By Bob Bonett

Here is a look at players making fantasy news from May 28 to June 4.

Players of the week

Chone Figgins: Okay, Figgins’ week wasn’t necessarily spectacular. Two RBI’s, three stolen bases, and nine for 18 isn’t necessarily something to write home about. However, after a dismal start that saw Figgy batting under .150, managers have to be excited. We know he isn’t a .300 hitter, but this week should start Figgins’ return to the top tier second basemen he was last year.

Jeff Francis: Talk about a turn around! After a 1-3 April with a 6.52 ERA, Francis is 4-2 with an ERA right around 2.00 since. Last week continued Francis’ resurgence, and I have to believe that this former highly-touted prospect is for real. Pick him up if he is still a free agent.

Worth giving a look

Kazuo Matsui: Obviously Matsui isn’t one of the world’s greatest middle infielders. However, the Rockies’ second basemen is worth a roster spot. Hitting ahead of the likes of Todd Helton and Matt Holliday, Matsui has the potential to be a run scoring, base stealing machine. The .325 batting average won’t last, but don’t be shocked if Matsui can string together 25 to 30 steals and close to 70 runs the rest of the way. If only he could have done that for the Mets…

Brad Lidge: I drafted Lidge in all of my leagues on draft day with hopes that he would return to his 2005 form. After a horible start and relinquishing the closer role to journeyman Dan Wheeler, it is apparent Lidge is back. Similar to Oliver Perez’s resurgence, Lidge’s ERA has been microscopic of late while his strikeout-rate has been mile-high. It can’t be much longer before Lidge is pitching in the ninth for Houston again.

Send ’em to the waiver wire

Johnny Damon: Yes, Damon entered the season as a 25-25 threat. However, if you haven’t realized that his status as a top-15 OF is long gone, you are in for a wake up call. Damon’s knees are hurt and his arm is tired, meaning that old age is catching up with Damon. Say goodbye to the power numbers and stolen bases. Say hello to a .260 hitter with no fantasy worth.

Mike Mussina: No, the inclusion of two Yankees in this segment has nothing to do with bias. However, when you have an old team, you are going to have guys on the downside of their career. No doubt, Moose was a great pitcher. He is over the hill though, and nothing more than an occasional spot starter for your fantasy team.

Injury updates

Chipper Jones: Owners around the world said their prayers, hoping that Chipper could stay healthy. However, after some cortisone shots to the wrist and a trip to the DL, 110-game Chipper is back and better than ever. If you own him, be sure you have a replacement, because Jones could conceivably only play half of the Braves’ games the rest of the way.

Philip Hughes: I tried hard to acquire Hughes when he went to the DL, hoping it was a short time stint and that excellence would soon grace my pitching staff. However, a degree three ankle sprain has Hughes out until August, or perhaps the rest of the season. Bad news for your fantasy team and Yankee playoff hopes alike.

Buy low

Bobby Abreu: It seems like it is New York Yankee day on my fantasy segment. The fourth Yankee I have mentioned, and the first with promising news. Abreu hasn’t just lost his incredible eye at the plate, nor his ability to put the ball in play. He isn’t a 30 home run threat anymore, and perhaps not even a 20 home run threat, but in the middle of a potent Yankee lineup, Abreu could produce some cheap RBI’s and runs.

Dave Bush: It is quite clear I am on the Dave Bush bandwagon. Featured here multiple times this year, I am still a Bush believer, and still think you should try to acquire him at a discounted price. Bush doesn’t walk people, and is on the best team in the NL Central. Be optimistic, because Bush will come around, and will help your fantasy team when he does.

Sell high

Garrett Atkins: It may seem weird to have a struggling Atkins here. However, people are still high on Atkins, while the reality is he is just a marginal third baseman. Sell the 15-home run threat to an optimistic manager at more value than he’s worth.

Matt Cain: Cain may very well be the next Roger Clemens. However, right now, people are too optimistic on short term returns on his skills. Cain is too young to be consistent, but can probably fetch a player as good as Roy Oswalt or Tim Hudson. Deal him and cash in on top-ten talent.