FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE: Don’t Pena with my Heart.

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

By Muntradamus

This article will come out once in the middle of the week, and once at the end of the weeks.  The players that make this list are players that should be on your fantasy team now, and for the long haul of the season.  If players on this struggle, I will let you know and throw them in the.

GARBAGE PILE:

Since this is the first article, there are no players in the garbage pile.  But for now, these are the player to own in all leagues, and should help your team immediately.  These players are intended for 12 team leagues or higher, you can still take a gander and of course.  If you have any questions feel free to ask me on the bottom of the article.

ADD THESE PLAYERS:

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.