Mid Season Waiver Watch

unreal654 · April 4th, 2007, 12:44 AM

I'm starting this thread for all of you out there seeking help finding the gem in the rough that might make the difference in your fantasy league. I will update this thread periodically throughout the season, and I invite other regulars to give their opinions as well.

For the sake of consistancy, I will try my best only to include players currently owned by 25 percent or less of ESPN leagues.

FA Sleepers (Updated 04/05/2007):

1. SP Daniel Cabrera (BAL)
-If he's still available, I recommend grabbing him right now. The hard throwing Daniel Cabrera is set for a great year. Expect a better ERA, more strikeouts, and better pitch control than last year. ESPN has the 25 year old right hander at 25 percent owned right now. Cabrera has all the tools to be a dominating pitcher.

2. SP Boof Bonser (MIN)
-Boof, and yes that is his real name, is overlooked in many leagues to this point. The second starter in the Twins rotation made a solid season debut going 6 innings, with 3 earned runs, and 6 strikeouts. Boof is still young, and playing on a talented team will help the wins column. If you are searching for a 4th or 5th started, Bonser is worth a look.

3. SP Gil Meche (KC)
-Many players cringe at the thought of picking up a Kansas City pitcher. Use this to your advantage. As unbelievable as this might sound, the Royals are getting better. Alex Gordon is a soon to be household name. Although it's hard to imagine much from a team in a division with the likes of the Indians, Tigers, White Sox, and Twins, I see the Royals cutting down on mistakes and being much more competitive than years past. Meche opened the season with a stellar performance against a stacked Red Sox lineup. If you have space to take a gamble, Meche could pay out big dividends.

4. OF Matt Murton (CHC)
-Let's face it, Cliff Floyd's days are numbered. Floyd will spend the start of the season on the DL which means every day at bats for the underappreciated leftfielder, Matt Murton. A career .302 hitter, Murton has shown consistancy and discipline at the plate. Oh, and batting between Alfonso Soriano and Derrek Lee helps too. I expect good numbers out of Murton in 2007.

5. 2B, OF Kelly Johnson (ATL)
-The Braves are giving the 25 year old a chance at second base to start the year. It appears he will hit leadoff, so if you are looking for cheap runs, Johnson is your man.

6. SP, RP Fausto Carmona (CLE)
-Call it a hunch, call it a gut feeling, call it what you wish. In 2005 it was Grady Sizemore. In 2006 it was Jeremy Sowers. In 2007 I predict Carmona to be the latest breakout talent from Cleveland. With Cliff Lee on the DL, Carmona will get the chance to start in Cleveland's deep rotation. Keep your eye on this guy, if he catches fire I recommend picking him up. Also keep in mind that Carmona is only 23, this scores him big points in keeper leagues. On a side note, I would like to clue you all in on the Indians' 2008 big breakout talent: Adam Miller. I kid you not, this guy can pitch. He will start the year in AAA. If you are in a keeper league, PLEASE keep your eye on him to be called up midseason. He is almost a can't miss star in the making.

7. SP Oliver Perez (NYM)
-He isn't the best option at starting pitcher by any means, but will give you strikeouts and wins. Perez averages more than 1 strikeout per inning. Still relatively young, maybe, just maybe, he can keep his ERA down. If so, he's a steal.

8. OF Elijah Dukes (TB)
-OK, so this might be a stretch to put a 22 year old on this list, but Dukes has a lot of potential. He's worth a look in deep mixed leagues. I will warn you that he's had off field issues. If he can stay out of trouble, Dukes is a 5-tool outfielder in the making.

9. SP John Maine (NYM)
-Solid first start for the Mets. John pitched 7 shutout innings and struck out 6. At only 25 years old, Maine is a good sleeper pickup at this point of the season.

Watch for the Call Up (Updated 04/04/2007):

SP Adam Miller (CLE)
SP Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -thank you BMW
RP Joe Bienscius (PHI) -thank you phillysportsfan

BMW · April 4th, 2007, 05:30 AM

SP Yovani Gallardo for the Milwaukee Brewers led the Minor Leagues in K's last year, and could be a mid-season call-up, especially if someone gets hurt, or struggles in their rotation. They would probably go to Carlos Villanueva and/or Elmer Dessens first, but if he is having a good year, there is every reason to expect to see him get a shot before the other two, because he is so explosive.

all4phillysportsfan · April 4th, 2007, 05:39 AM

Joe Bienscius who was recalled from Ottawa (AAA) for the Phillies could be a canidate to close if Tom Gordon gets hurt. He hits about 96 on the gun. He should be up in the majors for good by June if not sooner.

unreal654 · April 5th, 2007, 08:37 AM

4/05 addition- John Maine

bowls · April 5th, 2007, 02:31 PM

I vote for Mike Jacobs. Get him while you can.

BMW · April 5th, 2007, 03:52 PM

I had Mike Jacobs last year and he was the definition of mediocre. He would get a single, worth 1 point, and then strike out twice, -.5, -.5 and then would get sat down before his last at bat...it was the worst situation I ever had to deal with.

BMW · April 18th, 2007, 06:56 AM

If Andrew Miller gets the call for Detroit, he is another stud to be added to the list....he has incredible stuff....

unreal654 · April 22nd, 2007, 08:59 PM

FA Sleepers (Updated 04/22/2007):

1. 2B, OF Kelly Johnson (ATL)
-As predicted, Johnson has made a splash at the top of a potent Braves lineup. The young second baseman has a lot of upside this year, and if he is available in your league I suggest taking a good look.

2. 2B Ryan Theriot (CHC)
-Theriot is in a similar situation as Johnson. Pinella has favored the 25 year old at second over Mark DeRosa. Theriot will see a lot of time at the top of the Cubs lineup, and is a good pickup if you need runs or stolen bases.

3. SP Oliver Perez (NYM)
-Perez, despite a shaky second start, has kept his ERA below 4 and posted a high strike out ratio. Inconsistancy continues to plague the southpaw. Managers be warned, Perez hasn't seen an ERA under 5 in a long time. Maybe the 25 year old has finally found the strike zone...

4. SP John Maine (NYM)
-Has yet to make a bad start with a great Mets lineup backing him up. Should finish the season with 15 wins and over 150 strikeouts.

5. SP Jason Hirsh (COL)
-He doesn't have the best stuff in baseball, but Hirsh has been impressive thus far. I like his consistancy. Hirsh has a 2-1 record on a losing team. Would serve nicely as a 4th or 5th starter on any fantasy team.

6. RP Fernando Cabrera (CLE)
-Cabrera has one of the nastiest sliders I have ever seen. If Borowski starts to blow saves, the Indians might turn to Cabrera. As of now, he can still help your ERA, WHIP, and K's.

7. 1B Ryan Garko (CLE)
-Garko has flown under the radar in a lot of leagues. The powerful right hander has quietly worked his way into a starting role at first base. He should surpass 400 at bats this year, and has the potential to hit 30 homeruns.

more to come later this week...

Watch for the Call Up (Updated 04/22/2007):

SP Adam Miller (CLE)
SP Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -thank you BMW
RP Joe Bienscius (PHI) -thank you phillysportsfan
SS Brandon Wood (LAA)
SP Tim Lincecum (SF)
SP Andrew Miller (DET) -thank you BMW

all4phillysportsfan · April 23rd, 2007, 06:22 AM

If I was getting points for pitchers allowing Walks, I'd pick Perez up in a heartbeat.

unreal654 · April 23rd, 2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all4phillysportsfan

If I was getting points for pitchers allowing Walks, I'd pick Perez up in a heartbeat.

That's a fair point, however, Perez has not allowed a single walk in 2 of his first 3 starts. He's someone to look at if you need another starting pitcher.

unreal654 · April 24th, 2007, 01:13 AM

Update (4/24):
New York radio station WFAN is reporting that SP Philip Hughes will be called up to start against the Toronto Blue jays on Thursday April 26, 2007. Hughes is a good prospect with a chance to make a big impact this season.

all4phillysportsfan · April 24th, 2007, 02:18 AM

I think he will be a great pitcher, but I am like most experienced fantasy players: wait and see how the kid does over 3 or 4 starts.

unreal654 · April 26th, 2007, 11:50 AM

UPDATE: SS Brandon Wood was called up to Angels on April 25 and is scheduled to make his Major League Debut the following day against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Prior to the call-up to the big club, Wood was batting .278 (22-for-79) with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 20 games with Salt Lake.

Perfect Cell · April 26th, 2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by all4phillysportsfan

I think he will be a great pitcher, but I am like most experienced fantasy players: wait and see how the kid does over 3 or 4 starts.

I picked him up now. It cant hurt, if he doesnt pan out you cut loose. I cant believe i was able to get him havingt he last spot on Waivers to boot.

DiamondDave · April 26th, 2007, 12:29 PM

I've done well by starting Braden Looper during his hot streak, while Carpenter has been on the DL for me in 2 leagues

April 4th, 2007, 12:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
unreal654 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 332	Mid Season Waiver Watch I'm starting this thread for all of you out there seeking help finding the gem in the rough that might make the difference in your fantasy league. I will update this thread periodically throughout the season, and I invite other regulars to give their opinions as well. For the sake of consistancy, I will try my best only to include players currently owned by 25 percent or less of ESPN leagues. FA Sleepers (Updated 04/05/2007): 1. SP Daniel Cabrera (BAL) -If he's still available, I recommend grabbing him right now. The hard throwing Daniel Cabrera is set for a great year. Expect a better ERA, more strikeouts, and better pitch control than last year. ESPN has the 25 year old right hander at 25 percent owned right now. Cabrera has all the tools to be a dominating pitcher. 2. SP Boof Bonser (MIN) -Boof, and yes that is his real name, is overlooked in many leagues to this point. The second starter in the Twins rotation made a solid season debut going 6 innings, with 3 earned runs, and 6 strikeouts. Boof is still young, and playing on a talented team will help the wins column. If you are searching for a 4th or 5th started, Bonser is worth a look. 3. SP Gil Meche (KC) -Many players cringe at the thought of picking up a Kansas City pitcher. Use this to your advantage. As unbelievable as this might sound, the Royals are getting better. Alex Gordon is a soon to be household name. Although it's hard to imagine much from a team in a division with the likes of the Indians, Tigers, White Sox, and Twins, I see the Royals cutting down on mistakes and being much more competitive than years past. Meche opened the season with a stellar performance against a stacked Red Sox lineup. If you have space to take a gamble, Meche could pay out big dividends. 4. OF Matt Murton (CHC) -Let's face it, Cliff Floyd's days are numbered. Floyd will spend the start of the season on the DL which means every day at bats for the underappreciated leftfielder, Matt Murton. A career .302 hitter, Murton has shown consistancy and discipline at the plate. Oh, and batting between Alfonso Soriano and Derrek Lee helps too. I expect good numbers out of Murton in 2007. 5. 2B, OF Kelly Johnson (ATL) -The Braves are giving the 25 year old a chance at second base to start the year. It appears he will hit leadoff, so if you are looking for cheap runs, Johnson is your man. 6. SP, RP Fausto Carmona (CLE) -Call it a hunch, call it a gut feeling, call it what you wish. In 2005 it was Grady Sizemore. In 2006 it was Jeremy Sowers. In 2007 I predict Carmona to be the latest breakout talent from Cleveland. With Cliff Lee on the DL, Carmona will get the chance to start in Cleveland's deep rotation. Keep your eye on this guy, if he catches fire I recommend picking him up. Also keep in mind that Carmona is only 23, this scores him big points in keeper leagues. On a side note, I would like to clue you all in on the Indians' 2008 big breakout talent: Adam Miller. I kid you not, this guy can pitch. He will start the year in AAA. If you are in a keeper league, PLEASE keep your eye on him to be called up midseason. He is almost a can't miss star in the making. 7. SP Oliver Perez (NYM) -He isn't the best option at starting pitcher by any means, but will give you strikeouts and wins. Perez averages more than 1 strikeout per inning. Still relatively young, maybe, just maybe, he can keep his ERA down. If so, he's a steal. 8. OF Elijah Dukes (TB) -OK, so this might be a stretch to put a 22 year old on this list, but Dukes has a lot of potential. He's worth a look in deep mixed leagues. I will warn you that he's had off field issues. If he can stay out of trouble, Dukes is a 5-tool outfielder in the making. 9. SP John Maine (NYM) -Solid first start for the Mets. John pitched 7 shutout innings and struck out 6. At only 25 years old, Maine is a good sleeper pickup at this point of the season. Watch for the Call Up (Updated 04/04/2007): SP Adam Miller (CLE) SP Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -thank you BMW RP Joe Bienscius (PHI) -thank you phillysportsfan Last edited by unreal654; April 5th, 2007 at 08:36 AM.

April 4th, 2007, 05:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
BMW Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cape Coral Florida Posts: 830	SP Yovani Gallardo for the Milwaukee Brewers led the Minor Leagues in K's last year, and could be a mid-season call-up, especially if someone gets hurt, or struggles in their rotation. They would probably go to Carlos Villanueva and/or Elmer Dessens first, but if he is having a good year, there is every reason to expect to see him get a shot before the other two, because he is so explosive. __________________ BMW Green Bay Packers 14-4

April 4th, 2007, 05:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	Joe Bienscius who was recalled from Ottawa (AAA) for the Phillies could be a canidate to close if Tom Gordon gets hurt. He hits about 96 on the gun. He should be up in the majors for good by June if not sooner. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

April 5th, 2007, 03:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
BMW Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cape Coral Florida Posts: 830	I had Mike Jacobs last year and he was the definition of mediocre. He would get a single, worth 1 point, and then strike out twice, -.5, -.5 and then would get sat down before his last at bat...it was the worst situation I ever had to deal with. __________________ BMW Green Bay Packers 14-4

April 18th, 2007, 06:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
BMW Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cape Coral Florida Posts: 830	If Andrew Miller gets the call for Detroit, he is another stud to be added to the list....he has incredible stuff.... __________________ BMW Green Bay Packers 14-4

April 5th, 2007, 08:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
unreal654 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 332	4/05 addition- John Maine

April 5th, 2007, 02:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
bowls Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 22	I vote for Mike Jacobs. Get him while you can.

April 22nd, 2007, 08:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
unreal654 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 332	FA Sleepers (Updated 04/22/2007): 1. 2B, OF Kelly Johnson (ATL) -As predicted, Johnson has made a splash at the top of a potent Braves lineup. The young second baseman has a lot of upside this year, and if he is available in your league I suggest taking a good look. 2. 2B Ryan Theriot (CHC) -Theriot is in a similar situation as Johnson. Pinella has favored the 25 year old at second over Mark DeRosa. Theriot will see a lot of time at the top of the Cubs lineup, and is a good pickup if you need runs or stolen bases. 3. SP Oliver Perez (NYM) -Perez, despite a shaky second start, has kept his ERA below 4 and posted a high strike out ratio. Inconsistancy continues to plague the southpaw. Managers be warned, Perez hasn't seen an ERA under 5 in a long time. Maybe the 25 year old has finally found the strike zone... 4. SP John Maine (NYM) -Has yet to make a bad start with a great Mets lineup backing him up. Should finish the season with 15 wins and over 150 strikeouts. 5. SP Jason Hirsh (COL) -He doesn't have the best stuff in baseball, but Hirsh has been impressive thus far. I like his consistancy. Hirsh has a 2-1 record on a losing team. Would serve nicely as a 4th or 5th starter on any fantasy team. 6. RP Fernando Cabrera (CLE) -Cabrera has one of the nastiest sliders I have ever seen. If Borowski starts to blow saves, the Indians might turn to Cabrera. As of now, he can still help your ERA, WHIP, and K's. 7. 1B Ryan Garko (CLE) -Garko has flown under the radar in a lot of leagues. The powerful right hander has quietly worked his way into a starting role at first base. He should surpass 400 at bats this year, and has the potential to hit 30 homeruns. more to come later this week... Watch for the Call Up (Updated 04/22/2007): SP Adam Miller (CLE) SP Yovani Gallardo (MIL) -thank you BMW RP Joe Bienscius (PHI) -thank you phillysportsfan SS Brandon Wood (LAA) SP Tim Lincecum (SF) SP Andrew Miller (DET) -thank you BMW

April 23rd, 2007, 06:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	If I was getting points for pitchers allowing Walks, I'd pick Perez up in a heartbeat. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

April 24th, 2007, 01:13 AM	#11 (permalink)
unreal654 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 332	Update (4/24): New York radio station WFAN is reporting that SP Philip Hughes will be called up to start against the Toronto Blue jays on Thursday April 26, 2007. Hughes is a good prospect with a chance to make a big impact this season.

April 24th, 2007, 02:18 AM	#12 (permalink)
all4phillysportsfan Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,630	I think he will be a great pitcher, but I am like most experienced fantasy players: wait and see how the kid does over 3 or 4 starts. __________________ Philly Sports: The worst drought in America.

April 26th, 2007, 11:50 AM	#13 (permalink)
unreal654 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 332	UPDATE: SS Brandon Wood was called up to Angels on April 25 and is scheduled to make his Major League Debut the following day against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Prior to the call-up to the big club, Wood was batting .278 (22-for-79) with three home runs and 15 RBIs in 20 games with Salt Lake.

April 26th, 2007, 12:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
DiamondDave Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MD, on the Potomac River Posts: 5,390	I've done well by starting Braden Looper during his hot streak, while Carpenter has been on the DL for me in 2 leagues __________________ Reagan in 08... Even though he's dead, he's the better choice! Superdelegates - Because even the Democratic party knows it's base is too stupid to make really important decisions.