Fantasy Baseball: Ivan Nova and Top 10 Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 20

Once again, another installment of waiver wire pickup.

Every fantasy week from here on out is going to establish whether or not your team has what it takes to be a playoff contender.

Just like actual MLB rosters, fantasy teams have been plucked and pulled of their top hitters and pitchers.

With that said, now is the time to put it all together, add some much-needed help and scarce positions and let production speak for itself.

Here are the top 10 waiver wire options heading into Week 20.

League types and capacities may differ.

10. Jesus Montero, C, New York Yankees

There's no secret as to who and what catcher Jesus Montero is capable of.

The young prospect has been floating around the New York Yankees farm system in hopes of a major league call-up for far too long.

His last few opportunities have been blocked by veteran Jorge Posada and the most recent obstacle of Russell Martin's offseason signing.

The fact remains that Montero is such a great hitter at an offensively-challenged position that no matter how good New York's catching options are doing, he'll always be mentioned in the call-up speculation.

This time is no different.

There has been much speculation about Montero being brought up by the end of the month, helping fantasy owners win important games and allowing the Yankees to add some depth to their offense.

No matter when he gets called up, now or with one week left in the season, he's a must-add.

If you have a last-ditch effort catcher starting for you every week and think you're going to be playing for some bragging rights at the end of the year, consider adding Montero and stash him for however long it takes.

9. Jason Kipnis, 2B, Cleveland Indians

Just in cause you haven't heard, Jason Kipnis is a beast.

The 24-year-old has recorded five home runs through his first 13 games, adding power and consistency to a sometimes lackluster fantasy position.

Kipnis isn't going to hit for a high average and he may strike out a little too much, but regardless of those sometimes impeding negatives towards your team's scoring, his power potential remains too high to disregard.

Long-term, Kipnis could become a top-five fantasy second baseman, but for now, lets just say he's worth adding in deeper mixed leagues.

8. Blake Beavan, SP, Seattle Mariners

Believe it or not, even with the horrid run support behind him, Blake Beavan has been a very serviceable pitcher over the past month.

The 22-year-old has been fairly dominant over nearly 42 innings of work, going 3-2 with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.

Now while he doesn't strike out too many batters, (17) he doesn't walk any either (six).

In every one of Beavan's starts this year, they've all been quality outings.

I'd take a chance on the young starter and let his production speak for itself.

7. Peter Bourjos, OF, Los Angeles Angels

Despite the .268 average, Peter Bourjos has been a very good fantasy outfielder.

He scores runs, steals bases, hits for gap-power and knows how to get on base.

The 24-year-old was given a scare during rookie phenom Mike Trout's call-up, but as it stands right now, Bourjos is an Angel in the outfield.

Going forward, with his speed and extra-base ability alone, Bourjos remains a solid add in any deep fantasy league.

Consider adding him on-top of another productive week of scoring.

6. J.P. Arencibia, C, Toronto Blue Jays

Well it looks like J.P. Arencibia is back to his fantasy-worthy ways.

Despite a very low average for a solid all-around hitter, Arencibia's power continues to reign supreme.

The 25-year-old is up to 18 home runs on the year, adding 50 RBI in just over 300 at-bats.

It seems as if his potential for the rest of 2011 is going to be based solely on his home run and double hitting abilities.

Now while that's no way to piggy back your fantasy team, it's still a solid means of weekly scoring.

As of now, Arencibia should be looked at as a borderline mixed league must-start and should be owned in nearly every deeper fantasy league.

5. Rafael Furcal, SS, St. Louis Cardinals

Okay, here's the deal.

I'm not going to list Rafael Furcal's stats on the season because they're pretty average, but since being traded to an offensively heavy St. Louis Cardinals lineup, the veteran shortstop has gained potential that he's never really had.

A big-time supporting cast is exactly what Furcal needs to reboot his system and get back on fantasy owner's radars.

Also considering Jose Reyes recently re-injured his hamstring, Furcal could be a worthwhile add in fairly any fantasy league.

Watch for a spark of production because once it happens, the once-elite hitter could be helping your team in the playoffs sooner than later.

4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH, Baltimore Orioles

Well look who we have here.

Everybody knows how good Vladimir Guerrero has been throughout his career, but 2011 has been a different story.

Guerrero has been a shell of his former self and in no way has fulfilled his expectations as a Baltimore Oriole.

However, considering the veteran has hit nearly .300 over his last 50 at-bats, all those disappointments are moot.

It's hard to sell fantasy owners on the fact that an aging DH is worth adding and starting in mixed leagues, but the fact remains that Guerrero is starting to come around and could become relevant once again.

Food for thought, the 36-year-old rarely strikes out and always seems to find a way to get on base on a weekly basis.

That's a lot more than you can say about some of the players starting in the shallowest of mixed leagues.

3. Jed Lowrie, 2B/3B/SS, Boston Red Sox

Following a tedious DL stint, Jed Lowrie is due to return Monday.

For that fact and that fact alone, Lowrie should be added in nearly all leagues.

When he left he was hitting and when he returns he should still do the same.

With eligibility at second, third and most importantly shortstop, Lowrie could be in for a serious hot streak for the remainder of the season.

Not to mention he's hitting in the best lineup in baseball.

2. Brett Lawrie, 2B/3B, Toronto Blue Jays

It's about time owners realize how good Brett Lawrie is.

His minor leagues stats this season are off the charts, hitting .353 with 18 home runs and 13 stolen bases in only 292 at-bats.

After recovering from a broken hand that sidelined him for nearly a month, Lawrie has finally been called up and is already making noise in the majors.

In Sunday's contest against Baltimore, Lawrie blasted his first major league home run, improving his season average to an impressive .455.

Now I realize it's only over a small sample of games, but it looks like the 21-year-old is ready to live up to all lofty expectations.

Add him and reap the benefits in Week 20.

1. Ivan Nova, SP, New York Yankees

Is it too soon to say the New York Yankees' starting pitching troubles are solved?

Maybe, but Ivan Nova has been too good to say otherwise.

Over his last two starts, Nova has recorded two wins with 16 strikeouts, a 1.84 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and only one walk in 14.2 innings of work.

On the year, the 24-year-old has reached the 10 win mark, posting a 3.81 ERA in nearly 110 innings.

When you pitch for the Yankees and start recording seven-inning, one-run outings, there's something to like.

Add Nova now if you're searching for any pitching help because the kid has enough potential to be New York's second-best starter over the next two months.