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 7.
American League only:
1B – Juan Miranda - Miranda will give the New York Yankees a left-handed hitter off the Nick Johnson on the disabled list. Miranda was hitting .260 in 96 at bats in Triple-A with five home runs and 15 RBI.
2B – Joaquin Arias – Arias returns from the disabled list this weekend for the Texas Rangers, although he has a lot less value now than Ian Kinsler is back and healthy.
2B – Mark Grudzielanek – not a sexy name by any means, but with Luis Valbuena struggling in Cleveland, Grudzielanek can help give a boost to your team batting average.
UT – Jack Cust – at some point Jack Cust is going to be back up with the Oakland A’s. You can get ahead of your league mates by claiming him now if you have room on your bench. Cust is hitting .286 in 105 at bats with four home runs and 19 RBI.
National League only:
RP - Scott Mathieson - if you are looking for a sleeper candidates in saves. Mathieson could be your guy. With Brad Lidge hurting and Ryan Madson on the disabled list, Mathieson could be thrust into the Philadelphia bullpen picture sooner rather than later. Mathieson has five saves in Triple-A with a 0.54 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings.
SP – John Ely – if Ely is still somehow out there on the waiver wire, he is definitely worth grabbing. Ely has a 3.86 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in three starts with 17 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. Ely’s career minor league numbers show him with a 3.71 ERA and a 1.254 WHIP with 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
12 /15 mixed league:
SP – Derek Holland – I wrote about him in Rising / Falling in week 6.
SP – Kris Medlen – with Jair Jurrjens re-injuring his hamstring, Medlen should remain in the rotation for the next four weeks. He will get a start next week against the New York Mets and will have the opportunity to use the next few weeks to showcase himself as a better starting pitcher option to the Atlanta Braves than Kenshin Kawakami.
OF – Fred Lewis – he still strikes out way too much for a lead off hitter with little power, but as long as he is hot and hitting for average it is worth riding him for as long as you can. Lewis is hitting .296 with two home runs 13 RBI and three stolen bases on the season.
OF – Corey Patterson – he is bound to score runs hitting lead off for the Baltimore Orioles. His batting average will hurt your team, but if you pick him up, you are hoping for a couple of home runs and some stolen bases.
OF – Brennan Boesch – has been sitting against left-handed pitching, but his RBI rate per at bat makes him an intriguing option going forward, especially since Jim Leyland has been giving him props on a regular basis based on his performance.
