Top Ten Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups – July 5
By SH
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Independence Day than to write an article on America’s pastime. Since its invention in 1845, baseball has been the steadfast love of all Americans. The game itself is timeless and to this day, it is the greatest game of all time. Fantasy just allows us to exploit its greatness even deeper. I received great feedback on my 10 player list from last week so I’m going to continue on with that this month and see where it goes from here.
1. Carl Crawford, BOS OF – Everyone knows what this guy is made of and it seems like he’s just a week or so away. He will instantly be an impact player and should be added now before he finishes off his rehab assignment.
2. Phil Hughes, NYY SP – He has been straight dominant his last 3 starts and he’s proving the potential scouts have always seen in him. With the Yankees making their charge in the AL East, Hughes will be a big factor for them.
3. Mike Leake, CIN SP – The Reds don’t get too much publicity, but when they do, Leake isn’t the top topic. But secretly, he has been doing his thing on the mound. He has had a great string of quality appearances and for the Reds to stay up top in the NL Central, Mike will need to keep t his up.
4. Quintin Berry, DET OF – Don’t get me wrong, I’m kind of a homer when it comes to the Tiger. But I really like Berry. The speed he possesses is something Detroit really needs and the way he has been producing, he should see consistent playing time. I still think the Tigers are going to win the World Series and QB will be a big factor in that.
5. Alexi Amarista, SD 2B – The recent call up for the Padres has been off to a hot start. He’s shown some flashes of power and driven in a good amount of runs so far in this last month of action. The Padres aren’t the best team in the bigs by any means, but Amarista still can give you some production.
6. Franklin Morales, BOS SP – It seems like forever since we’ve seen Morales dominant as a starter, but that’s what he has been doing this last few times out. Now that Dice K has gone on the DL, Morales is staying in the rotation and I’d definitely take a look at him.
7. Yasmani Grandal, SD C – First 2 hits are home runs from each side of the plate? No big deal or anything. Then he goes yard the next night. This former Hurricane can play and it’s showing this last week.
8. Michael Fiers, MIL SP – Since being called up, Fiers has been quietly producing all year long. 3 out of his last 4 starts have been outstanding and if Milwaukee wants to remain in the hunt, expect Fiers to be a reason why.
9. Justin Ruggiano, MIA OF – Grab him while he is hot. Homers in 3 straight games and the circus show of new Marlins field is going crazy.
10. Travis Wood, CHC SP – Staying in the NL Central, Wood has been shaky to start, but his last 3 outings have been very successful. Not sure what he’s going to be like the rest of the year, but definitely throw him on the watch list.
Hello, Waiver Wire
Like I’ve been preaching this past month, at this point of the season there is no more waiting on guys to turn it around or develop. That is why this list is getting shorter each week. By now you’re either leading the division, still in the hunt, or just out of the picture. If you’re in the first 2 categories then don’t feel bad when you cut someone struggling below for a guy I’ve mentioned up top.
Jesus Montero – SEA C, Justin Morneau – MIN 1B, Dustin Ackley – SEA 2B, Andy Pettite – NYY SP (DL), Chris Carpenter – STL SP (Out for year)