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 9.
American League only:
SP – Chris Tillman – I wrote about Tillman in the minor league report earlier this week. To me he is strictly an AL only play until he proves he can pitch in the major leagues the second time around. Until he is able to string together four or five good starts in a row, he should remain benched in mixed league formats.
2B / SS – Maicer Izturis – takes over at third base for the Los Angeles Angels with Brandon Wood going on the disabled list and has a good chance to keep the job for the rest of the season in that role. He has always put up solid numbers in limited at bats, as he can hit for average and steal a few bases as well.
National League only:
SP – P.J. Walters - Walters worked five shutout innings in his start Thursday night while striking out four in his 2010 major league debut. With Brad Penny on the disabled list and Kyle Lohse now out of action for the next two months, Walters will get a a chance in the rotation over the next several weeks.
SP – Sam LeCure – LeCure makes his major league debut on Friday against the Houston Astros, replacing Homer Bailey in the rotation. LeCure had a 2.55 ERA in 9 starts in Triple-A with a 1.20 WHIP and 51 strikeouts in 60 innings. His career minor league numbers stand at a 3.67 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP.
12 /15 mixed league:
SP – Hisanori Takahashi – I had Takahashi in the NL only section last week, but after two stellar starts against top offenses in the Yankees and the Phillies, it is time to start using him in mixes leagues. Averaging more than a strikeout an inning on the season, Takahashi currently has a 2.13 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 38 innings on the year.
RP – Will Ohman – it looks like Ohman will step into the role as the Baltimore closer with Alfredo Simon going on the disabled list and Mike Gonzalez still far away from returning to action after experiencing a setback in his rehab. Ohman has only three saves in 349 games in 10 chances so there is no guarantee of success for him, especially after serving as a lefty specialist.
RP – Frank Mata – if you don’t believe in Ohman, than Mata is a fall back option. Mata was recalled from Triple-A after serving as closer there, racking up eight saves in 19 1/3 innings with 14 strikeouts and a 1.86 ERA. At age 26, his numbers have not been too impressive in the minors, with career numbers of a 4.08 ERA and a 1.437 WHIP.
