Fantasy Baseball: Hector Sanchez tops Week 7 Waiver-Wire Adds

As you scour the waiver wire today for a couple potential guys to help your fantasy baseball team throughout the next week, one guy you should look to target is San Francisco Giants’ backup catcher Hector Sanchez.

Apr 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Hector Sanchez (29) celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the eleventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Giants won 12-10. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right, I’m suggesting that you go pick up a backup catcher.

With Brandon Belt out for what looks like at least six weeks, the Giants may get tired of cycling through their utility players at first base.

If the Giants don’t look to go outside the organization for a short-term replacement, they could promote Angel Villalona from Double-A. but the most likely scenario could be to simply play Buster Posey at first base most of the time.

That would mean a serious bump in playing time for the 24-year old Sanchez.

While he does have some contact issues that likely make last year’s .248 the high end of expectations average-wise, he has some power, and in two-catcher leagues that might be enough to warrant a spot by itself.

He currently boasts only a .236/.262/.400 line with a pair of homers, but has already driven in 16 runs in only 55 at bats. More impressively he is hitting .333 with an .842 OPS with runners in scoring position.

There isn’t a ton of upside here, but there is a little and if you need to upgrade your second catcher in deep or NL-only formats, Sanchez is a guy who makes sense.

Other Potential Pickups (Must be owned in less than 35 percent of ESPN Leagues to qualify)

Tyler Moore, Washington Nationals, (0 percent owned)

With Adam LaRoche now on the DL, Moore has been promoted and could be in store for a good run of playing time over the next couple of weeks.

The 27-year old Moore is a power-only guy with a ton of swing-and-miss in his game, and really isn’t well suited for much more than a short-term stopgap.

Zach Walters is another guy that could see increased playing time, but he basically has the same skill set as Moore with three more years to mature, giving him a touch more upside.

Neither player warrants a pickup as a regular in most formats, although those desperate for power could take a short-term flyer on Moore, who has a pair of homers this season in only 33 at bats.

Wilmer Flores, New York Mets, (0.1 percent owned)

Mar 11, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; New York Mets third baseman Wilmer Flores (4) throws out a St. Louis Cardinals base runner at Roger Dean Stadium. The Mets defeated the Cardinals 9-8. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

I’m very high on Flores and he has a bat that can help your team out.

He should be given a long look as long as his glove holds up, which is no guarantee.

However the Mets need some production from the shortstop position and Flores is likely their best option.

Chad Qualls, Houston Astros (1.4 percent owned)

Qualls collected his second save of the year on Sunday after pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles.

It’s anybody’s guess who the next save will go to, as Bo Porter has committed to a pretty true committee, but if anybody has a chance to stake their claim to the job, it’s Qualls.

Sadly he’s the most talented pitcher in the bullpen and has the experience.

In 11 innings this year, he has an 11.5 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 61% GB%, and 1.82 xFIP.

He’s worth snatching up in deeper leagues, but it’s hard to really count on him for anything given the way this bullpen has been used so far in 2014.

Rougned Odor, Texas Rangers, (1.0 percent owned)

If you need middle infield help, Odor is certainly worth a look.

He’s the youngest player in all of baseball right now and a talented second base prospect.

His promotion seemed rushed, as he has only 60 game played above Class-A ball.

However, he has the skill set to make a fantasy impact.

His bat has a little more pop than some would think given his small frame and he has above average speed. If you are looking to take a flier on someone this week, Odor would be the guy even though he will likely only hold the spot until Jurickson Profar returns.

Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds, (12.5 percent owned)

May 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake (44) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

He’s not a big name and doesn’t strike out many batters, but if you need an arm in the short term, you could do much worse than Leake.

The guy is steady as they come.

Since the start of the last season, Leake boasts a 3.38 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. You could do much worse if you are in search of an arm.

Devin Mesoraco, Cincinnati Reds, (32.9 percent)

Sure he is injured, but how is Mesoraco owned in only 32.9 percent of ESPN leagues?

With already two trips to the DL this season, Mesoraco is an injury concern, but the guy was hitting .468 before his most recent injury. He had 22 hits in 47 at-bats to go along with three homers and 13 RBI in 13 games.

Mesoraco should be back later in this week. Go get him now.

Justin Smoak, Seattle Mariners, (31.5 percent owned)

Fantasy owners have been waiting for Smoak to breakout since he arrived and while that hasn’t happened yet, there are some good signs that it could be on the way.

A lifetime .229 hitter, Smoak is hitting almost .250 with five homers and 24 RBI already with an OPS at .739.

He is projected as a 20 homer, 100 RBI guy right now and is sitting on the waiver wire in most leagues.

I doubt he drives in 100 runs, but is 85-90 out of the question?

He is definitely worth a look.