Fantasy Baseball: Ranking the 10 Best Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9
Week 9 of fantasy baseball once again has several worthy candidates to acquire via free agency.
There are more hitters this week that should be considered. However, because most teams do not play on Thursday, the pool of two-start pitchers is pretty thin.
Also, there are no minor league prospects on the list because they will start getting called up on June 1. Wait one more week before picking up players like Mike Moustakas.
Here are the 10 best waiver wire pickups for week 9.
10. Corey Patterson
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Corey Patterson has been a revelation for the Blue Jays.
In limited playing time, Patterson has two homers and six steals, while recording 19 runs and 19 RBI.
If he continues to produce at this rate, Patterson’s playing time will remain consistent. Ride out the hot streak.
9. Jonathon Niese
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Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese has been pitching better as of late. In his last start against Washington, he threw seven shutout innings while picking up the win.
This week, Niese will pitch against the Cubs and the Phillies, making him a good two-start pickup.
Expect at least a win and a sub-4.00 ERA from Niese in his two starts this week.
8. Ryan Dempster
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Ryan Dempster’s 2011 season has not gone as planned so far, having pitched his way to a high ERA and a losing record.
However, he has pitched better as of late, recording three quality starts in his past four outings.
He will go up against the Mets and the Pirates this week, so expect two more quality starts out of the Chicago pitcher.
Dempster is a good buy-low candidate and a two-win week is well within reason.
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7. Ryan Vogelsong
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Though he only has one start this week, Ryan Vogelsong has been one of the hottest pitchers in the game.
Since taking over for the injured Barry Zito in the Giants’ rotation, Vogelsong is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA. He also has not given up an earned run in his past three starts.
His play could even land him a permanent spot in the rotation even with Zito returns from injury.
6. Danny Espinosa
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Though his average is still lower than desired, Danny Espinosa has been putting up good numbers as of late.
In the past 15 days, Espinosa has three homers, bringing his season total to six. The Nationals second baseman also has 27 RBI and 23 runs on the season.
Espinosa is regarded as one of the best young second baseman in the game, and this kind of production was expected when the season started.
5. Jonathan Lucroy
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Playing a very shallow position, Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy is producing at a great rate.
Lucroy is batting .320 with 4 homers and 18 RBI.
With several other quality catchers slumping or injured, seriously consider adding Lucroy to your team.
4. Vance Worley
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With Joe Blanton on the DL, the Phillies will once again call on Vance Worley to fill in for one of their starters.
In two starts this season, Worley has given up one earned run in 12 innings while striking out 12.
This week, Worley goes up against the Reds and Mets, which is a manageable schedule for the inexperienced starter.
Also, Worley’s primary position is a reliever, so adding him will not affect your SP total if your league limits that position.
3. Danny Duffy
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For the second straight week, Danny Duffy is one of the best waiver wire pickups.
Though he struggled with his control in his major league debut, he did not pitch all that bad, only allowing four hits to the Rangers.
Duffy will pitch twice this week, once against the Orioles and once against the Rangers.
He is one of the best pitching prospects in the game, and young Royals starter will show how good his stuff is this week.
2. Justin Turner
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Since receiving regular playing time, Mets second baseman Justin Turner has been on fire.
Turner is batting .333 with 15 RBI in just 45 at-bats.
With David Wright on the disabled list, Turner is close to gaining third base eligibility, making him an even more valuable player.
Turner should be picked up in all formats if you need another infielder.
1. Jake Peavy
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Though he is owned in more leagues than the other players on this list, Jake Peavy is the best waiver wire pickup this week.
In his second start of the season, Peavy fired a three hit shutout against the Indians.
This week, the White Sox pitcher will go up against the Rangers and Red Sox, which is no small task.
However, when he is on, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner is as good as anyone in the game and can dominate any lineup.
Despite the difficult schedule, Peavy will put up good numbers this week. If he is still available in your league, grab him.
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