Fantasy Baseball: Ranking the 7 Best Waiver-Wire Pickups for the Playoffs

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The fantasy baseball playoffs are here for most leagues, which means the waiver wire has become even more important.

Finding a difference maker among the free-agent pool could be the difference between an early exit and a fantasy championship.

There are a number of players available in most leagues that can help propel your team to the top.

Here are the seven best waiver-wire pickups for the playoffs.

7. Derek Lowe

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Last September, Derek Lowe went 5-0 and pitched lights out for the Braves.

Atlanta is hoping he will do the same this year.  In his last start in August, Lowe gave up only three hits in six innings against Washington.

Lowe could have a repeat of his stellar 2010 September.

6. Chris Sale

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White Sox reliever Chris Sale has been unhittable as of late, and has posted a 2.63 ERA on the season.

Sale is also receiving some save chances and making the most of the opportunity, which makes him an interesting player to watch.

5. Devin Mesoraco

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One of the best prospects in baseball, Devin Mesoraco is finally in the bigs with the Reds.

Cincinnati will give their young catcher some playing time, and he will receive his first major league start on Monday.

If you need a catcher, Mesoraco could be your answer.

4. Dayan Viciedo

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Since becoming the White Sox’ starting third baseman, Dayan Viciedo has been a monster at the plate.

Viciedo is batting .381 with a homer and a steal.

At a premium position, Viciedo is worth a look.

3. Brandon McCarthy

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Brandon McCarthy was tremendous last week, pitching great against the Indians and pitching a complete game shutout against the Mariners with 10 strikeouts.

McCarthy has four shutouts on the season and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past month.

2. Randy Wells

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Randy Wells’ 2011 campaign has been abysmal on the whole.

However, Wells has put together a couple of really good starts and is showing signs of life.

Wells pitched a complete game shutout against the Giants last week and beat the Pirates yesterday with a solid start.

1. Dee Gordon

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If steals is one of your areas of weakness, snagging Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon will change that.

Gordon is fresh off the disabled list and is a menace on the base paths.  Gordon has 15 steals on the season and three already in September.

Gordon has the potential to single handedly win the steals category on any given week.