On the next episode of WHIP-Busters...
Fantasy baseball free agent waiver wires are probably a hotbed of action lately what with the rash of injuries that seem to be occurring this late in the season. You’ve also got a little bit of player movement as the waiver trade deadline approaches, so playing time for a number of guys is dwindling. Nothing worse than getting tagged this late in the season, but if you can still make pick ups, then all is not lost. It may feel like it, but it’s not. With rosters expanding soon enough, things might be in flux for the next 2 weeks, but if you stay on top of all the action, then you can make the necessary adjustments to keep your team chugging along. Here’s a look at a few names that may or may not be overlooked in your fantasy baseball leagues.
3 Up
Daniel Hudson, SP ARI – Maybe it’s because he’s only been up in the bigs for a short time or maybe it’s because he was dealt to the NL without much fanfare, but for those who aren’t in the know, you should think about picking this kid up. Dealt to the Diamondbacks for Edwin Jackson, Hudson, the former top pitching prospect in the White Sox farm system, has been spectacular since the move. He’s 3-1 in his last 4 starts with a 2.12 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP and 27 strikeouts and look slike he’s really found his groove. He’s always had a solid K rate and has only walked 4 batters in the last 29 2/3 innings, so if you’re looking for someone to help down the stretch, then look no further.
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS KC – Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Betancourt is the consummate role player, a stop-gap if you will. He’s never strong enough for you to rely on for a full season, but he definitely has his moments throughout the year that can help your fantasy team when your middle infield is hurting. Now is one of those times. Over the last 10 games, he’s hitting .400 with 5 HR, 10 RBI and 6 runs scored. This hot streak certainly won’t last, but if you’re just in need of a quick fix, then jump on him now and ride him until he cools off.
Brandon Lyon, RP HOU – While the Astros may be in the tank for the year, their bullpen sure is shuffling around. With Matt Lindstrom sucking balls lately and now on the DL to rest hi saching back, Lyon has stepped in and taken over. There’s a very slim chance that Lindstrom gets to close out a few games here and there in late September, but that’s suspect speculation at best. If you’re in need of saves down the stretch and Lyon is still available, then you should grab him now. He’s picked up 3 saves in his last 5 outings and has allowed zero runs while striking out 5. He’s definitely worth the look.
3 Down
Troy Glaus, 1B ATL – Pretty hard to think that he’s on anyone’s roster right now unless you’re in an extremely deep league, but if he is, it’s probably safe to let him go. With the trade of Derrek Lee to the Braves and an immediate placemtn on the DL, Glaus’ value is at an all time low today. There’s talk of him coming back and moving to third in the wake of the Chipper Jones injury, but he probably won’t be a regular fixture there either. A balky knee and poor offensive production won’t hold you a job in a pennant race.
Fausto Carmona, SP CLE — An first half 8-7 record with a 3.64 ERA has kept Carmona on a number of fantasy rosters, but the second half numbers should be clearing him pretty quickly. Since the All Star Break, he’s 3-4 with a 5.63 ERA and has now given up 37 hits and 3 walks in his last 23 innings of work including 15 earned runs. He’s right back to his ratio-killing ways and looks as if he’s hit that wall again for the season. You’re much better off playing matchups with other hurlers than trusting that Carmona will turn things around, so if you’re still holding him, get that waiver trigger finger ready and cut him loose.
Brad Hawpe, OF COL – Hitting lefties has always been a knock on Hawpe, but he’s still always managed to post solid offensive totals…until now. With other Rockies outfielders producing at much better levels, the team put Hawpe on waivers and have subsequently released him. There’s a chance that he’ll pick up with another club, especially when rosters expand in September, but we’re probably only going to see him as a bench player unless a major injury occurs. I’m sure there are other outfielders you can use in the meantime.
We’re almost at the home stretch here, so you don’t want to let up now, especially with the way the 2010 season is coming to a close. There should be a few decent September call ups on their way soon, so hopefully we’ll have more to choose from in a couple of weeks. Now is not the time to let up on your research, so keep at it, and I’ll try to help you as best I can the rest of the way.
Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!
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