The Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Week One

With Opening Day fast approaching, here are my "adds," "drops," and "monitors" of the week.

Pick Them Up Now:

• CF Brett Gardner, New York Yankees

He won the starting center fielder's job over Melky Cabrera last weekend, and the main reason was Gardner's speed. As long as he gets on base, which hopefully will happen more often this season, he should be able to keep the "Melk Man" on the bench.

• P Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics

Cahill won not just a spot in Oakland's starting rotation, but the No. 2 spot. He's a top prospect and his manager has already compared him to a young Brandon Webb. Clearly, the kid has earned some respect, so don't be afraid to pick him up if you need a spot start.

Drop Them Now:

• OF Nick Swisher, New York Yankees

With Matsui in left, Gardner in center, Nady in right, and Teixeria at first, all the spots that Swisher can play are already filled. And if Melky Cabrera is clearly the swing outfielder, that leaves only first base open for him. Yes, Teixeria is a slow starter, so the starts might come. But don't count on it.

• Joey Devine, Closer, Oakland Athletics

Devine paid a visit to Dr. James Andrews, which is never good. He wasn't highly rated before, so this shouldn't be a shocker, but for those of you who have him, drop him now.

Monitor Their Status:

• 3B Cody Ransom, New York Yankees

The third Yankee on here, Ransom is filing in for Alex Rodriguez. He only has a month to earn some respect; if he plays well, don't be hesitant to pick him up.

• 2B Emmanuel Burriss, San Francisco Giants

Burriss won the Giants' second baseman job after Kevin Frandsen was sent down. He, like Gardner, has speed, but unlike Gardner, he doesn't have the Major-League experience, as he's never played above Triple-A. But the fact that San Fran opted to send Frandsen down could be a big confidence boost for a 24-year-old rookie. Watch him closely, because if you fall asleep, half your league might have claims in for him.