Scouting the Waiver wire: Week 6 edition

Wandy Rodriguez (SP) Houston Astros

Rodriguez is showing total command of the strike zone, and throwing his changeup more. He has cut down on his walks per 9 innings, which has led to a decrease in his fly ball %. The Astros are starting to score runs, leading to a 3 start win streak for Rodriguez. He’s pitching in a weak division and should maintain a low ERA/WHIP to go along with a decent amount of wins.

 

Carlos Ruiz (C) Philadelphia Phillies

Ruiz is smoking hot at the plate possessing an 8 game hitting streak. The power numbers have been there as well (3 doubles/3HR/14RBI). His saber metrics are in line with his career statistics, so ride out this hot streak while you can.

 

Pedro Alvarez (3B) Pittsburgh Pirates

The former 2nd overall pick in the 2008 Draft is one of the hottest hitters in baseball. In the midst of a 7 game hitting streak, Alvarez has assembled 5 multi hit games. He’s amassed 8 runs/ 9RBI’s/3 doubles and has 3 homers in his last 5 games. His BABIP is a modest .286 and he’s hitting the ball all over the field. His GB% is the lowest it has ever been, which could be a sign the power is going to continue.

 

Rafael Dolis (RP) Chicago Cubs

Former closer Carlos Marmol has been removed and Dolis is reportedly the prime candidate to fill the role.  He picked up his 2nd save of the season Friday night in an effortless inning of work.

 

Cody Ransom (SS,3B) Arizona Diamondbacks

Keep an eye on Cody Ransom. Manager Kirk Gibson told reporters “he’s going to be playing more than he normally would due to the hot start”. He is just one injury away from seeing starters playing time and carries a SS designation. He is not lineup worthy right now, but deserves a spot on your watch list. In 29 AB’s he’s hitting .345AVG/1200 OPS/5 runs/3 doubles/3 HR/10RBI.

 

Luke Scott (1B,OF) Tampa Bay Rays

If you are in need of power and RBI’s Scott is your man. He is the classic platoon player because of his struggles versus lefties. However he is killing right handed pitchers and hits in a good lineup. If you have an extra spot on your bench you can’t go wrong with Scott and playing the matchups.

Fantasy baseball report April 29, 2012

This was an interesting week; it featured the promotion of two future stars Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. They both possess immediate fantasy value. Trout is a solid all-around player with speed, while Harper is known for his tape measure power. In keeper leagues their value is even greater as they are considered can’t miss prospects.

 

Yu Darvish impressed me with his 10 strikeout zero run effort versus the Yankees. He was able to work out of tight situations; in the 3rd he loaded the bases and escaped by striking out Curtis Granderson looking then getting Alex Rodriguez to ground into a double play. He featured a 93MPH fastball with late movement, a slow curve which he spotted for strikes, and a changeup that was effective against left-handed hitters. He moves the ball up and down, in and out, and lives on the edges of the strike zone.

 

Adrian Beltre returned to the Rangers this week with no restrictions and picked up where he left off. He’s started at third base the past 4 games after suffering a minor hamstring injury and went 6-16 with 2HR/6RBI’s. Beltre is a MVP candidate for Texas.

 

It appears Carl Crawford will be out for an extended period of time. He visited with Dr. Andrews and will reportedly be out at least 3 months. He had been taking batting practice for the Red Sox, but was unable to throw the ball. It is never a good sign when a player visits Dr. Andrews and you have to seriously consider Crawford’s season is in jeopardy.

 

Marlon Byrd’s career seems to be rejuvenated after being traded to the Red Sox. He struggled mightily for Cubs but has produced as a member of the Sox. With Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury missing significant time Byrd has found a regular lineup spot and has produced at least a hit in every contest.

 

The Red Sox have two interesting starting pitching candidates in their minor-league system in Daisuke Matsuzaka and Aaron Cook. Dice K is almost back after suffering Tommy John surgery, and veteran Aaron Cook has been pitching effectively for AAA Pawtucket. Cook has a contract clause which specifies he can opt out if he is not promoted to the big leagues by May 1st. This situation needs monitoring; will the Red Sox bring up Cook and place Daniel Bard in the bullpen?

 

Jon Jay returned from injury to the Cardinals outfield and produced immediately. He has been batting 2nd in a productive lineup and merits a roster spot in deeper leagues.

 

 

Who’s Hot

Aramis Ramirez (3B) Milwaukee Brewers

Desmond Jennings (OF) Tampa Bay Rays

Carlos Gonzalez (OF) Colorado Rockies

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C) Boston Red Sox

Luke Hochevar (SP) Kansas City Royals

Billy Butler (1B) Kansas City Royals

David Ortiz (DH) Boston Red Sox

Jay Bruce (OF) Cincinnati Reds

José Altuve (2B) Houston Astros

Brandon Morrow (SP) Toronto Blue Jays

Wandy Rodriguez (SP) Houston Astros

Alfredo Aceves (RP) Boston Red Sox

 

Who’s Not

Albert Pujols (1B) L.A. Angels

José Reyes (SS) Miami Marlins

Mark Teixeira (1B) N.Y. Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton (OF) Miami Marlins

Nelson Cruz (OF) Texas Rangers

Yovani Gallardo (SP) Milwaukee Brewers

Heath Bell (RP) Miami Marlins

Jordan Walden (RP) L.A. Angels

Shaun Marcum (SP) Milwaukee Brewers