FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE:

THE CHRONICLES OF REDDICK (Week 7 – Week 8)

By Muntradamus

BEAST DOME has been giving you Free Agent wire claims that are usually weeks ahead of the other competition.  It is not even close.  To give you an idea how great BEAST DOME is, I have compiled an “All-Waiver Wire Team” with the week I told you to add him.  Read below to see how early I recommended all of these players, along with their predictions.  To give you an example, just now all the other sites are telling you to add Allen Craig…

 

BEAST DOME ALL-WAIVER WIRE TEAM:

C: Ryan Doumit (Week 6)

1B: Adam LaRoche (Week 2)

2B: Mike Aviles (Week 2)

SS: Rafael Furcal (Week 1)

3B: Pedro Alvarez (Week 5)

OF: Josh Willingham (Week 2)

OF: Alejandro De Aza (Week 2)

OF: Bryan LaHair (Week 5)

OF: Allen Craig (Week 6)

OF: Austin Jackson (Week 2)

SP: Kyle Lohse (Week 1)

SP: Drew Smyly (Week 3)

SP: Jake Peavy (Week 3)

SP: Chris Capuano (Week 5)

SP: Jason Hammel (Week 5)

RP: Alfredo Aceves (Week 2)

RP: Lance Lynn (Week 2)

 

WAIVER CLAIMS FOR WEEK (7)

OF. Josh Reddick

Prediction: .275 Average. 22 HR. 84 RBI. 10 SBs.

“Chronicles of Reddick” had a great week.  Since last Sunday he has 4 HRs to go along with 10 RBIs.  He historically has not been a great HR hitter, as he already has a career high with his 8.  However he has never gotten the chance like this to be a featured player in an everyday lineup.  His stats should continue to go up when Yoenis Cespedes returns which will give him more lineup production.  This is Reddick’s Jose Bautista moment to continue this momentum.

Stats as of 5/12: .291 Average. 8 HR. 19 RBI. 4 SB.

 

SP. James McDonald

Prediction: 3.15 ERA. 13 W. 155 K. 1.21 WHIP

I actually told people to add James McDonald back in this article, which was on April 26^th.  So far this season McDonald looks like the elite prospect the Dodgers hoped he would be.  In fact he has shown flashes of it his entire career and it comes as little surprise to see him finally pitch this well.  In his first 7 starts this season, 6 of them have been of quality.  I expect him to continue to dominate easy matchups, and even pitch well in tough matchups.  Against ATL & CIN, he has 17 Ks in 14 INN (2-0, 2.57 ERA).  Add him before it is too late.

Stats as of 5/12: (2.42 ERA. 2 W. 39 K. 1.03 WHIP)

 

2B. SS. 3B. Robert Andino

Prediction: .277 Average. 8 HR. 43 RBI. 14 SB.

Andino is another great utility infielder who can go anywhere in the INF, besides 1B.  He historically does not have a lot of power, as his career high was 5 HRs a season ago.  But he already has 3 this year.  The SBs can come in bunches as he easily has 10+ SB potential, and has yet to record one this season.  Once those comes along with his cheap power, his value will sky rocket.  He is a mini Brian Roberts.

Stats as of 5/12: .284 Average. 3 HR. 11 RBI. 0 SB.

 

C. A.J. Ellis

Prediction: .282 Average. 10 HR. 55 RBI. 1 SB.

Chances are you are struggling at catcher if you owned Wilson Ramos.  You may panic and add Jesus Flores, but if A.J. Ellis is sitting on your wire you should add him.  He is a career .275 hitter, and he seems to be the best option of being the best hitter in the back-end of a weak Dodger lineup.  If he continues to play well, the Dodgers will continue to play well.

Stats as of 5/12: .308 Average. 2 HR. 11 RBI.

 

SP. Wei-Yin Chen

Prediction: 3.37 ERA. 13 W. 120 K. 1.31 WHIP.

The surprising thing about Chen is not that he has a 2.68 ERA, it is the fact that he has done it against all good teams (NYY, @CHW, @LAA, OAK, @BOS, TEX).  Hitters cannot figure out Chen, and his matchups are only going to get easier.  The Orioles are playing great baseball right now, and with the way Chen is pitching the W’s will start to rack up.

Stats as of 5/12: 2.68 ERA. 3 W. 28 K. 1.27 WHIP.

 

SP. Jarrod Parker

Prediction: 2.70 ERA. 9 W. 96 K. 1.23 WHIP.

Parker is the real deal.  With the way his offense is playing, and with how well he has pitched against Boston in Boston, Toronto, and the White Sox, and today against the Tigers!  I will add him in all leagues with confidence.  Obviously his 1.80 ERA, and 1.15 WHIP proves that MLB hitters will have trouble with him.  I do expect an INN limit brought upon him at somepoint, but for now continue to ride out one of the best young arms in baseball.

Stats as of 5/12: 1.80 ERA. 1 W. 12 K. 1.15 WHIP.

 

SP. A.J. Burnett

Prediction: 3.30 ERA. 10 W. 170 K. 1.23 WHIP.

Take away one bad start where the Cardinals abused him for 12 ER in 2.2 INN, and Burnett has a 1.71 ERA on the season.  He also has 25 Ks in 21 INN entering Sunday in a matchup where he should dominate the Astros.  I expect Burnett to continue to pitch well in the weak NL Central where the Cardinals are the only threat for real damage against him.

Stats as of 5/12: 6.08 ERA. 1 W. 27 K. 1.44 WHIP.

 

RP. Rafael Soriano

Prediction: 2.55 ERA. 27 Saves. 60 K. 1.44 WHIP.

Obviously the Yankees are thinking twice about letting David Robertson be their closer for the whole season.  Robertson was shaky in his first appearance, and then blew his second game.  The Yankees are a team that will go to the veteran more often than not, and Soriano is that guy as he had 45 saves two season ago for Tampa Bay.  He wants that closer job, and he may get the next few tries.  If he successfully converts, Soriano will be a top 20 closer moving forward with the potential to reach the top 5 if he successfully handles the job.

Stats as of 5/12: 2.77 ERA. 1 Save. 12 K. 1.69 WHIP.

Players to Watch for (Week 8)

2B. SS. Tyler Greene

It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do with their lineup when Lance Berkman returns.  If Greene is still playing everyday, he is a player to add as he already has a Multi-HR game this season.  You do not find many 2B/SS options who have the ability to do that.  Although it seems very unlikely that Craig moves back to 2B to make room for Berkman, we have seen more surprising things.

 

See how I am doing on the Waiver Wire so Far:

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Woody Allen (Week 6-7)

 

2B. OF. Allen Craig

Stats as of 5/6: .333 Average. 0 HR. 4 RBI. 1 SB.

First thing to like about Allen Craig is that he qualifies at multiple positions, in some leagues.  Second thing to like about Allen Craig is that he is batting cleanup and playing everyday for possibly the best team in the NL.  The third thing to like about Allen Craig is that he is hot, and he showed us last season his potential with 11 HRs. 40 RBIs. 5 SBs. in 75 games.  On top of that he did this all with a with a .315 Batting average.  The point is, if you sleep on Allen Craig, he will be gone and owned in all leagues by some point this week.

Prediction (.320 Average. 17 HR. 70 RBI. 10 SB)

 

 

RP. David Robertson

Stats as of 5/6: 0.00 ERA. 21 K. 0 Saves.

In case you have been sleeping under a rock, David Robertson is a player who should not be on any waiver wire.  Not only is he going to close for the Yankees the rest of the season because of the unfortunate torn ACL to Rivera, but he is already a great pitcher.  Last season Robertson had 100 Ks in 62 INN, he also had an ERA at 1.08.  He could possibly be the best closer in fantasy baseball by the time the season is over.

Prediction (1.50 ERA. 120 K. 35 Saves)

 

3B. Chipper Jones

Stats as of 5/6: .318 Average. 5 HR. 18 RBI.

Chipper is looking like his vintage self with 2 HRs and 9 RBIs over the weekend.  That is a near historic pace, and that says volumes about the Rockies pitching staff.  Besides that, Chipper should be added in all leagues while he this hot.  The Braves offense will remain productive, and Chipper should easily have a solid campaign if he can avoid the injury bug.

Prediction (.280 Average. 16 HR. 66 RBI. 2 SB)

 

OF. Tony Campana

Stats as of 5/6: .306 Average. 0 HR. 0 RBI. 7 SB.

Campana is good for only one thing, which is stolen bases.  If your team lacks a speed guy, Campana is not only the guy to own.  He could possibly give you a vintage Juan Pierre boost if he can get hot.  Do not expect anything else, as most High School Sluggers have more power than Tony.  He is great for roto leagues.

Prediction (.288 Average. 0 HR. 17 RBI. 33 SB)

 

 

2B. SS. 3B. Sean Rodriguez

Stats as of 5/6: .195 Average. 2 HR. 7 RBI. 2 SB.

Sean Rodriguez is very similar to Mike Aviles.  Not only does he qualify at multiple positions, but he does have a secret hidden power stroke that could be ready to light up.  He also has the ability to steal bases just when you think he is not doing enough to help your team.  There are not many guys out there who qualify at every position in the INF, but Sean is one of those guys.  He will provide more than just depth.

Prediction (.245 Average. 15 HR. 66 RBI. 12 SB)

 

 

1B. Paul Goldschmidt

Stats as of 5/6: .244 Average. 1 HR. 13 RBI. 2 SB.

When the season started, many people liked Paul Goldschmidt to be a sleeper for possibly 30 HRs.  So far he is well off that pace, but lately he has been heating up to a new level.  Going into Sunday Paul is on a 6-game hitting streak.  During that streak he is hitting: .333 Average. 0 HR. 5 RBI. 1 SB.  Those numbers are not spectacular, but he could be heating up his bat for a big week.  I am personally going to take the risk that he starts playing like his vintage self.

Prediction (.266 Average. 24 HR. 82 RBI. 5 SB)

 

 

OF. Eric Thames

Stats as of 5/6: .272 Average. 2 HR. 3 RBI. 0 SB.

The problem for Eric Thames his entire career is that he cannot find everyday PT.  It seems that even with a stacked Blue Jays team, Toronto will give him his opportunity to take the job full time.  His power is tremendous as his very first at bat was a Grand-Slam in his MLB career.  In this offense Thames can do a lot of damage, no matter where he bats in the lineup.  Once he heats up, he will be off for the rest of the season.

Prediction (.270 Average. 24 HR. 77 RBI. 2 SB)

 

 

C. Ryan Doumit

Stats as of 5/6: .226 Average. 1 HR. 12 RBI.

Doumit was most likely dropped because owners were impatient with his slow start.  The thing his owners should really have been focusing on is the fact the Twins are finding everyday PT for him.  His power stroke can easily take him to 20 which would make him a top 15 catcher.  If you are struggling at the position, Doumit is a great snag.

Prediction (.255 Average. 18 HR. 65 RBI. 1 SB)

 

 

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE Vote For Pedro! (Week 4-5)

3B. Pedro Alvarez (.260 Average. 23 HR. 72 RBI. 4 SB)

Pedro has showed me this week that last season was a fluke.  The fact he was able to hit 3 HRs makes me believe he is capable of bringing back the numbers we once expected from the star rookie who hit 16 HRs in 95 games.  You can let him sit on the wire for now, but just know he is going to be must-add if he continues this hot play.  How hot you ask?  Last 9 Games, .322 Average. 3 HR. 6 RBI.  He was batting .042 before this outburst.

Current Stats: .200 Average. 4 HR. 7 RBI.

 

OF. Cody Ross (.269 Average. 27 HR. 84 RBI. 4 SB)

Remember when Jason Bay had that amazing season for the Red Sox.  So amazing that he still gets chances today despite looking like a fraction of the player he was with Boston and Pittsburgh.  Well now it is Cody Ross’s turn to play a Jason Bay type season.  With Carl Crawford out another 3 months, Bay or should I say Ross, will have plenty of RBI opportunities in that offense.  Ross was the player who basically won the World Series for the Giants a few years ago.

Current Stats: .271 Average. 5 HR. 18 RBI

 

 

1B. 3B. Chris Davis (.265 Average. 25 HR. 82 RBI. 1 SB)

Davis was one of those prospects that everyone felt was going to hit 40 HRs easily one season.  The problem was, he was on a stacked Texas Ranger team that Hank Blalock blocking his every move.  Now that Davis has found a home and an everyday position with the Orioles, Davis is finally raking like we once expected.  Will he keep it up all season?  Sure why not, at only 27 Years Old, Davis is still in the best years of his career.  Grab him now as he is probably the best 1B/3B combo on your wire.

Current Stats: .319 Average. 4 HR. 11 RBI.

OF. Jason Kubel (.272 Average. 25 HR. 81 RBI. 1 SB)

Kubel is maybe one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now.  Outside of Konerko, you can always expect a multi-game hit.  With that being said, Kubel does have a tough situation coming up.  Soon Chris Young will be healthy, Parra is playing great, and Justin Upton will be an everyday player no matter what.  Despite Parra playing great, Kubel is still their prized Free Agent they brought in this season and he is not letting their franchise down.  If you want a player who can bring you instant stats now, Kubel is a great OF option to own.  Kubel is one of those players like Cuddyer who is now getting his chance to play everyday.

Current Stats: .333 Average. 3 HR. 13 RBI.

 

 

2B. OF. Ryan Raburn (.255 Average. 20 HR. 72 RBI. 5 SB)

You are probably looking at this and saying, “Why Muntradamus?”  Here is why avid reader.  Raburn is typically a streaky hitter.  So far he has had no such streak that is worth liking.  He is also a player that shown 20 HR potential, but has never played everyday at a position.  With the Tigers recently releasing Brandon Inge, Rayburn has no excuse to play everyday.  The only thing this is holding him back is his himself, and this Spring he proved he can be the best hitter on this team.  I would wait patentiely if you own him, or make the move now to make a difference on your team at a shallow position.

Current Stats: .148 Average. 0 HR. 1 RBI. 1 SB.

 

 

1B. OF. Bryan LaHair (.286 Average. 21 HR. 80 RBI. 1 SB)

LaHair is the best/only thing really going great for the Cubs this season.  He is a player who has never been able to get his full chance to be a MLB star, but now this is it.  If you want your Michael Morse special of this season, LaHair is the closest thing we got.  His power is now relevant, and that batting average is dominating at .382.  LaHair is a guy you can instantly plug-in your lineup.

Current Stats: .382 Average. 4 HR. 12 RBI.

 

 

OF. Bryce Harper (.270 Average. 17 HR. 75 RBI. 5 SB)

Bryce is supposed to be everything you hear about when you hear of the next superstar.  At only 19 years old, Harper can be an instant fantasy stud, and the Nationals are the perfect team for him to show his abilities.  There are rumors he could be heading back to AAA when Ryan Zimmerman returns, but why put him back down.  We all know he has the potential to be the next BIG thing since Alex Rodriguez, and do the Nationals really want to plug in Rick Ankiel or Roger Bernandina instead?  Add Harper.

Current Stats: .333 Average. 0 HR. 1 RBI.

 

 

SP. Trevor Bauer (3.21 ERA. 12 W. 130 K)

Josh Collmenter has officially been kicked out of the starting rotation.  No announcement for who the next SP is, but everyone can only hope it is going to be rookie phenom Trevor Bauer.  If Bauer gets the spot, expect him to take it and run with it all season.  He is probably the best keeper pitcher in this rookie class, and pitching against the NL West will help his value.  I would take him now if I need pitching help, he should be up soon.

Current Stats: Minors

SP. Chris Capuano (3.77 ERA. 14 W. 170 K)

Last season for the Mets Capuano would either pitch like an ace, or a dud.  This season on this small ball Dodger squad where pitchers always seem to pitch well, he is doing great.  Almost like a much better version of Hiroki Kuroda for that #3 SP slot.  As long as Capuano pitches well, and he continues to face weak NL hitting teams, including the NL West.  He should be in for a solid season.  He will get the job done more often than not.

Current Stats: 2.73 ERA. 3 W. 29 K.

 

RP. Fernando Rodney (2.65 ERA. 35 Saves. 60 K)

At first I thought Fernando Rodney was simply just a fill-in for when Farnsworth returns.  So far this season, Farnsworth looks like he has no chance of gaining back that closer role with how well Rodney is pitching.  Not only has Rodney not blown a save, he has a WHIP of 0.60, and an opponents batting average of .107.  Rodney is looking great for a team that is going to give him a lot of save opportunities.  He may be snatched up by now in all leagues, but if he is still lingering.  Grab him.

Current Stats: 0.96 ERA. 7 Saves. 8 Ks.

SP. Jason Hammel (3.24 ERA. 13 W. 175 K)

What makes Ricky Romero so great is his ability to dominate AL East pitching.  So far this season Hammel has done just that giving up 2 ER in 12 INN against the Jays.  Now he has not faced the Red Sox, Yankees, or D-Rays yet, but when he does he should be great.  If he pitches well in those games based off of how well he is pitching now, he will be a must-add in no time.  You can jump the gun now.

Current Stats: 1.73 ERA. 3 W. 25 K.

 

 

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE:  That Shhh ‘Bay (Week 3-4)

 

OF. Jason Bay

Prediction (.275 Average. 21 HRs. 75 RBIs. 12 SBs)

Bay is in the midst of a 7-game hitting streak where he is hitting: .285, with 3 HRs, 4 RBIs, and a SB.  This is the same Jason Bay that had a 36 HR and 119 RBIs three seasons ago with Boston.  Now that the fences are closer in CITI, and the fact that he is hitting the ball well with the concussion problems way behind him.  I would go with this add if I need RBIs.

 

OF. Alejandro De Aza

Prediction (.255 Average. 15 HRs. 55 RBIs. 24 SBs)

De Aza is showing enough power and speed where he is a player that should not be on your waiver wire anymore.  3 HRs, 7 RBIs, 2 SBs is better than most OF options to begin with.  Add in the fact he is batting leadoff and will score a lot of runs, makes this a situation where he should be gone as you finish reading this sentence.

 

RP. Henry Rodriguez

Prediction (1.85 ERA. 24 Saves. 1.1 WHIP. 67 Ks)

4 Saves, 9 Ks, 0.00 ERA, WHIP of 0.95.  To  make everything even better, Brad Lidge blew the last save opportunity and is still dealing with Vertigo.  If Rodriguez is still sitting on your wire, then your league is behind the times.  Add him now.  Drew Storen will eventually steal the job back, but that may not be until the All-Star Break as Rodriguez is pitching too well to give it up right away.

 

1B. Mat Gamel

Prediction (.275 Average. 13 HRs. 70 RBIs. 13 SBs)

Gamel was surprisingly a SB machine this Spring as it seemed like he had at least one a week.  So far this season he already has 3.  It also helps that he has zero competition as the everyday 1B option for the Brewers.  Between his surprising speed, and the potential for 15 HRs.  You are looking at a poor mans version of the next Derrek Lee.

 

C. Nick Hundley

Prediction (.267 Average. 11 HRs. 56 RBIs. 1 SB)

Hundley is now hitting cleanup for the dangerous Padre offense.  That may not mean much, but he is hitting the ball at a respectable rate with a .391 Average, 2 HR, 8 RBIs in the last 7 games.  Catchers are the hardest position to find on the wire, and adding Hundley now if you need the depth would be a solid move.

 

RP. Francisco Cordero

Prediction (3.35 ERA. 28 Saves. 50 Ks)

We all know Francisco Cordero can get the job done as a closer with 327 career saves.  With Sergio Santos on the 15 day DL with what could be structural damage in his shoulder…

Now is a good time to pick up Cordero ASAP.  If Cordero does a good job being the closer, after Santos was nothing but shaky with two blown saves on the season already.  Then Cordero could hold this job long term.

 

OF. Jordan Schafer

Prediction (.270 Average. 7 HRs. 50 RBIs. 32 SBs)

With 2 HRs, 10 RBIs, and 6 SBs.  The time is now to forget about concerns with Schafer, and just add him.  He has already flashed the ability to steal 3 bases in a game.  He already has more HRs and RBIs than Justin Upton.  If you need someone to fill Jacoby Ellsbury’s shoes, this guy is more than capable of filling in.  He could be the next Cameron Maybin.

 

SP. Danny Duffy

Prediction (12 Wins. 140 Ks. 3.89 ERA)

Duffy has 20 Ks in 17.1 INN.  Forget about his bad start against the Blue Jays, focus on his good start against the Tigers and A’s.  He has huge potential to be a fantasy ace in keeper leagues, and this season he should boost your K rate quickly.  Just be aware an INN limit will occur at some point.  You can read more about him in this Sleeper Pitchers to Own article.

1B. Ike Davis

Prediction (.278 Average. 24 HRs. 80 RBIs. 1 SB)

Last season Ike was on his way to a big year with 7 HRs, 25 RBIs, and a .302 average in only 35 games.  People were worried his ankle problem would carry into the season, but this Spring he put that to rest with a couple of HRs.  Now in the 1st month of the season, Davis is back to raking the ball with 3 HRs, and 7 RBIs.  The batting average is extremely low at .148, but we all know that will not last.

 

SP. Drew Smyly

Prediction (11 Wins. 110 Ks. 3.77 ERA)

Drew has only allowed 1 ER in his first 10 INN as a major league pitcher.  The Tigers are going to give him ample run support, and now is a good time to snatch him off the waiver wire.  There is a good chance Drew hits an INN limit this season, but his potential as a fantasy starter the rest of the way is big.  His K rate is not amazing, but it will get the job done at about 5 a start.  If he can continue this pace, he is a guaranteed 10 wins this season.

 

OF. Luke Scott 

Prediction (.260 Average. 25 HRs. 82 RBIs. 1 SB)

Scott is starting to cool down a bit as his average was at .455, and is now at .275.  Still I am not worried as his power potential is tremendous in this D-Ray offense.  Scott is batting 5th nearly every game, and that means a lot of RBIs.  His career high in HRs is 27 in 131 games, and it is very possible he reaches those numbers now that he is 100% healthy.

 

SP. Jake Peavy

Prediction (3.89 ERA. 14 Wins. 165 Ks)

Peavy has two starts this week, one against Oakland.  The other against Boston.  If he pitches well in both of these, he will not be on your wire any longer.  He is my first pick I feel could end up in the garbage pile.  But I would use him this week no doubt as his K rate is great with 21 Ks in 19.2 INN.  It also helps that he has already pitched well against Texas and Detroit.  Confidence is up for sure.

 

 

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE: I Want to be Like Mike. (Week 2-3)

 

2B.SS.3B. Mike Aviles

Prediction (.285 Average. 15 HRs. 72 RBIs. 14 SBs. 97 Runs)

Not only does he qualify at nearly every INF position.  He has solid power with the potential for 15+ HRs, he also has some speed and can possibly steal 15 bags.  Aviles also hits for a good average, and now is the leadoff hitter for the Red Sox while Jacoby Ellsbury is out for 6 weeks.  So far Mike has hit 2 HRs in that spot and even when Carl Crawford returns, it could still be Mike hitting #1.

1B. Adam LaRoche

Prediction (.255 Average. 27 HRs. 87 RBIs. 0 SB. 72 Runs)

No 1B option is getting RBI’s as consistently as Adam LaRoche.  This could be the hottest he gets all season, but he has not even begun to reach his power stroke potential.  Hitting .350 with 10 RBIs is just the beginning for what should be a solid season.

SS. Ian Desmond

Prediction (.266 Average. 12 HRs. 65 RBIs. 25 SBs. 85 Runs)

Desmond is off to a solid start this season, hitting .326 with a HR, 2 RBIs, and a SB.  He has potential to be a 10 HR/30 SB type of fantasy performer, but 10 HR/25 SB is more of the reality.  Either way you  look at it, he is proving he is for real and you should add him while you still can.

RP. SP. Alfredo Aceves

Prediction (3.25 ERA. 3 Wins. 18 Saves. 67 Ks)

The Red Sox are going to win games this season.  Jonathan Papelbon made a living as the Red Sox closer, Andrew Bailey was originally drafted as a top 10 closer, and now Alredo Aceves is their closer.  The Red Sox have been saving Aceves for the 9th INN role all season long which appears to show the Sox are committed in making him their man.  He is not Mr. Reliable, but he is Mr. Get the Job Done.

SP. Ricky Porcello 

Prediction (3.77 ERA. 16 Wins. 107 Ks)

Ricky is one of those pitchers that can easily win 16+ Games just because he pitches on a great offense.  We already expected the low K numbers, but we did not anticipate his ERA being at 1.84 after games against the D-Rays, and White Sox.  The fact that his ERA is this low, and the fact that he will be facing easier opponents, makes Porcello have a lot of winnable games in his future.  Add him now before it is too late.

OF. Josh Willingham 

Prediction (.274 Average. 31 HRs. 103 RBIs. 5 SBs. 88 Runs)

Josh was a recommended fantasy option in a earlier version of the DAILY WAIVER WIRE article this week.  Now that he has kept it up and sports a batting average at .419 with a SB, 4 HRs,  and 7 RBIs.  He easily has the potential for 30 HRs and 100 RBIs this season.  DO NOT let him sit on the wire if he is still there.

RP. SP. Lance Lynn 

Prediction (3.66 ERA. 14 Wins. 140 Ks)

If you are in weekly roto leagues, Lane Lynn is an amazing add.  He qualifies at RP, which give you the flexibility to put him in your lineup to get a boost of Wins and Ks.  It also helps that so far on the season he is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 13 Ks in 12 INN.  Add him before it is too late.

SP. Matt Harrison 

Prediction (3.87 ERA. 15 Wins. 107 Ks)

Yes he is 2-0, yes his ERA is .063, and yes he plays on a team that will give him a lot of run support every game.  So yes, go ahead and add him if you want a nice quality pitcher that can give you solid win totals.  The AL West is pretty weak offensively outside of his Rangers and the Angels, so yes there is a lot of positive in Harrison’s direction.

OF. Austin Jackson 

Prediction (.267 Average. 12 HRs. 55 RBIs. 29 SBs. 110 Runs)

Jackson got his opportunity to be the everyday CF when the Tigers decided it was time to trade away Curtis Granderson.  Jackson has already accomplished the 10 HR/22 SB season, and his career high is 27 SBs in a season.  So far he is hitting .412 with a HR, 3 RBIs, and a SB.  But the thing that makes him very attractive is the fact he bats leadoff on the best team in baseball.  So far through 9 games he has 9 runs.  That run count will not slow down anytime soon, and the other stats besides the batting average will continue to grow.

SS. Alex S. Gonzalez 

Prediction (.245 Average. 21 HRs. 69 RBIs. 2 SBs. 65 Runs)

Alex is showing the power stroke early, and he is a candidate to easily hit 20 HRs this season.  Already with 2, the Brewers power hitting SS has no competition to be raking the ball all season.

SP. Jake Westbrook 

Prediction (3.85 ERA. 15 Wins. 105 Ks)

The Cardinals are looking like the beasts of the NL Central.  No team can compete with that offense, and Westbrook has two elite starts in a row.  Lohse was recommended last week, and now Westbrook and Lynn are recommended this week.  Do not expect Ks with Westbrook, but it is possible for him to have an ERA under 3.50 by the time the season ends.  So far in two starts, 2-0 with a .064 ERA.  Things are looking good for Cardinal pitchers.

 

 

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE: Don’t Pena with my Heart. (Week 1-2)

 

1B. Carlos Pena

Prediction: (.230 BA. 34 HRs. 101 RBIs. 1 SB. 78 Runs)

Pena is starting the season hot, and he easily has the potential to hit 40 HRs.  I would take him on my fantasy team no doubt as his power will compete with the big sluggers at 1B such as Hosmer, Morse, Morales, and Dunn.  He could even break into the upper tier, but for now his power is among the best.  He will kill you in batting average, though you should ride him during a hot streak like he is on now.

SS. Zack Cozart

Prediction: (.313 BA.  14 HRs. 65 RBIs. 16 SBs. 84 Runs)

Cozart is a must-add player as he is the #2 hitter in this Reds lineup for good, and he should be a lock to hover the .300 batting average range.  The only question with him is, how many HRs and RBIs are you going to have this season?  The answer to that question is, anything over 15 in each department would be a great season.  He is capable of doing it.

3B. Chone Figgins

Prediction: (.278 BA. 1 HR. 42 RBIs. 38 SBs. 102 Runs)

If you let Figgins slip now, you will never get another chance with him.  He has back-to-back 3 Hit games.  He already has a SB, and he has 4 RBIs.  The Mariners are dedicated to giving him the leadoff spot with no competition.  They are paying him enough money, and he should get back to his 40 SB plateau that we once expected from him.  Take the flier now before it is too late, he should be over last year’s terrible nightmare.

SP.RP. Daniel Bard

Prediction: (Becomes closer. 3.46 ERA. 75 Ks. 21 Saves. 1.15 WHIP)

There is rumors swirling around that Daniel Bard will move back to the closer role after Alfredo Aceves and Mark Melancon have proved to be terrible options in the bullpen.  Even if Bard stays as a starter, he is still the Starting Pitcher for one of the best offensive teams in baseball.  If you need pitching help, Bard is the first guy to go after.

SP. Chad Billingsley

Prediction: (3.78 ERA. 172 Ks. 14 Wins. 1.20 WHIP)

I do not care if it was against the Padres.  11 Ks, with 0 ER deserves to be added in  all leagues.  Especially with a pitcher who was once as dominant as Chad Billingsley once was.  You can expect him to be on his way to a 165+ K season, if his ERA stays under 4.00 and his win totals break 14, then you got yourself a solid season.

SS. Rafael Furcal

Prediction: (.265 BA. 8 HRs. 45 RBIs. 26 SBs. 96 Runs)

Furcal is playing at his vintage form right now.   Usually with Furcal, the second he gets hot, the second he lands on the DL.  It is worth taking the early gamble that he will be healthy and it is not entirely impossible for him to end up with 10 HRs, and 25 SBs.  At this rate he is looking for real.

SP. Kyle Lohse

Prediction: (3.80 ERA. 130 Ks. 15 Wins. 1.20 WHIP)

Lohse usually has an ERA under 3.00 the first two months of the season.  He started out hot, and there is no reason to believe he will not keep it going.  The Cardinals offense is on fire and there is good reason to believe Lohse will be one of the highest ranked pitchers by the end April.  At least he is worth the gamble to find out.

SP. Edinson Volquez

Prediction: (4.10 ERA. 170 Ks. 13 Wins. 1.30 WHIP)

Volquez is looking primed for a big comeback season.  His control is back, but most importantly his K rate is back.  After racking up 7 Ks in 5 INN, you should give him a chance to prove he at his throwback form.  I will take my chances with Volquez if I need pitching help now.  Those Wins may not come easy though pitching for the Padres.

RP. Aroldis Chapman

Prediction: (Becomes Starting Pitcher.  3.20 ERA. 155 Ks. 11 Wins. 1.10 WHIP)

Chapman is still a MR option for the Reds.  However he was the best pitcher for them this Spring as a starter, and would have been starting most likely if Ryan Madson was not out for the season.  I will take my chances with him and wait it out as he will soon turn into MUST-START material.  For now he can ride your pine, or be an elite RP in daily leagues.