Fantasy Baseball 2011: Identifying the Week's Best Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy baseball is in full swing, and many of the best players on free agency have already been snatched up in most leagues.

However, there are still several good options out on the waiver wire to help your fantasy team.

This week’s article again features some two-start pitchers, but it also contains some young players who are starting to make names for themselves.

The two-start pitchers will give you double the pitching statistics this week.  Also, these young players will one day be stars, so especially in keeper leagues, get in on the ground floor.

Here are 10 waiver-wire pickup options for this week.

10. Jason Marquis

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: Starting pitcher Jason Marquis #21 of the Washington Nationals delivers to a San Francisco Giants batter during the second inning at Nationals Park on April 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Jason Marquis was lights out against the Giants last week, hurling a complete-game shutout.

However, he isn’t just a one-start wonder.

Marquis has bounced back quite nicely from his 2010 injury, posting a 2.62 ERA and 1.17 WHIP through his first five starts.

Though he has a tough game this week against the Phillies, Marquis should still be added in all formats. He is pitching well enough to slow down the Phillies offense and have yet another solid outing.

9. Carlos Gomez

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HOUSTON - APRIL 30: Carlos Gomez #27 of the Milwaukee Brewers dives into third base against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 30, 2011 in Houston, Texas. Gomez attempted to stretch a double into a triple was tagged out at third. (Photo by

Over the past two weeks, there have been very few players that have been as hot as Carlos Gomez.

He has five steals over the past 12 games and eight through the first month of the season.

Gomez has some great bats around him in the Milwaukee lineup, so he’ll continue being a good source of runs and steals throughout the season.

8. Domonic Brown

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CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 24: Outfielder Domonic Brown #9 of the Philadelphia Phillies singles in the first inning against the Florida State Seminoles February 24, 2011 at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Image

The Phillies activated Domonic Brown from the disabled list over the weekend and optioned him to their AAA affiliate.

He’ll get his feet wet for a bit in the minors before being recalled to the majors.

Brown is a talented young player who will instantly help the Philadelphia offense, so if there is room on your bench to stash Brown until he’s ready for the bigs, snag him.

7. Orlando Hudson

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PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 15: Orlando Hudson #1 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 15, 2011 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Orlando Hudson has been a stolen-base machine in 2011, notching nine steals already this season, one short of his total from the 2010 season.

The O-Dog is a great pickup for a need at the 2B/SS flex position. He’s a guy who will get you steals, but provide little help elsewhere.

6. Jack Hannahan

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CLEVELAND - APRIL 01: Jack Hannahan #9 of the Cleveland Indians throws the ball to first base during the Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox on April 1, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Jack Hannahan has come out of nowhere to be a productive third baseman for the Indians in 2010.

Playing in the majors for the first time since 2009, the Cleveland third baseman has four homers and a .273 average this season.

Those aren’t earth-shattering numbers, but they are a good for a shallow position.

If you need a third baseman, or were severely affected by the Pablo Sandoval injury, consider picking up Hannahan and ride out his hot streak.

5. Livan Hernandez

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Livan Hernandez #61 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on April 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

The second Nationals pitcher to make the list, Livan Hernandez has been a model of consistency in 2011. Hernandez has a 3.23 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP this season, but, more importantly, he starts twice this week.

Granted, his two starts are against the Phillies and the Marlins, but he’s still a solid option.

Hernandez has already faced the Phillies once this season.  He defeated them while giving up one earned run, seven hits and no walks through 6.2 innings.

4. Hank Conger

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 08: Hank Conger #16 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim looks on prior to the start of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 8, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Though he isn’t the full-time starter yet, Hank Conger’s playing time is increasing as the season progresses.

One of the top catching prospects in the league, Conger has three homers and 10 RBI in just 48 at-bats.

He’s out-producing the Angels’ other catcher, Jeff Mathis, and is getting a better feel defensively every game he plays.

Especially in deep keeper leagues, pick up Hank Conger and watch his stock rise.

3. Alex White

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CLEVELAND - APRIL 30: Alex White #32 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the game on April 30, 2011 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Another young rookie on the list, Alex White made his major-league debut over the weekend against the Tigers.

He received a no-decision while allowing two earned runs in six innings.

A valuable young arm with a lot of upside, White is a definite must-have in deep keeper leagues, and could be a great steal in all formats if he builds off his good start against Detroit.

2. Wade Davis

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ST PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 03: Pitcher Wade Davis #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the game at Tropicana Field on April 3, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Wade Davis is another pitcher who will start twice this week, facing off against Blue Jays and the Orioles, two teams that are definitely beatable.

Davis has been very consistent this season, as well, allowing more than two earned runs only once in 2011 while posting a 2.73 ERA.

The young Rays pitcher is showing why he was one of the top pitching prospects in their farm system only a couple short years ago.

He is not just a good addition for this week, but for the rest of the season.

1. Edwin Jackson

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 07: Starting pitcher Edwin Jackson #33 of the Chicago White Sox delivers the ball against the Tampa Bay Rays during the home opener at U.S. Cellular Field on April 7, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Rays 5-1. (Pho

Though he’s gotten off to a shaky start this season, Edwin Jackson’s luck may turn for the better this week.

Another two-start pitcher, Jackson will go against the Twins and the Mariners this week, two teams not known for their offense.

Several teams have already given up on Jackson, but his struggles won’t continue for very long.  He’ll always have a high walk rate, but he will give you a great source for strikeouts.

After this week, Jackson’s slump may be a thing of the past.