If your team is lacking in steals, we have listed two widely available candidates to fill that void; one available now and the other, well, let’s just say that he’ll probably be available ‘sooner than later’. So check them out as well as some other players that made our waiver wire pickup list this week…
1. Nate McLouth-OF-Orioles- Here is someone who currently is in second place for the most steals (7) in the league, just three behind Jacoby Ellsbury (10). He is averaging a steal every 9 plate appearances so far this season. The former Pirate is also just just 5 behind the Tigers Austin Jackson who leads the league with 21 runs scored. (McLouth has 16). His .302 batting average will come down some 35- 40 points before all is said & done but the two categories he’s efficient in will surely help your team. As of Friday evening, McLouth was owned in just 20% of leagues.
2. Billy Hamilton-SS-Reds- Totally aware that he is listed as N/A in all leagues, however if you’re in deeper mixed leagues and have the bench space, stash this speedster, especially if you haven’t been able to find a replacement for Jose Reyes who isn’t due back until the All Star break. As most of the savvy owners out there know, Hamilton stole 155 bases in two levels of the minor leagues last year and already has 13 thefts in his first 18 games this season. Hamilton has already made the switch from SS to CF and with just 2 errors so far, he is beginning to master the new position already. Hopefully when he does get called up, he’ll maintain dual eligibility which will make him even more attractive. He’s owned in just 12% of leagues. We don’t suggest you sit on him too much longer…
Although still in Triple-A, this speedster needs to be rostered if you have the bench room & the patience to wait for him to be called up. And that could come sooner than later. Photo: ESPN 1530.com/MLB Network graphic
3. Jose Quintana-SP,RP-White Sox- In just his second year in the big leagues, we like this southpaw’s stuff. The only knock on him is his propensity to giving up the long ball which he has cut down on as he has just offered up one gopher ball in 22 innings pitched this season. Quintana has almost a strikeout an inning this year and has kept his WHIP low at 1.06 by only walking 6 in his four starts. Opposing batters are hitting a meager .212 against him and he’s collected two wins thus far. Owned in under 30% of leagues, he makes for a decent pickup in most formats.
4. Yuniesky Betancourt- 1B,2B,3B-Brewers- Not a player that will make or break your season, but a serviceable utility one nonetheless. Betancourt is good for 15 homers and 75 RBIs and will average somewhere around .265-.270. A decent enough multi-positional guy that, especially in deeper mixed leagues and N.L. leagues only, is someone to fill in those empty slots you see on your roster on Thursday’s and Mondays in particular. He currently has 10 runs scored, 4 homers and 16 RBIs. Owned in just 20% of leagues.
5. Kyle Kendrick-SP-Phillies- A lifetime slightly average pitcher, Kendrick is entering his seventh year in the M.L. and all in Philadelphia. However, as he seems to be having an above average beginning to this season, this 28 year old could be someone to consider in deeper roto leagues and certainly as a streaming candidate as he’ll face either the Marlins or Indians next week. He just completed his second career shutout, a 4-0 gem vs the Mets on Friday night and has a more than serviceable ERA of just 2.41 and a WHIP of 1.10. He has struckout 24 while walking just 8 and opposing batters are hitting just .230 against him. Surprised the lifetime 56-43 right-hander is only owned in 12% of leagues.
#38 Kyle Kendrick is off to a 2-1 start having just thrown his 2nd career shutout. Should be owneed in more leagues. Photo: philly.com
FANTASY FURNACE 