Who’s a player on the waiver wire right now who will really help my team?
- Charles
Depending on the depth of your league, it could be anyone. I’m in 12-, 16- and 20-team leagues and you’ll find a wide variety of players because of how deep your league can be. But, there is one player who I’ve seen available in each of my leagues that should start helping out soon - Jason Lane.
It’s been a rough season for the Houston Astros right fielder, but he’s starting to turn things around. He’s spent most of 2006 under the Mendoza line, but has managed double digit home runs. In comparison, Lane’s “measly” stats aren’t much worse than teammate Preston Wilson, who has favor in the Houston lineup and on fantasy teams. Check out this comparison:
Wilson: .269/.310/.397 with six home runs, 30 RBI and 26 runs
Lane: .205/.341/.403 with 10 home runs, 25 RBI and 30 runs
Not only that, but look at Lane’s split stats for the last couple years:
2004
Pre All-Star: .222/.300/.389
Post All-Star: .370/.436/.609
2005
Pre All-Star: .234/.282/.468
Post All-Star: .305/.354/.536
It should be no surprise what’s coming and if Sunday’s game 3-for-4 game with a homer was an indication that Lane is heating up, as usual, now would be the time to grab him. He’s hitting over .300 this month.
Of all the picks from last week’s draft, who will be the most valuable the quickest?
- Rich
It’s always hard to gauge just how picks will turn out, but #1 pick Luke Hochevar will probably be among the first group of players to reach the majors and make some kind of difference on a fantasy squad.
Hochevar was the #40 pick by the Dodgers in 2005’s draft but never signed and spent part of the past year pitching for Forth Worth in the American Association, going 1-1 in 4 starts with a 2.38 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 22 innings. Because of that, he’s been able to stay in shape and work on his top-of-the-rotation stuff. Pitching in the Kansas City organization won’t hurt his stock opportunities either, as he could earn a spot with the major league club as early as next year.
How valuable could he be? His first few years will probably be rough, as the Royals try to transition to a younger team fed by their farm system. Assuming he fulfills his potential, Hochever could be at least a #2 starter for fantasy teams once he gets comfortable in the majors.
I’m in a keeper league and near the bottom of the standings. When should I pack it in and try to get ready for next year?
- Dave
If there’s no hope for you in the league, it’s never to early to start entertaining trade offers. There’s no fun in finishing last or near last in any league, but at least keepers give you the chance to get back at your friends who stuck it to you before.
While there’s still plenty of season left, it’s up to you just how far out you are. If there’s no chance for you to come back, start talking with other managers to see if they’d be willing to trade you some young stars for your quality veterans. This kind of stuff doesn’t only go on in the real world, after all.
You might as well stockpile the best young talent for next year and beyond. If you want some suggestions, here’s some players to target:
Rickie Weeks - At a talent-scarce position and could be one of the best second basemen as early as this season.
Grady Sizemore - The 23-year-old could produce a 30-30 season sometime in the next couple years. Will probably be close in 2006.
Francisco Liriano - He’s really good this year and will be a top-15 pitcher for years to come.
Huston Street - Has locked down the closer’s role in Oakland until the A’s let him go.
Bobby Jenks - Ditto that with the White Sox.
Russell Martin - It’s always hard to find quality catchers and aside from Victor Martinez, there aren’t many young alternatives out there.
Joel Guzman - He made his debut with the Dodgers recently and if he stays with the big league club he’ll be starting next year. Could hit 30 homers as soon as 2007.
Felix Hernandez - Does King Felix need an introduction?
I’ve been offered Roger Clemens for Curt Schilling. Is this a deal worth taking?
- Chris
Both of these guys should finish among the top 10 in fantasy pitchers this year, but it’s really just a question of which will finish higher. Because all we have to gauge Clemens on is two rehab starts in the minors, it’s hard to tell just how he’ll do in the majors when he returns. Schilling, meanwhile, has been back to his normal self in Boston this season and already has nine wins.
We all know that Clemens wouldn’t be coming back unless he absolutely knew he could pitch at or very near the level he was at last year. Monday on “Around the Horn” Jackie MacMullan was talking about how detailed Clemens is when scheduling workouts and how he treats his body, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t believe he’s planned this all long. ESPN’s Jeff Brantley even said last week he’s never seen Clemens in as good of shape as he is right now.
While all this must be taken in a relative sense, I think it’d be easy to assume that both these guys would be neck-and-neck the rest of the way stat-wise. So, if your trading partner is willing to throw another player into the deal, I’d say go for it. You’re breaking even with Clemens-for-Schilling.
Which of these players should I take off the waiver wire:
Marcus Thames
Lyle Overbay
Jose Lopez
- Theo
In most cases, I’d say it depends on what you’re looking for, but all three of these guys are producing in the normal 5x5 hitting categories. Really, it should come down to where you need production from.
Thames offers a solid bat in the outfield and is simply playing out of his mind right now. With him it’s always been a case of the need of playing time to put up the numbers he’s capable of. In 336 at bats before this season, he hit 25 home runs. That’s kind of crazy.
Overbay won’t hurt you at first base and Lopez is in a bit of a slump right now, but either is a worthy starter at first and second, respectively.
If I had to pick, I’d go with Thames, if only for his greater power potential.
