It’s the middle of May, and summer is just around the corner. Somewhere, Thin Lizzy’s “Boys are Back in Town” is blaring, and sprinklers are on in the background while a professional baseball team is taking batting practice. It’s also the “dog days of summer” for you in fantasy baseball as well. This is the time that the waiver plays show to have paid dividends, and the last few starters are still awaiting a spot on your fantasy team. Be sure to keep an eye on the waiver wire, as you never know who the next Yasiel Puig will be.
Whether it is a free agent pool, a budget-budget based system, or weekly waivers, playing the wire is a key element to winning your fantasy baseball leagues.
Each Wednesday, XN Sports will present an option at each position, and why you should add them.
Without further ado, let’s play the waiver wire:
Catcher
Yan Gomes, Cleveland Indians
Gomes is available in around 85 percent of fantasy leagues, and that has to change. So far this season, Gomes is hitting .265 with five home runs and 14 runs batted in. He has also scored 16 runs in that impressive Cleveland lineup. Amongst catchers, Gomes is sixth in runs scored, tied for fifth in home runs, and is in the top 18 in runs batted in. He also does not hurt your batting average, like a lot of power-hitting catchers seem to do.
First Base
Adam Lind, Toronto Blue Jays
Lind is back from injury, and he picked up right where he left off. So far this season the Blue Jays’ first baseman is hitting .308 with two home runs and 11 runs batted in while scoring 11 runs. Keep in mind that he only has around a third of what other starting first baseman have so far as he missed a few weeks due to injury. If he had as many at-bats as the others, Lind could have six home runs and 30 runs batted in, sounds enticing now, doesn’t it?
Second Base
Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers
This is not an “add now” kind of move, unless you have room on your fantasy team for a player who can be on the disabled list. But, as most leagues do, he is a great add for the future. Profar is available in over 75 percent of fantasy leagues, and once he is healthy he has the potential to hit for average, hit for power and steal bases. Add him if you have room.
Third Base/Short Stop
Mike Aviles, Cleveland Indians
Aviles is a rare commodity, so be sure to add him if you have the chance. He is eligible at both third base and short stop, increasing his value even more. Why does he have value to begin with? So far this season in just 80 at-bats, Aviles is hitting .309 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in. He has also scored 12 runs and has stolen four bases. Aviles is an every day starter now for the Indians and he will continue to give value in all five categories in your league. Be sure to add him and plug him in as a shortstop, middle infielder, or even at third base if you need it.
Outfield
George Springer, Houston Astros
Springer is starting to heat up, which is great news for those who have him on their fantasy team. The thing is, only half of fantasy leagues have him rostered, meaning he could still be available in your league. Springer has the potential to be a 30 home run and 30 stolen base guy in the major leagues, and is starting to get on base and hit for more power in the last two weeks. In his last 52 at-bats, Springer is hitting .288 with two home runs and seven runs batted in, he does not have a stolen base yet, but those will come as he was a terror on the base paths in the minor leagues.
Starting Pitcher/Relief Pitcher
Drew Pomeranz, Oakland Athletics
Pomeranz’s value is through the roof right now. Why? He has eligibility at both starting pitcher and relief pitcher, which means he can fit into any slot on your pitching staff. So far this season he has thrown 23.2 innings and has just a 1.14 ERA with a WHIP of 1.01. Pomeranz was just moved to the starting rotation a week ago and has already started two games. In these two contests, he was able to allow just seven base runners and strike out 13 hitters in 10 innings of scoreless baseball. In addition, when have you seen a young pitcher go to Oakland and struggle? Pomeranz is just the next one on the line, so be sure to add him right away.
