21 James Loney, 1B

A major-league leading .379 average has catapulted Rays first baseman James Loney near the top of the most added list, getting closer to 60 percent owned heading into week eight. But the fact that he’s only walked four times in the last 15 games could indicate that he’s due for a decline.

During an interview on Thursday’s Fantasy Baseball Today, MLB Network’s Brian Kenny said he’s not buying James Loney at this level: “Plate selection – you can take the plate selection with you … and it’s not there for him yet.”

James Loney is currently the most-added hitter in CBSSports.com leagues, so plenty of owners are buying into his hot streak, which is now well into its fourth week. Over the last 24 games, the Rays' first baseman has hit .456 with nine doubles, three home runs, 15 runs and 16 RBI.

Loney has always been a good contact hitter, but over the last five seasons, that hasn't amounted to extra-base power or a .300-plus batting average. This season, he's been aided by a .342 batting average on grounders and a 31 percent line drive rate. Both marks would be highly unusual for any player and especially for Loney.

While this streak has had some staying power, it's unlikely to go on for much longer. Loney is playing at a level far beyond what he has established, and there haven't been any trends pointing towards accelerated improvement of the kind we have seen over the past month. While Loney is still gaining some credibility among Fantasy owners, now is the time to deal him, before discouragement sets in when the streak starts to fade.

Rays first baseman James Loney entered Sunday against the Padres with a .371 batting average, which was second-highest in the AL. He homered Saturday and has seven three-hit games, which is tied for the major-league lead.

Loney, who homered again Sunday and had two more hits to raise his average to .376, has provided a huge lift to the Tampa Bay offense in his first year with the club.

"He's been our hottest hitter," third baseman Evan Longoria told MLB.com. "Really, it's no surprise to me."

Loney has been on a tear since late April. Including Sunday's game, he's batting .431 (28 for 65) with two home runs, six doubles and 11 RBI in his last 18 games (15 starts).

"He's shown me some things that I think this guy is way more competitive than people realize," manager Joe Maddon said. "But then again, he's able to process things well, so that's why I think he can hit."

Rays first baseman James Loney was in the starting lineup for the seventh-straight game Friday against San Diego, surpassing his previous season high for consecutive starts (six). Loney has been sizzling during his first season with Tampa Bay and ranks just one behind Detroit's Miguel Cabrera for the AL lead with a .381 batting average.

Loney had his five-game hitting streak halted Thursday against Toronto but did reach base on three walks. He also has five multi-hit outings in his past eight games.