Fantasy Fare: O'Malley an unlikely fantasy flash

Shawn O'Malley has been an unexpected fantasy force the past couple of weeks, but can he keep it up? (The Associated Press)It’s hard not to root for Shawn O’Malley. From a fantasy perspective or in real life. A true Cinderella tale, the 28-year-old career minor-leaguer has been a feel-good story ever since his Sept. 1 callup by the Mariners, unexpectedly hitting .438 with a homer, two steals and a 4/9 K/BB rate over his first 27 plate appearances — all of which has garnered the outfielder some interest from fantasy owners looking for a late-season boost.

First, though, a bit of background. As a youngster growing up in nearby Kennewick, Wash., O’Malley — along with his father and grandfather…