Top Ten Waiver Wire Additions-Weekly Pickups, July 19
By SH
Hey folks! Hope you enjoyed your all star break and didn’t miss me too much. I had a nice little extended weekend for it, but now back to the grind. Many owners I’m sure are happy with the return of many injured players like Ellsbury, Crawford, and Halladay, but there are also many under the radar guys who are slowly becoming impact players. Here’s 10 more quality players who could really help you benefit you down the stretch.
Top 10 Waiver Wire Pickups
1. Lance Berkman, STL 1B – After his stellar comeback season last year, the Big Puma has been battling injuries all season long. He’s now back into the lineup for the Cards and he is a must add in all leagues because of his production track record.
2. Doug Fister, DET SP – Dougie Fresh has been a bit disappointing to Tigers fans this season after he dominated all last year. However, his last start he looked like his old self. If he is back to his form, Fister is a very solid number 2 behind Verlander. With the Tigers starting to pick it up, Fister needs to be owned.
3. Rickie Weeks, MIL 2B – The man is hot this last month to say the least. After a terrible beginning to the season, Rickie is getting back to his old self and carrying the Brewers along with Mr. Braun. Grab Weeks now before it’s too late.
4. Ben Sheets, ATL SP – Remember this name? Well it’s been a couple years, but he’s shaken off the cob webs and looked mighty fine in his first outing for the Braves. I’m not sure if he will continue this productivity, but it’s worth a shot.
5. Pedro Ciriaco, BOS IF – This dude is making Boston fans not even remember who Dustin Pedroia is. He has already collected multiple hits in 3 of his first 5 starts and seems like he will be a mainstay with the Sox. Punto will probably be the one who gets nixed, so definitely keep an eye out for Pedro.
6. A.J. Griffin, OAK SP – Secretly, the Oakland A’s are playing solid baseball and Griffin has been dealing since joining the rotation. He has been very productive in his first 4 starts for the squad and if Billy Beane has anything to say about it, Griffin could be useful in these next couple of months for owners.
7. Michael Brantley, CLE OF – Household name, but his numbers haven’t always backed that up. He is heating up lately though, and providing some Thunder in the Indians lineup. Outfield is deep, but his recent streak makes him valuable.
8. Zach Britton, BAL SP – The Orioles are in desperate need for some starting pitching and Britten is on the rescue. He finally made his 2012 debut on Tuesday, but the results weren’t great. However, he should continue to get chances with the squad and he has much potential so definitely watch him closely.
9. Francisco Rodriguez, MIL RP – Axford has been horrible this year and they’re finally giving K-Rod the chance. I mean he is not near as electric as his Angels days, but saves are always valuable and that’s what this man should give you.
10. Anthony Gose, TOR OF – If you haven’t been able to tell this season, I’m a big prospect guy. I realize they don’t always work out, but why not catch that flash in a pan? Gose started in the Futures Game last week and now is getting his crack with the Blue Jays. He’s one of their top prospects and his blazing speed should make an impact immediately.
Hello, Waiver Wire!
I’m not getting cute with this list anymore, time to cut the guys who haven’t been living up to their potential. It’s almost August folks and there’s no more rooms for lousy players. Get out the scissors!
Bryan LaHair – CHC OF, Cody Ross – BOS OF, Jed Lowrie – HOU SS, Marco Scutaro – COL IF, Carlos Quentin – SD OF, J.J. Hardy – BAL SS, Lucas Duda – NYM OF, Heath Bell – MIA RP, Jason Hammel – BAL SP, Ubaldo Jimenez – CLE SP,