Top Ten Waiver Wire Pickups – Fantasy Baseball – August 9
By SH
America’s pasttime is turning up. These next 8 weeks are always a special time in the game of baseball with division and wild card races heating up by the day. Some teams are starting to fade while others are flourishing. This is when the pretenders and contenders truly are shown. But impact fantasy players are found on each team no matter what their record is. The most important thing though as a fantasy owner is finding streaks. Slumps can’t be waited out anymore. Also, you can’t take anyone lightly even if they have a historic past few years. It doesn’t matter what they’ve done in their career, it’s all about what they can do for you in these next 6 weeks. Remember that.
1. Brandon McCarthy, OAK SP – The man is back on Friday and if the A’s are poised to make this run, McCarthy needs to spear head this. After hitting the DL twice this year, we all hope he can stay healthy and be a very productive pitcher for your staff.
2. Bartolo Colon, OAK SP – Can’t believe I putting this guy here, but how can you argue those numbers lately. He won me over with his last start against the Angels on Tuesday and I really think Colon can help many squads out down the stretch. If the A’s are real, him and McCarthy seriously could be very crucial in August and September.
3. Jayson Werth, WSH OF – The $100 million dollar man is finally back after his wrist injury earlier this year, and he has hopped right back into the lineup. He hasn’t shown the same Jayson Werth of Philly in 2010, but he still has that power stroke that could surge at any time.
4. Manny Machado, BAL IF – The 3rd overall pick from the 2010 draft is going to make his debut tonight in Baltimore. He was drafted as a SS, but could be the answer to their 3B woes this season. Machado is one of the top position player prospects in all of baseball and needs to be added as soon as possible. No guarantees on how he will perform, but he has the tools to be a break out player these next 2 months.
5. Chris Tillman, BAL SP – The Orioles’ are starting to fade a bit, but not when Tillman has been on the hill. He’s had very quality performances this season and has some interesting future match-ups that really favor him. I would definitely grab him before Baltimore gets hot again.
6. Dan Straily, OAK SP – I was about to put him number 1 on this list until he gave up a little bomb squad party to the Angels yesterday. However, I’m still on the Straily train. He dominated his first start last week, and many have compared his minor league tour to Brandon Beachy’s. Low profiled guy who came out of nowhere and now getting his chance. Not sure if he will have continued success like Beachy, but why not give him an add?
7. Patrick Corbin, ARZ SP – After a stint in the bullpen and then back to the minor leagues, Corbin is back in the rotation for Arizona and has an opportunity to make it stick. The Diamondbacks obviously feel strong about Patrick after promoting him over Bauer this season. This time around he seems more comfortable in the bigs, and I really think he could provide some major points down the stretch.
8. Mike Olt, TEX 3B – Olt would’ve made the list last week, but he didn’t make his debut until Thursday so he missed the cut by one day. We have all got a feel for how Olt’s at-bats are going to go, primarily against lefties, but his potential is still worth owning in bigger leagues.
9. Kendry Morales, LAA 1B – Morales was a pick for a breakout season by myself earlier this year, and I’m honestly shocked on how he has performed this season. He was a MVP candidate 2-3 years ago, and I did expect him to show the same kind of pop. However, his recent home run surge is worth noting and with the Angels’ obviously being a big favorite in the American League, Morales has many RBI opportunities to cash in on.
10. Tom Henderson, MIL RP – A life-time minor leaguer, Tommy Henderson is finally getting his opportunity this month in the Brewers’ bullpen. He has been taking full advantage of it and after his beginning success, he has become the current closer for the Crew. He is 2-2 so far in save opportunities so take a look at him.
Hello, Waiver Wire!
Like I’ve been saying, now is the playoff push for all owners. No need to lose sleep over cutting guys anymore, if they aren’t producing bring out those scissors!
A.J. Griffin – OAK SP, Zach McAllister – CLE SP, Edinson Volquez – SD SP, Ryan Cook – OAK RP, Jarrod Parker – OAK SP, Matt Garza – CHC SP, Carlos Ruiz – PHI C, Emilio Bonifacio – MIA OF, Pedro Alvarez – PIT 3B, Mike Moustakas – KC 3B, Chris Young – ARZ OF