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2008 Sample article. Check out our Baseball Homepage here. Check out our Football Homepage here.

Subscribe today here!
  
 2008 Sample Article: The Waiver Wire

Published: 6/17/08
Compiled by Bill LeConey and Jim Berardi

 

Top 20 Pickups of the Week

Chase Headley (3b/OF, SD)

Jorge Cantu (3b, Fla)

Francisco Liriano (SP, Min)

Brad Hawpe (OF, Col)

Kyle Lohse (SP, StL)

Manny Parra (SP, Mil)

Salomon Torres (RP, Mil)

Brian Giles (OF, SD)

Ben Francisco (Cle)

Randy Winn (OF, SF)
Russell Branyan (3B, Mil)
Alexei Ramirez (2b, ChiW)
Maicer Izturis (SS, LAA)

Troy Glaus (3B, StL)
Mike Aviles (SS, KC)
Jason Kubel (OF, Min)

David DeJesus (OF, KC)
 Ricky Nolasco (SP, Fla)
Kenny Rogers (SP, Det)

Marcus Thames (OF, Det)

Mike Gonzalez (RP, Atl)
Outfielders

Looking shallow
 

  • Chase Headley (3B/OF, SD) – After weeks of speculation, the top Padre prospect joined the club over the weekend and is expected to officially be called up prior to Tuesday’s game. The switch-hitter is a big-time prospect who possesses 30-HR potential. He was batting .305 with 13 HRs and 40 RBIs at Triple-A. Headley should have immediate impact as the new starting left-fielder, and is expected to spell Kevin Kouzmanoff at 3B from time to time. The rookie should have his fair share of ups and downs as he makes his way through the league, but is obviously worth owning in fantasy leagues.
  • Jose Guillen (KC) – Guillen won’t give you any points for his sparkling personality, but who cares? He is currently wrecking the ball at a .515 clip during his nine-game hitting streak, with four homers, 14 RBIs and 9 runs scored in that stretch.
  • Marcus Thames (Det) – This train has already left the station, probably too late for many to hop aboard, but Thames is on an amazing home run streak right now, hitting a homer in each of his last seven hits (a span of 29 AB). And if you were smart enough to grab him and plug him in before that all went down, consider yourself a fantasy diva. He had 18 HR in only 269 at bats last season and 26 in 348 at bats the year before, so we know the power is legit, but he’s only a .242 career hitter.
  • Ben Francisco (Cle) - The marginally owned Francisco is back on the upswing, going 8-for-16 with 1 HR, 7 RBIs and four runs scored in his last four games after a 2-for-26 hitting slump. He’s hitting out of the 3-hole, a spot he has reclaimed since Victor Martinez went on the DL.
  • Luke Scott (Bal) – He’s been Great Scott so far in June, hitting .417 (10-for-24) last week with four home runs and nine runs scored in seven games.
  • Brian Giles (SD) – Giles has hit safely in 14 out of his last 16 games. For the season he is batting .304 with 4 HRs, 26 RBIs, and 33 runs. He doesn’t possess the power he once had, but is worth keeping an eye on in deep mixed leagues while he is hot. He’s certainly worth a shot in NL-only formats. He sat out with a sore shoulder on Sunday and is questionable for the upcoming 3-game series against the Rockies.
  • Randy Winn (SF) – Winn has hit safely in 11 out of 15 games in the month of June. For the season Winn is batting .302 with 5 HRs, 27 RBIs, 38 runs, and 10 stolen bases. Winn is worth owning in NL-only formats as he usually puts up double digit numbers in both HRs and stolen bases.
  • Brad Hawpe (Col) – Hawpe is 12-for-33 with 4 HRs (including a grand slam) and 8 RBIs since his return from the DL. He is a streaky hitter and appears to be heating up with the weather. Keep in mind he started out slowly last season and went on to set career highs in both HRs and RBIs.
  • Fred Lewis (SF) – Lewis extended his hitting streak to 7 games on Monday, going 2-for-5 with a HR and 3 RBIs. For the season he is batting .284 with 6 HRs, 22 RBIs, 44 runs, and 12 stolen bases. He’s on pace for 100 runs scored and 30 stolen bases, making him an attractive option in all formats for his speed potential.

Looking deep

  • Jim Edmonds (ChiC) – Edmonds is making a return to the WW after he had his third multi-hit game in a row on Sunday. He has a modest 5-game hitting streak and an RBI in 5 straight games (9 total). He’s worth a look in NL-only leagues while he is swinging a hot bat again.
  • Jason Kubel (Min) - In his past 10 games, Kubel is hitting .361 with four home runs, nine RBIs and eight runs. He’ll move back to his normal DH spot after filling in for Delmon Young in left field twice in the last three games.
  • Lastings Milledge (Was) – Milledge is making a return to the WW after batting .300 with 2 HRs and 4 steals (12 overall) over his last 15 games. He has reached base safely in 22 straight games. He’s worth a look in deep mixed leagues while he is swing a hot bat and due to his potential in both the power and speed departments.
  • Brandon Jones (Atl) – Brave prospect Jones started all three games in the weekend series against the Angels after his call-up from Triple-A. He was 8-for-15 with a HR, 4 RBIs, and 4 runs scored. The club has touted Jones as the future CF, but he will see time in LF while Mark Kotsay is on the DL. He’s worth owning in NL-only formats as a stop-gap solution until Kotsay returns.
  • Elijah Dukes (Was) – Dukes extended his hitting streak to 7 games (10-for-29 with 3 stolen bases) on Sunday against the Mariners. Dukes has had a real tough start to the season, but hopefully this is a sign that he may be coming out of his slump. He has a rare blend of power and speed and is worth keeping an eye on as a sleeper in NL-only formats.
  • Met Outfield –The club acquired veteran Trot Nixon on Friday after Moises Alou joined Ryan Church on the DL. Nixon was 2-for-3 with 2 walks and a stolen base in his Met debut on Sunday. He should see plenty of playing time with all of the injuries in the outfield here, giving him some value in NL-only formats. Veterans Fernando Tatis, Endy Chavez and Damon Easley will also see some time in the OF.
  • David DeJesus (KC) – This scrappy centerfielder should find a place on deeper fantasy rosters when he’s on a hot streak, as he is right now. He’s hitting .364 over his past 19 games, with 15 runs scored, 4 home runs, 15 RBIs and 2 steals. He doesn’t provide the run-scoring production you’d like to see out of a leadoff hitter, but he can give certainly give you an offensive spark.
  • Reed Johnson (ChiC) – Johnson is 3 for his last 10 with a home run as he continues to get increased playing time due to the injury to Alfonso Soriano. For the season he is batting .267 with 3 HRs, 31 RBIs, and 31 runs scored. He’s worth a look in NL-only leagues. The club also called up rookie Micah Hoffpauir (2-for-4 on Sunday playing 1B as Derrick Lee was the DH). Reports out of Chicago have the club calling up Matt Murton and sending down recently called-up Eric Patterson. Hoffpauir has some pop and is a sleeper in NL-only leagues if he gets some playing time. Murton should also see some time in LF. Keep an eye on the situation to see who gets the bulk of the playing time while Soriano is out (up to 6 weeks).

Starting Pitchers

Looking shallow

  • Francisco Liriano (Min) – Liriano allowed two runs on five hits, no walks and struck out five in seven innings to get the win at Triple-A Rochester Sunday. He hasn't lost in six starts. With his command finally under control and his velocity getting back to pre-surgery levels, the 2006 rookie sensation should be headed back to the Twin rotation very soon, probably no later than July 1.
  • Kyle Lohse (StL) – Lohse was sharp in earning his fifth decision in a row on Saturday against the Phillies. He logged a season-high 8 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits. He’s looked real strong over his last 6 starts, compiling an ERA of 2.19. For the season he is 8-2 with an overall ERA of 3.77. He doesn’t overpower anybody, but is worth owning in mixed leagues.
  • Seth McClung (Mil) – McClung put up his third solid start in a row in earning the win on Sunday against the Twins. He allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits with 4 Ks in 6 innings of work.  He has allowed just 2 runs or less in 4 out of his last 5 starts as he continues his resurgence as a starting pitcher. The one-time Tampa prospect is worth owning in NL-only leagues while he is throwing well.
  • Manny Parra (Mil) – Parra is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Blue Jays. He’s been on a nice roll as of late, winning 4 out his last 5 starts. He’s a must-own in NL-only formats and his upside makes him attractive in mixed leagues as well.
  • Greg Maddux (SD) – Maddux was solid again on Sunday in taking the loss against the Indians. Despite being winless in his last seven starts, Maddux has pitched well. In his last six starts he has allowed just 9 runs in 35 1/3 innings pitched. For the season he is 3-5 with a very respectable ERA of 3.31. He won’t dominate like he once did, but will help you out with ERA and WHIP. He’s worth a look in deep mixed leagues when he has a favorable matchup.
  • Pedro Martinez (NYM) – Martinez had his best outing of the season on Sunday against the Rangers. He allowed just one earned run on 6 hits with 4 strikeouts in 6 innings of work. He’s no longer the dominant pitcher he once was, but still can be a serviceable fantasy starter in most formats especially if the Mets get on a roll.
  • Kenny Rogers (Det) – “The Gambler” has allowed just three runs in his past 29 IP (0.93 ERA) over four starts but doesn’t have a decision to show for his work, despite going at least seven innings in each outing.
  • Mark Buehrle (ChiW) – Buehrle has produced five quality starts in his past six trips to the mound. In four of those starts, he pitched at least 6.2 innings and allowed just one run.

Looking deep

  • Ricky Nolasco (Fla) – Nolasco was outstanding on Sunday, striking out a career high of 12 in earning the win against the Rays in Tampa. He allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits in 8 2/3 innings of work. For the season he has a record of 7-4. He’s worth owning in NL-only formats and is certainly worth entertaining in mixed leagues as well.
  • Braden Looper (StL) – Looper is making a return to the WW after throwing his first career shutout against the Reds last Wednesday. For the season he is 8-5 with an ERA of 4.34. He’s worth a shot in deep mixed leagues. His next scheduled start is Tuesday against the Royals.
  • Charlie Morton (Atl) – Morton won his major league debut with a 9-4 win against the Angels on Saturday. He allowed just 3 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings of work after being thrust into the Brave rotation with John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton all on the DL. He was very solid in Triple-A, posting a record of 5-2 in 79 innings of work. He’s a must-add in NL-only formats and has value in keeper leagues as well.
  • Ian Snell (Pit) – Snell is making his debut on the WW after allowing just one run on 6 hits with 6 Ks in 6 innings of work. After his slow start to the season, the Pirates are encouraged by his last two outings, which have seen him strike out 15 batters in just 11 innings. He’s worth owning in NL-only formats and could become a sleeper in mixed leagues as well. He’ll be tested by the White Sox in his next start on Tuesday in Chicago.
  • Andrew Miller (Fla) – Miller makes a return to the WW after posting his second strong outing in a row against Seattle on Monday. Miller has allowed just 2 earned runs over his last 14 innings of work. He’s been up and down in his first season in Florida, but has been real sharp in several outings. He’s worth owning in mixed leagues and has tremendous keeper value for the future.
  • Josh Banks (SD) – Banks had his shortest start of the season, lasting just 5 innings against the Indians on Friday. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits with 4 strikeouts. He left the game with the lead, but earned a no-decision as the bullpen failed to hold the lead. For the season he is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.29 in his 28 innings of work.  He’s been solid since being claimed off waivers from Toronto on April 23, and the Padres obviously like what they see thus far. He’s worth a flier in NL-only formats until we see if he’s for real.
  • Randy Wolf (SD) – Wolf is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Yankees in New York. He’s been real sharp in his last five starts, compiling an ERA of 1.91 in 336 innings pitched. For the season he has a record of 5-4 and has 75 Ks in 82 2/3 innings pitched. He’s worth a look in all formats especially when he is on a roll.
  • Jo-Jo Reyes (Atl) – Reyes was sharp for the fourth start in a row in winning on Friday against a solid Angel lineup. He allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits with 5 Ks in 8 innings of work. He’s posted an ERA of 3.07 in his last 4 starts to go along with 35 Ks. He’s worth owning in NL-only formats and is worth a look in deep mixed leagues.
  • Scott Olsen (Fla) – Olsen is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Mariners. He’s been real sharp over his last 3 starts, allowing just 4 runs in 19 innings pitched. For the season he is 4-3 with an ERA of 3.27. He’s worth owning as a #5 or #6 starter in fantasy leagues.
  • Kevin Slowey (Min) - Slowey retired 17 of the first 19 Milwaukee hitters he faced Friday, carrying a 9-0 lead into the seventh inning, and provided the Twins with a desperately needed quality start.
  • Andy Sonnanstine (TB) – Sonnanstine, a WW darling in May, overcame a shaky start against the Marlins Friday to pick up his first win since May 16, and now leads the Rays with seven wins. Maybe he’s getting a second wind.
  • Luke Hochevar (KC) - Hochevar allowed three runs (two hits) on 10 hits over seven innings Saturday against the Diamondbacks. He walked none and struck out six.

Middle Infielders

Looking shallow

  • Alexei Ramirez (2b, ChiW) – He’s cooled off a bit (so have the White Sox) but Ramirez is batting .413 in June with 11 RBIs and 2 home runs. His long-term prospects as the everyday 2b look solid.

     
  • Mike Aviles (SS, KC) – Aviles made his big-league debut on June 6, and the 27-year-old is making up for lost time: through 11 games, he's hitting .341 with two home runs, 11 runs and a stolen base. He’s hitting out of the two-hole, and fantasy owners with issues at the thin shortstop spot should definitely take a flier on the readily available Aviles.

     
  • Maicer Izturis (SS, LAA) – One day after seeing his 13-game hitting streak come to an end, Izturis jumped right back on board with three hits and a run scored on Monday. He’s hitting .373 in June with 2 HR, 12 RBI and 9 runs scored. He might be playing himself into an everyday situation even when Erick Aybar comes off the DL.
     

Looking deep
 

  • Mark DeRosa (2B/OF, ChiC) – DeRosa has been one of the Cubs’ steadiest players this season, batting .299 with 8 HRs, 36 RBIs, and 40 runs. He’s worth owning in all formats while he is playing regularly and swinging a hot bat. His position versatility also increases his value.
     
  • Placido Polanco (2b, Det) - The Tigers are pulling a U-turn of sorts this month, and Polanco has been right in the middle of it, hitting .519 in the last seven days. He won’t hit for power or steal bases like he used to, but a hot-hitting Polanco can be an attribute to any fantasy team.
     
  • Edgar Gonzalez (2B, SD) – Gonzalez has been on quite a roll since taking over at 2B for the injured Tadahito Iguchi. He has hit safely in 10 out his last 12 and has multi-hit games in 5 out of his last 6. He’s batting .315 overall. Gonzalez should get the bulk of the starts at 2B while Iguchi recovers, making him a nice stop-gap option in NL-only formats.
     
  • Rockie Middles – Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes will head to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday with hopes of joining the big club the latter part of the week, barring any setbacks. Despite his slow start to the season, Tulowitzki is still a solid option in all formats when healthy. Barmes, who was having somewhat of a career resurgence before the injury, is a solid play in NL-only league and could be worth a look in mixed leagues if he continues to hit the ball.Ray Durham (2B, SF) – Durham is 11 for his last 27 with 2 RBIs and 6 runs scored. For the season he is batting .305 with 2 HRs, 21 RBIs, 25 runs, and 5 stolen bases. He doesn’t possess the power or speed he once had, but makes for a nice veteran starter in NL-only formats. Keep in mind that he is injury-prone.
     
  • Jamey Carroll (2b, Cle) - Carroll has taken over as the Tribe 2B by default after Josh Barfield went on the DL, but he has four multi-hit games out of the past five, with two steals in three games.
           

Corner Infielders

Looking shallow
 

  • Chone Figgins (3b, LAA) - Figgins was back in the lineup this weekend after being activated from the disabled list. If an impatient owner dropped him, don’t hesitate to pick him up, as he can contribute in runs, batting average and steals as long as his hamstring holds up.
     
  • Jorge Cantu (3B, Fla) – Cantu is 7 for his last 25 in his last 6 games. For the season he is batting .288 with 14 HRs, 40 RBIs, and 42 runs scored. He’s worth owning in NL-only formats and is certainly worth a look in mixed leagues as well while he is swinging a hot bat.
     
  • Troy Glaus (3B, StL) – Glaus hit his 9th HR of the season (his 6th this month) on Sunday against the Phillies. For the season he is batting .267 with 9 HRs, 43 RBIs, and 28 runs scored. Glaus is worth owning in all formats with his latest power surge. Look for him to really start to heat up with the rising temperatures.
          
  • Russell Branyan (3B, Mil) – Branyan hits his 7th HR of the season on Saturday against the Twins. He seems to have taken over the 3B job from Bill Hall. He’s batting .302 with 7 HRs, 11 RBIs, and 11 runs since his call-up. Keep an eye on his progress and playing time as he may be worth a shot in NL-only formats for his power potential.
          
  • Mark Reynolds (3B, Ari) – Reynolds has hit safely in 11 out of 14 games in the month of June after struggling for most of the month of May. For the season he is batting .256 with 15 HRs, 45 RBIs, 47 runs, and 5 stolen bases. Reynolds is a streaky hitter so it may be wise to activate him in all formats while he is swinging a hot bat.
     

Looking deep
 

  • Conor Jackson (1B, Ari) – Jackson is making a return to the WW after having multi-hit games in 4 out of his last 6. For the season he is batting .305 with 7 HRs, 40 RBIs, and 38 runs. He’s started a couple of games in the outfield with the injury to Eric Byrnes, which further enhances his value.
     
  • John Bowker (1B, SF) – Bowker is making a return to the WW after going 8 for his last 15 with a HR (his third in June) and 4 RBIs. He’s worth owning in NL-only leagues after rebounding from a tough month of May.
     
  • Andy LaRoche (3B, LAD) – Manager Joe Torre has indicated that LaRoche will start at 1B or 3B against tough left-handers to spell James Loney and Blake DeWitt. He had 5 HRs in 37 games in the minors after coming off of the DL. He’s worth owning in NL-only formats and is worth a look in deep mixed leagues as well for his power potential. He’s one of the organization’s top prospects who may replace DeWitt at 3B full-time at some point.
     
  • Aaron Boone and Kory Casto (CI, Was) – Boone has continued to see ample playing time at both 3B for the injured Ryan Zimmerman and at 1B for Dmitri Young (who is 8 for his last 20). For the season he is batting .259 with 5 HRs, 16 RBIs, and 17 runs. He’s worth a shot in NL-only leagues as a stop-gap solution. Prospect Casto, who slugged his first career HR (3-run pinch-hit) on Sunday, has also seen some time at 3B. Casto has some pop and is a sleeper candidate if he grabs some at-bats while Zimmerman is down.
     
  • Eric Chavez (3b, Oak) - Chavez had three hits and drove in two runs on Sunday and has been surprisingly productive since returning from his latest back issue. He said he's still trying to find consistency at the plate, so the best could be yet to come.
     

Catchers
 

  • Ryan Doumit (Pit) – Doumit has batted .333 in his 9 games since returning from the DL. For the season he is batting .346 with 9 HRs, 22 RBIs, and 29 runs scored. He’s a sleeper in all formats if he was dropped while on the DL, especially for his power potential.
  • Dioner Navarro (TB) – Navarro has made tremendous progress at the plate this season, with a shockingly low whiff rate (11 percent) and a consistent average in the .320s. He continues to be one of the top fantasy catching options in the American League.

Relief Pitchers

  • Brave Relievers – The Braves’ closer situation continues to be muddled, as closer Rafael Soriano was placed on the 15-day DL on Saturday. Manager Bobby Cox will use a closer-by-committee approach with Manny Acosta (he has struggled as of late), Jeff Bennett (he notched his first career save on Friday), and Blaine Boyer all getting opportunities.  Left-hander Wil Ohman may also get some chances depending on matchups. Reports out of Atlanta have the club activating left-hander Mike Gonzalez from the DL on Wednesday. He has looked solid in his rehab appearances, posting an ERA of 0.82 in 11 innings of work. The club may turn to the former Pirates closer when he is activated.
  • Salomon Torres (Mil) – Torres posted his 8th save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning against the Twins on Sunday. For the season he is 4-1 with 8 saves and has an excellent ERA of 2.45. Torres will be the closer until Eric Gagne (he threw off the mound on Sunday) returns from injury, and talk out of Brewer camp has him staying there even after Gagne returns. Torres is a sleeper at the closer position especially as the Brewers start playing better.
  • Brandon Morrow (Sea) – J.J. Putz was placed on the DL with an elbow problem last week, giving the hard-throwing Morrow a chance to close the door for the Mariners, at least in the short term. Unfortunately, the Mariners are terrible, so the save opportunities will be few and far-between (Morrow did strike out the side in a non-save appearance Monday).

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