Fantasy Baseball: Ranking the 10 Best Waiver-Wire Pickups for Week 8
In Week 8 of fantasy baseball, there are several good pickups to look at adding.
As always, there are several two-start pitchers to acquire. Also, some hitters have started to break out and should be looked at closely.
Two interesting additions this week to “Waiver Wire Pickups” are closers and minor leaguers. There have been a couple closer changes recently, and some of the games top prospects appear to be getting their major league shot very soon.
Here are the10 best waiver-wire pickups for Week 8.
10. Danny Duffy
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Royals starter Kyle Davies has been abysmal thus far, and all signs point to him being replaced starting June 1st.
Kansas City will most likely go to their deep farm system for his replacement. Although at the beginning of the year, the easy pick would have been Mike Montgomery—that isn’t the case anymore.
If only one pitcher is called up June 1st, it will be Danny Duffy.
Duffy has shown outstanding control so far this year, something Montgomery can’t claim. As things stand now, Montgomery and Duffy are equally talented prospects with Duffy getting the edge in terms of a June 1st call-up.
Duffy isn’t a must add in all leagues, but if you’re in a deep keeper league, he should be picked up now.
9. Julio Teheran
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With Brandon Beachy headed to the DL, the Braves will most likely call upon Julio Teheran to take his place in the rotation.
Though his first-career start was only mediocre, Teheran will find success in the majors and fast.
He is the Braves’ top pitching prospect and one of the best in all the minors, and the young pitcher could show his electric stuff as soon as this week.
If Teheran pitches really well in Beachy’s absence, there is a chance he will stay in the majors and force the hand of GM Frank Wren to trade Derek Lowe.
8. Mark Melancon
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Astros’ closer Brandon Lyon is on the disabled list for the time being, so Houston will now turn to Mark Melancon in the ninth inning.
Melancon has picked up a save and a win since being named closer and currently sports a 1.83 ERA.
He should be a solid source for saves for the next 2-to-3 weeks.
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7. Alberto Callaspo
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Alberto Callaspo is silently put together a decent season so far.
He is batting .314 and has 19 RBI on the season.
In a very shallow position, Callaspo has played better than most this season. If you’re third baseman is slumping like Mark Reynolds or Pedro Alvarez or is hurt like Chipper Jones, adding Callaspo would be wise.
6. Edinson Volquez
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Edinson Volquez hasn’t pitched as well this year as he has in the past, but that doesn’t mean he won’t turn it around this week.
Volquez will get two starts this week, one against the Cubs and one against the Indians. Both games are winnable for him, and although both teams have solid offenses, Volquez has the stuff to contain them.
Volquez should be good for at least one win this week.
5. Fernando Salas
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The Cardinals’ closer role has been passed around several relievers in 2011. Currently, it appears as if Fernando Salas is the man in the ninth for St. Louis.
Salas has been solid coming out of the St. Louis bullpen, posting a 1.15 ERA with three saves and no blown saves.
He should start receiving the bulk of the save opportunities, so if you’re in need of a closer, grab Salas.
4. Jason Vargas
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Jason Vargas is hardly a household name, yet he has put together a good 2011 season.
Vargas has a 3.86 ERA and has only given up one earned run in his past 16.2 innings.
He also pitches twice this week (against the Twins and Padres).
Both matchups are favorable for the Seattle pitcher, so a low ERA and WHIP are expected from Vargas this week.
3. Cameron Maybin
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Cameron Maybin is finally starting to fulfill some of his potential that made him one of the best prospects in baseball a couple of seasons ago.
Maybin has five homers and six steals this season and is batting a reasonable .280.
He definitely has the talent to sustain his early-season success, so add Maybin if you need an outfielder.
2. Jordan Zimmermann
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Jordan Zimmermann has had a rough start to the 2011 season, going 2-4 with a 4.13 ERA. However, he has pitched well of late, earning a quality start in each of his past three outings.
Zimmermann takes the mound twice this week (against the Pirates and the Orioles).
He could easily win both games and continue to build off the success of his last three starts, so adding Zimmermann will help your team this week.
1. Scott Baker
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Scott Baker is a very solid pitcher for the Twins that has two starts this week.
Baker will go up against the Mariners and Diamonbacks this week.
Both of those games are winnable for Baker, so two wins could be in store for him this week. Add that to the fact that he has 40 strikeouts and a 3.71 ERA this season and Baker is a must-add this week.
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