Here is a look at some potential players to target in your fantasy baseball league that might be out there on the waiver wire in week 10.
American League only:
3B – Danny Valencia – Valencia was called up by the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday and will see time at third base. His stay could be a short one if the team is looking for a hitter with Michael Cuddyer out a few days on bereavement leave, or his stay could be longer if the Twins actually give him at bats and a chance to win the job from Nick Punto. Valencia was hitting .292 with no home runs and 24 RBI on 185 at bats with two stolen bases. His career minor league average is .299 and he hit 14 home runs between two levels last year so he is not a light hitter by any means, but for some reason the home runs have not been there this year.
SP – Tommy Hunter – Hunter is ready to return to the Texas Rangers and with Derek Holland going on the disabled list, there is a spot open for him in the rotation to make a couple of starts. Hunter has a 4.05 ERA in six starts in Triple-A this year with a 1.46 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings.
National League only:
SP – Carlos Monasterios - it has been quite a journey for Monasterios who just last season was repeating High-A in the minor leagues while pitching mostly in relief at the age of 23. He has already been with several organizations, starting with the New York Yankees before being traded to Philadelphia in the Bobby Abreu deal back in 2006. He was selected by the New York Mets in the Rule V Draft this past off season but then traded to the Dodgers where he seems to have found a home so far. He has been filling in for Vicente Padilla on the disabled list so there is no guarantee he will stay in the rotation, but for now the results make him worthy of a claim if he is still a free agent. Monasterios has a 1.87 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP through 33 2/3 innings with 17 strikeouts.
OF - Xavier Nady – with rumors of Derrek Lee possibly being on the trade block in Chicago, the Cubs are going to need a first basemen if he is moved. The most likely scenario is that Nady or even someone like Alfonso Soriano is moved to first base. If Soriano is moved, that would open up additional at bats for Nady or Tyler Colvin.
12 /15 mixed league:
RP – John Axford – as long as Axford keeps getting the job done, it looks like he will remain in the closer role.He has picked up three saves and a win in his last four appearances and has a 2.79 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Trevor Hoffman was bombed in his last outing and Carlos Villanueva has allowed three runs in his last 2/3 of an inning so there is no else stepping forward in the bullpen.
3B – Mike Lowell – several weeks ago it looked like Lowell was going to get additional time with David Ortiz struggling in Boston. Since then Big Papi has been on fire and Lowell has been relegated to a bench role. With injuries and players under performing, teams are now starting to assess trade possibilities. There is a good chance that Lowell could be on the move somewhere in the next month and would turn into a full-time player.
