Fantasy Baseball: Top Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 7
Every weekly period in fantasy baseball counts.
Quick pickups, two-start pitchers and hot streakers are all parts to a winning engine.
While many owners disregard the weekly streaks that make or break a player's success in fantasy baseball, other savvy managers play the waiver wire, waiting for their chance to pluck a future must-start option out of the deep free-agent ocean.
By looking at future potential, past production and their present availability, the top waiver-wire options are revealed to benefit fantasy teams of all kinds.
20. Bengie Molina, C, Free Agent
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There may not be much substance to this story, but as of Sunday, the Boston Red Sox have reached out to former top-hitting catcher Bengie Molina.
Molina has been a mainstay in fantasy lineups for the last decade, providing a solid average with sufficient power.
The thing that makes this even more promising is the fact that every catcher who's tried to man the station behind the plate for Boston has failed miserably, providing a solid opportunity for Molina to run away with the job.
Picking up Molina is nothing more than a gamble. There's no significant proof to Molina actually signing with the AL East contenders anytime soon.
However, holding on to Molina for the next week or two is well worth it.
He's capable of putting up top tier production at the catcher position and has never been surrounded with the lineup protection that he'd see in Boston.
Stay tuned for updates on Molina and be ready to play the wire.
19. Scott Sizemore, 2B, Detroit Tigers
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Sizemore's call-up in 2010 was everything short of impressive, but his 2011 campaign has been full of promise and potential.
The 26-year-old has been able to get on base at a regular pace through his first six games, recording six hits, four walks and three RBI.
He's also scored three times with a stolen base.
His fantasy value from here on out will strictly be based on the opportunity the Tigers give him to play on a daily basis.
And at this point, not only has Sizemore started every game since he's been called up, but he's currently being use in the two-hole.
If Sizemore can carry his 20/20 potential from the minors to the majors, he can quickly become a go-to option at a thin second base position.
18. Austin Jackson, OF, Detroit Tigers
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Jackson looks to be regaining his fantasy prowess that he showed during his 2010 rookie season.
After getting off to an awful start through April, hitting .178 with only one home run, the former Yankee has drastically turned around his season.
Jackson has gotten his average back up to .224 for the year after recording three hits with a home run on Sunday.
The three-hit performance is Jackson's second in a row, making this weekend something to pay attention to.
If the 24-year-old can manage to boost his May average even higher, he might become one of the most sought after waiver-wire pickups of the month.
Follow Jackson, because once he starts to inch closer to the .260 mark, along with his extra-base ability and heads-up base-running, the Tigers centerfielder has the chance to become a must-start option.
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17. Brett Wallace, 1B, Houston Astros
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Brett Wallace has been flying under the radar for almost a month.
The Astros' first baseman has compiled a .339 average with 11 RBI.
Wallace has been one of most successful hitting first basemen through his first 100 at-bats, ranking among the MLB's top five at his position for almost two weeks.
While he won't hit 35 home runs, Wallace has enough power to be mentioned with fellow first baseman Gaby Sanchez and Ike Davis.
He's formed an admirable young-duo with fellow Astros' hitter Chris Johnson, making the future for Houston more promising than not.
He continues to hit for average and drive in runs when he's given the chance, and can only improve on his power numbers from here on out.
For fantasy owners, taking a flier on Wallace would be a smart move.
16. Mike Pelfrey, SP, New York Mets
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Pelfey is doing everything he can to right the ship in Queens.
After getting off to one of the most un-impressive starts for any pitcher this season, New York's No. 1 starter has jumped on the fast track to redemption.
Over his last three starts, Pelfrey has gone 2-1 with 12 K's while allowing only six runs through 19 innings of work.
Considering the Mets' offense is rounding out to be a formidable threat against any team in the NL, Pelfrey's current pitching may be good enough to consistently get him and his owners sufficient wins.
If you were ever to pick up Pelfrey from free agency, now is the time.
He's strung along solid starts over the past two weeks and is currently slated to start twice during week seven in fantasy.
15. John Buck, C, Florida Marlins
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For some reason, Buck hasn't received the recognition he deserves.
While he isn't going to hit for Joe Mauer average, his four home runs and 17 RBI are good enough to play on a weekly basis.
Those 17 RBI are tied for fourth among catchers, matching elite-option Brian McCann and beating production by fellow catchers Jorge Posada, Victor Martinez, Geovany Soto and Miguel Montero.
The Marlins offense is capable of exploding any time they take the field, and Buck is the main beneficiary when that happens.
If you're struggling to find a catcher that is going to play on a daily basis, hit for power and consistently knock in runs, Buck is more than a solid option for the upcoming weeks.
14. Frank Francisco, RP, Tornoto Blue Jays
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Frankie has been pitching well for Toronto over the past week or so, recording two saves while splitting time with Joe Rauch.
Francisco is starting to gain ground on his closing companion, allowing the Blue Jays to make an easy decision in making him the full-time option.
Fantasy owners need to be aware that Francisco is still capable of pitching like a high-end RP option from here on out.
Leagues may wait to grab Francisco until week eight when he starts to get more saves chances, but by that time, it may be too late to pick up a solid closer who can still provide weekly production among the best of them.
13. Charlie Morton, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
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Morton is starting to show flashes of his former top-prospect self.
Following his early career struggles in the majors with the Braves, the 27-year-old has been the best pitching option that Pittsburgh possess.
His win over the Astros on Saturday improves his record to 4-1 on the year with an impressive 3.13 ERA through 46 innings of work.
By looking at Morton's consistency through his first seven starts of the season, adding him in most leagues make perfect sense.
So far during 2011, in every other start that he makes, Morton has allowed only one earned run in each of them, which has made him something of a sure thing.
His week seven start will come Thursday against the Dodgers and Jon Garland, making him an advisable option for the upcoming period.
By this time next week, Martin could have five wins with a sub-3.00 ERA.
12. Mark Trumbo, 1B, Los Angeles Angels
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Trumbo has filled in nicely for the Angels and Kendry Morales.
The 25-year-old rookie has compiled six home runs with 17 RBI through his first 100 at-bats.
Over the past week, Trumbo has consistently hit for power, adding three home runs and eight RBI to his impressive 2011 stat line.
If Trumbo continues to hit well, it's going to be very difficult for the Angels to keep him out of the lineup when Morales returns.
Look for the rookie to improve on his average as we move into May, possessing enough potential to possibly provide an Ike Davis type of impact for the next few weeks.
11. Jason Kubel, OF, Minnesota Twins
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Kubel has been doing something that he hasn't done in his entire career: hit for a high average.
The Twins' DH has become the teams' most consistent offensive threat, hitting .336 with only 22 KO in 110 at-bats.
Kubel has only hit three home runs, but his career numbers still provide enough evidence that he'll get to 20 by the end of the year.
The 28-year-old has been a solid hitter for the Twins over the past few seasons, offering power and run production to help protect Mauer and J-Mo in the lineup.
However, he's usually unable to produce enough to be considered a must-start in past seasons, becoming a waiver-wire veteran.
2011 could be the year Kubel gains the recognition that his numbers deserve.
If he can continue to hit for average and strikeout at a low-rate, Kubel could become a top option in any fantasy league.
10. Carlos Pena, 1B, Chicago Cubs
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Pena is starting to earn that $10 million.
After becoming the biggest fantasy bust through the month of April, Pena has started to hit for average and power.
His first three home runs on the season have all come in the past week, adding four walks and four runs scored.
Even more alarming is his three-hit performance on Saturday, creating a buzz around fantasy leagues and among antsy owners.
If Pena starts to string together multi-hit games, his value is going to skyrocket.
9. Raul Ibanez, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
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The old guy may be back.
Over the past week, Ibanez has improved on his sub-.200 average by recording eight hits, two home runs and five RBI.
Ibanez has become one of the hottest hitters among fantasy free agents, hitting over .400 in his last 20 at-bats.
With protection in the Phillies' lineup, any sort of instant production from Ibanez has to be considered significant.
At 38 years old, a weekly power surge from Philadelphia's outfielder is something that will surely attract interest from many fantasy owners.
If this sort of production lasts, Raul could be in store for a rebound season and another .270/25/90 campaign.
8. Philip Humber, SP, Chicago White Sox
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It's time to believe in Philip Humber.
He's quickly becoming a dominant pitcher in the AL and has been one of the biggest surprises throughout baseball in 2011.
Humber has lasted seven innings in each of his last three starts, going 1-1 while surrendering only four runs through a span of 21 innings.
The 28-year-old is currently sporting a 2.97 ERA with a 0.94 WHIP, becoming one of the most consistent pitchers for Chicago.
Humber has only issued 11 walks compared to his 25 K's, and even more impressively, he's only given up 26 hits in 39 1/3 innings of work.
The only obstacle in Humber's way is Jake Peavy, who is slated to rejoin the rotation sometime in the upcoming week.
If Ozzie Guillen decides to keep Humber in the rotation, he needs to be picked up immediately.
Pay close attention to the Peavy situation and be ready to pull the trigger.
7. Erik Aybar, SS, Los Angeles Angels
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Aybar is on his way to becoming a solid option in all fantasy leagues.
The Angels' shortstop has been on an absolute tear, recording 13 hits, five runs, five RBI and four stolen bases over the past week.
At 27 years old, Aybar is still in a prime age to steal bases at a rapid rate. His eight swipes thus far ranks fourth among shortstops.
His .356 average is the best among any player at his position with at least 80 at-bats.
There isn't much more Aybar can do.
He's hit for average, has had great success on the base paths, hits leadoff for a solid hitting team in the Angels and he plays shortstop.
It's hard to believe that the speedy middleman will go unowned after week seven comes to an end.
6. Joel Pineiro, SP, Los Angeles Angels
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Pineiro looks healthy, and he's pitching healthy.
While the Angels are in no need of starting pitching with hot starts from Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, Pineiro has looked great in his first two starts off the DL.
The 32-year-old has pitched 12 2/3 innings, going 1-1 with a 0.71 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in his first action of 2011.
For Pineiro, who's been on and off the DL for the past few seasons, health is starting to look like it's a problem of the past.
He is worth a flier in almost every mixed league, and after a commanding third start, he could become a must-own.
The next start for Pineiro comes Tuesday against the White Sox and John Danks, who is currently 0-5.
5. Tom Gorzelanny, SP, Washington Nationals
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Gorzelanny is becoming the Charlie Morton of the Washington Nationals.
Currently 2-2, Gorzo's 2.87 ERA and 0.90 WHIP are some of the best lines around the league.
Pitching for the Nationals is an obvious negative, but the 28-year-old is making the best out of a bad scenario.
Gorzelanny hasn't given up more than two runs in any start since his first of the season on April 9.
His 15 total innings and two earned runs over the past week is a clear reason why he's 2-0 during that span and instantly deserves roster consideration in most mixed leagues.
He's always had the talent to be a successful pitcher in the MLB and has finally been given the chance to prove his worth.
Keep an eye on Gorzo and make a move sometime during week seven.
4. Brandon McCarthy, SP, Oakland Athletics
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If McCarthy is healthy, then fantasy owners have their monthly roster addition.
Well, guess what?
McCarthy is healthy, and he's pitching like the dominant pitcher many people thought he would turn out to be.
Currently 1-3 with a 3.26 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP, the perennial "what if he stays healthy" pitcher has shown why he's always been considered a top-of-the-rotation starter.
Through his first seven starts, McCarthy has only issued eight walks to his 30 K's. He's recorded three eight-plus inning games, two starts with zero earned runs and has gone six frames in all but one start.
His record will more than likely even out as he continues to pitch deep into games and limit runs for the Athletics' promising bullpen.
As it stands right now, McCarthy is healthy and deserves a roster spot in most mixed leagues.
3. Jason Bay, OF, New York Mets
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Bay isn't smashing home runs, he isn't dominating NL pitchers and he isn't showing off his gap power.
The thing that makes Jason Bay such a good waiver-wire pickup is his sheer potential to produce when hitting in the middle of that Mets' surprisingly potent offense.
Bay only has one home run on the year and is currently hitting .241, but he's been able to get on base and score by forcing walks.
For the Mets and fantasy owners alike, Bay's production can only go up. When it does, owners will start to reap the benefits in starting an all-around solid hitter that's batting behind Reyes, Wright and Beltran and in-front of Ike Davis.
By the end of week seven, Bay could become a must-start in NL-only leagues and a must-add in many deeper mixed leagues.
2. Drew Storen, RP, Washington Nationals
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Drew Storen has been an absolute beast.
He hasn't allowed an earned run since April 2nd, which is a major reason why the Nationals' closer currently has a 0.48 ERA through 18 2/3 innings.
Storen is more than capable in working out a save from the eighth inning on, considering he leads all closers in innings pitched.
The only problem for the 23-year-old is the fact that the Nationals' offense continues to be one of the worst throughout the league, limiting his chances to secure leads.
However, that hasn't stop Storen from providing fantasy owners with substantial production over the past week, recording three saves and a win with no earned runs and only four base runners.
If Storen has another week like he did in period six, he'll become one of the most sought after waiver-wire pickups for maybe the entire year.
From what we've seen thus far, Storen has the potential to become a must-start option in all fantasy leagues and a top-10 closer for the rest of the year.
1.5: Johnny Cueto, SP, Cincinnati Reds
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Cueto made his first start of the 2011 season Sunday afternoon, throwing six scoreless innings with four strikeouts on his way to his first win of the year.
Cincinnati has struggled for the most part during the season in finding consistent pitching that can go out every five games and provide the defending NL Central champs will quality starts.
Well, Johnn Cueto is back and healthy, and he looks poised to produce quality pitching for the rest of the season.
Cueto is currently owned in almost all fantasy baseball formats, so if he's available on your waiver wire, consider the 25-year-old a must-add.
Capable of throwing dominant stuff anytime he takes the mound, Cueto is one of the top pickups heading into week seven and could even be considered a top option to start against Kyle McClellan and the Cardinals for Saturday.
1. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals
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This is a no-brainer.
Hosmer was hitting .439 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 26 games for Triple-A before being called up by the Royals on Friday.
He possess significant plate discipline, evident by his three walks to only two strikeouts through his first two starts.
Due to his tremendous production on the minor league level, along with his ability to get on base and knock in runs for a surprisingly fantasy friendly lineup in Kansas City, Hosmer has to be considered the best waiver-wire option heading into week seven.
Offering average, speed, power, youth and with an inconsistent start for many first baseman around the league, fantasy owners have to consider adding Hosmer immediately.
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