Fantasy Baseball Daily Bargains-Waiver Wire Sleepers-April 13
If he’s still on your fantasy baseball waiver wires, Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) is a must add. He’s tearing it up and will only get better as he adjusts to the Big Leagues. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
One of the keys to succeeding in fantasy baseball is getting good value. Wether in daily or season-long formats, getting production out of lesser-known players is the way most leagues and championships are won. Because our that fact, at FantasyCPR we provide you with a daily rundown of a full lineup of players who are under-owned, under-appreciated, and therefore represent great value.
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Here’s the sleepers who stood out Friday all of whom are owned in under half of ESPN leagues (ownership percentage included).
Sleeper Starting Lineup
C– Welington Castillo-Chicago Cubs: (0.4%) Castillo isn’t the hit-for-power kind of catcher that John Buck of the Mets, J.P. Arencibia of the Jays, and even Saltalamacchia of the Sox represent. What he does bring to your team though, may be even more valuable. He’s hitting for a great average (right now .414) and has reached safely in his last six games with multiple hits in five of his last six. If you need a boost in batting average rather than bombs and RBI, check out Castillo as a solid option while he continues to hit this well.
Apr 12, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso (23) runs the bases after a two-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. . Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
1B– Yonder Alonso-San Diego Padres: (6.9%) Alonso hit his second home run of the year last night in the first inning against the Rockies. He’s hit safely in each of his last four games and is now hitting .289 (11-38) with a pair of home runs and five total RBI. He’s not in the elite category yet to be sure, but he’s starting to join the usable corner-infield options if your on a budget or have suffered an injury.
2B– Eric Sogard-Oakland Athletics: (0.2%) Sogard is 7-28 to start the year which at a thin 2B is good enough to be mentioned here. He’s scored three runs in the A’s last two games and added his second steal of the year last night. Sogard is an extremely cheap add or a deep sleeper who can give you some speed and plays mostly every day.
3B– Josh Donaldson-Oakland Athletics: (0.4%) Donaldson has had multiple hits in his last four games after last night’s 2-5 with two runs scored, a double, and his second home run in as many games. He’s heating up after a slow start and looks to be a key part of the A’s plans for the rest of the season.
SS– Ruben Tejada-New York Mets: (0.5%) Tejada has struggled early in the season but has collected two hits on back-to-back days after going 2-5 with a double and a run scored yesterday. Until he gets a new spot in the lineup (currently hitting ninth) he’s little more than an average boost in roto leagues if he starts hitting. SS and 2B are extremely shallow positions and Tejada can get back on the radar quickly if he can achieve some consistency.
OF-Starling Marte-Pittsburgh Pirates: (30.5%) Marte has emerged as one of the bright spots in the Pirates start collecting his sixth straight two-hit game last night and stealing his second base of the year. He’s up to .350 (14-40) and the power and speed are still to follow. Marte is one of the top pickups of the year so far and is a great addition in any format.
Apr 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder David DeJesus (9) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
OF– David DeJesus-Chicago Cubs: (0.1%) DeJesus has remerged in the last three games going 7-15 with three doubles, four runs scored, and adding a home run yesterday. He’s leading off for the Cubs and could be worth a look as a short-term bargain while he’s hitting this well.
OF– Rick Ankiel-Houston Astros: (0.3%) Like DeJesus-a blast from the past, Ankiel went 2-4 with a double and three RBI against the Angels last night after hitting his second home run of the year in his last game Wednesday night. He’s a deep league only option at this point but could represent value if he can carve a regular spot in the Houston lineup.
AL Starting Pitcher– Jose Quintana-Chicago White Sox: (0.4%) Quintana looked vastly improved from his first start despite a no-decision last night in Cleveland. He struck out seven and walked none while allowing just one hit in seven shutout innings, but Justin Masterson was just as good and ultimately Cleveland won 1-0 late. Quintana is a spot starter option when he’s right which he definitely was last night after getting pummeled by the Mariners in his first start.
Apr 12, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller (40) throws to a Milwaukee Brewers batter during the third inning at Busch Stadium. St. Louis defeated Milwaukee 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
NL Starting Pitcher-Shelby Miller-St. Louis Cardinals: (50%) Miller went seven shutout innings last night as well striking out eight and allowing just one hit. He’s had two good starts for the Cards this year and is 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP after 12 1/3 innings. He’s a nice add if you need a more permanent option since he’ll soon be too owned for streaming purposes.
Relief Pitcher-Darin Downs-Detroit Tigers: (0.3%) Downs went two more shutout innings last night allowing just a walk while striking out two. He’s allowed two runs this season over 7 2/3 innings while striking out 11 in five appearances. If you are required to have a relief pitcher, Downs is a nice option and he could find himself in a bigger role soon in the Tigers ever-searching bullpen.