Dixon’s Picks: Waiver Wire Additions for the Week of June 3

Photo courtesy of Matthew D. Britt

I can not tell a lie. Last week was not a good one for me.

Something did occur to me though. Just so you guys get an idea of my overall success rate, I’d like to show everyone my up to date numbers with picks.

Before really judging that, I’d like to show you the combined numbers of three other starters. Take a look.

The three pitchers who have those numbers? Matt Cain, Cole Hamels, and Justin Verlander. They won’t be found on any waiver wires. The point? With waiver wire guys, as well as established aces, all you can really do is play the percentages and hope for the best.

I’ll keep a running tally of my guys’ stats throughout the season. But for now, let’s see who we’re gonna be looking at this week.

• A.J. Griffin, Oakland Athletics — Probable Starts: Tuesday at Milwaukee Brewers, Sunday at Chicago White Sox

I’m genuinely a fan of this guy. A.J. Griffin has the game to pitch away from Oakland. He’s not a strikeout guy, but he can strike hitters out when need be. He’s also had some solid outings against some of the better American League lineups this year. This week, he’ll be facing two of the league’s Bottom-10 scoring offenses. 

That’s a little hard to believe with the Brewers. Their lineup includes the likes of Carlos Gomez, Jean Segura, Ryan Braun, and Aramis Ramirez. But for whatever reason, they don’t score runs. Actually, they’re at best middle of the road in most offensive categories. The season is still young but at this point, that’s definitely not a fluke. Also, remember that they’ll be in Milwaukee, so there won’t be a DH. That’s not a huge loss for the Brewers, as they’re used to it. But for Griffin, who’s used to facing a nine-hitter lineup, it will be a nice break.

The White Sox strive to be a middle of the road offense. They rank in the Bottom-5 in nearly every offensive categories. They’re near the bottom of the league in both hits and walks. They’re also below average in home runs hit but being so bad at hits and walks, those home runs rarely put a big dent on the scoreboard.

Griffin has had only one really bad start all year. This is a good week for him to post two more good outings. Additionally, the A’s are a red hot team right now and have a great bullpen. So, you’re looking at two games that really should be wins.

Griffin’s Projections for the Week

• Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia Phillies — Probable Starts: Monday at Miami Marlins, Saturday at Milwaukee Brewers

Like Griffin, Kyle Kendrick is someone that I have written a lot about. There have only been a few rough outings this year for him and going back to the second half of last year, he’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball. Now, I do think he’ll level out at some point — but not this week.

When it comes to playing the odds here, you find better than a pitcher going against the Marlins. They are dead last in just about every major offensive category, and are still without Giancarlo Stanton. We’ve already gone over the Brewers, so no point in repeating myself there.

Kendrick won’t get you big strikeout totals, but he remains a solid option. He knows how to pitch to contact, which means he doesn’t walk many hitters. If you’re ever looking for a good Waiver Wire guy, finding a guy who doesn’t issue free passes is a good bet.

Kendrick’s Projections for the Week

• Jonathan Pettibone, Philadelphia Phillies — Probable Starts: Tuesday at Miami Marlins, Sunday at Milwaukee Brewers

Obviously, we’re talking about the same opponents here. Actually, the Brewers are recommended with all three guys here, which I’m not sure has ever happened.

Again, the Marlins are about as bad as you’ll ever see from a Major League offense, especially without Stanton. So, I’m not too focused on that outing here. But what’s good about Jonathan Pettibone is that he keeps the ball down against all opponents, so he doesn’t surrender many home runs.

That’s what has kept his ERA in the mid 3.00 range (minors and majors), despite a WHIP that leaves a little to be desired. I don’t know that you’re going to see him as a good full time fantasy guy until he finds a way to get his WHIP (especially walks) down. But for these two starts, you’re looking at a pretty good option.

Pettibone’s Projections for the Week