38 games thus far and will be a great source of speed once he gets the call.

3B: Andy LaRoche – PIT (25/6/3)

The former top prospect has been swinging the bat well thus far; he had an 11 game hit streak in April and recently snapped a ten game streak. He hasn’t shown much power, but he’s definitely worth a look in NL and deeper mixed leagues.

SS: Yuniesky Betancourt – SEA (15/5/4)

I’m not sure if I would advise you pick him up, but I thought I would share his recent Yahoo note: “SS Yuniesky Betancourt has seven walks in the month of May, matching his career one-month best. He had no walks in his first 97 plate trips but now has seven in his last 72.” If he can return to his 07-08 form, he could be worth a look in AL-only leagues.

OF: Fernando Martinez – OF, NYM (21/3/1)

With Church on the DL, the 20 year old was brought up to start in his place. It may be too early to expect the regular production he’s capable of, but keeper league owners shouldn’t sleep on this top prospect.

P: Carl Pavano – CLE (26/10/5)

His overall numbers are still ugly, but Pavano has won five of his last six starts. Over that span, he has completed six  or more innings and allowed three or less runs five times. While he has been hittable, he has fanned 20 batters in his last 18 innings.

P: John Grabow – PIT (6/8/2)

He’s the favorite for saves while Capps’ elbow heals.