Adam LaRoche and Dayan Viciedo are two guys who may have been dropped due to early season struggles (and an injury as well in Viciedo’s case) who should be picked up in all formats if they’re available – nothing else to say really.

MI Jurickson Profar (TEX) – The future may be now as Profar is apparently in Arlington and might get called-up if Kinsler has to go to the DL for a rib injury.  If he looks good, I could see the Rangers finding room for him when Kinsler returns, possibly moving Kinsler to 1B and Moreland to the OF (sharing time with Murphy, Martin, and Cruz).  If you can pick up minor leaguers, I’d do it as Profar is the top prospect in baseball.

2B/OF Emilio Bonifacio (TOR) – Bonifacio is playing every day (at least while Rajai Davis is out) and has finally started hitting.  It was only a matter of time.  Boni is only a .250-.260 AVG guy, but he should still steal 30+ bases this season.  Grab him if someone gave up on him and you need steals.

1B Mitch Moreland (TEX) – What can you say?  He’s been on fire lately, and is hitting .290 on the season with 10 HR.  Get him in all leagues.  I’d drop Hosmer and Ike Davis for him.

SP Scott Kazmir (CLE) – He would have been on last week’s Waiver Wire post, but I didn’t have time for it last week.  If he’s still available, make sure you get him as he 2-starts next week (vs. SEA and BOS – neither is great against lefties).  He’s also someone who could easily end up being a guy you want to keep.  His velocity is in the mid 90s again and his control has returned.  Take a flier.

SP Jeremy Guthrie (KC) – He’s probably not available unless you’re in a 10-team league given his hot start, but if he is go get him as he 2-starts against the Astros and Angels this week.

SP Julio Teheran (ATL) – He may have finally figured things out as he’s had 4 good starts in a row now and only allowed 1 walk through those starts.  He’s definitely worth throwing out there this week as he has a 2-start against the Twins and Mets – not exactly offensive powerhouses.

SP Brandon McCarthy (ARI) – I’m hesitant to definitively say “he’s back” despite throwing 17 straight scoreless innings in his last 2 outings as they came against the light-hitting Phillies and of course the Marlins.  Having said that, he’s been a quality pitcher and has a 37 K:8 BB ratio, so I’d be inclined to add him in any league where you need pitching.  Keep in mind, given his lack of Ks he’s not someone you should break the bank for, especially if he relapses.  Also, be prepared for him to miss starts at some point due to an injury as usual.

Deep Waivers
*These guys are likely available and worth a look in deeper leagues

RP Joel Peralta (TB) – I said it weeks ago – Rodney has reverted back to his old self.  He no longer has even decent control, which was the impetus behind his breakout last season.  Peralta is a 37 year-old set-up man who has never really closed before, but so was Raffy Betancourt before he became a closer late in his career.  Granted, Rodney hasn’t completely imploded yet, and I think they really want to keep him in the closer’s role, but eventually they might have no choice but to make the move.  Peralta has been money this season, as usual, and is one of the better guys to speculate on for saves at some point.

RP Pedro Strop (BAL) – Though Jim Johnson has been fine overall this season, he’s had 2 bad outings in a row including a meltdown yesterday in a blown save.  To the contrary, Strop hasn’t given up a hit in 7 of his last 8 outings.  I don’t think a change is imminent, but if Johnson has another blown save or two things could change quickly.

3B Josh Donaldson (OAK) – He’s hitting .325 with 6 HRs in the middle of the A’s lineup at a pretty weak position… need any further reason to pick him up?  For the record, I expect him to hit about .260 with another 10 HRs the rest of the way, so he’s due for some regression sooner than later.

OF Leonys Martin (TEX) – He has 4 steals in his last 4 games while starting just about every day.  The caveat is that while he starts, he’s often replaced halfway through games by Craig Gentry so he has a lot of 2 AB games.  Still, in deeper leagues, he could definitely be useful if he’s finally starting to steal some bases as he’s hitting .280 to boot.

OF Jimmy Paredes (HOU) – Paredes is going to the every day RF going forward for the Astros, at least until manager Bo Porter can figure out if he’s a part of their future plans or not.  Paredes hit 13 HRs and stole 39 bases last season in the minors while hitting over .300.  He’s not a top prospect, but his 5 category appeal makes him someone you should take a flier on if you have an open roster spot and need an OF.

3B Eric Chavez (ARI) – He’s getting every day ABs while Aaron Hill is out and has responded hitting .325 with 5 HRs.  It won’t last, but ride him while he’s hot!

SP Vidal Nuno (NYY) – With Pettitte heading to the DL, Nuno is being recalled to take his spot in the rotation.  Week 9 he gets a 2-start against the Mets and Red Sox, which is pretty favorable.  He’s worth a flier based on what he’s done in the minors as well as his 8 scoreless innings in the majors so far this season.

SP Eric Stults (SD) – He’s given up 1-2 runs in 3 of his last 4 starts (3 runs in the other).  He’s a decent match-up pitcher, but his lack of Ks and modest stuff make him more of a 4+ ERA pitcher.  Still, in the right match-ups, you could do worse.

SP Roy Oswalt (COL) – He’s being moved to AA where he will get at least 4-5 starts in before likely being added to the Rockies’ rotation.  It’s not yet the time to add him unless you’re in a really deep league, but keep him in mind in a few weeks.

Streamers
*These are starters who you can pick up and start this week based on their skills combined with a favorable match-up, though not likely someone you will end up keeping

SP Chris Capuano (LAD) – He faces the Cards, who are putrid against lefties, this week.

SP Tyler Cloyd (PHI) – He faces the Marlins, who are putrid against everyone, this week.  He 2-starts next week as well, but I wouldn’t risk it.

SP Mike Leake (CIN) – As usual, he gives up a lot of hits, but not a lot of runs.  Leake is a solid start against the Mets this week as they struggle against righties.

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 8 (May 20-26)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 9 (May 27-June 2)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 7 (May 13-19)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 8 (May 20-26)

OF Michael Saunders (SEA) – Saunders has been on fire since the season began, but some may have missed that as he hit the DL for a couple weeks and just came off it (still red hot) a few days ago.  This is an elite talent who should be a 20/20 threat with upside.  The big thing to be excited about is that he’s hitting .300 with a BABIP under .300!  He’s not getting lucky on batted balls in play, he’s striking out less.  I’d add him in all formats, even the shallowest of mixed leagues… helping in 5-categories, he’s the kind of pick-up that could help turn your team into a contender.

SP Phil Hughes (NYY) – I wrote about him a few weeks ago saying I’ve never been a big fan of his, but since a bad first 2 starts of the season, he’s rattled off 4 straight superb starts, allowing 2 runs or less in each.  his strikeout rate is over 8 K/9 while his walk rate is under 2 BB/9… and he plays for the Yankees.  That is a recipe for success.  He’s been unlucky on batted balls in play (opponents BABIP) and in allowing HRs, but don’t be fooled… he’s pitching very well and should be added in all formats.

SS Dee Gordon (LAD) – Hanley went on the DL, and Gordon finally got the call.  If Gordon can hit even .250, his steals should provide a lot of value at SS while he plays.  There’s a chance he gets to keep the SS job even after Hanley gets back as they can move Hanley to 3B for Cruz/Uribe, and that’s why he should be added in shallow mixed leagues as well if you have someone you can afford to drop.

RP Kenley Jansen (LAD) – There’s a pretty good chance someone drafted Jansen, and is probably still holding onto him… but in case someone got impatient or dropped him for a newly-annointed closer, go get Jansen now.  League is REALLY struggling right now, while Jansen has been very good.  It should only be a matter of time now before they make the switch… get Jansen before he becomes a closer and thus, too expensive.

Deep Waivers
*These guys are likely available and worth a look in deeper leagues

OF Marcell Ozuna (MIA) – Ozuna is a bit of a crapshoot.  He has exciting power, showing the ability to hit around 25 HR in the minors, but he only has 47 ABs at AA.  He skipped AAA altogether, and barely had time in AA – that will likely lead to extended periods of struggling in the majors.  Still, his power is intriguing and he hasn’t looked overwhelmed in the majors yet.  Don’t go overboard, but it’s better to take a shot on an unknown talent rather than known mediocrity.

OF Delmon Young (PHI) – Young came off the DL and went right into the Phillies’ starting lineup.  He doesn’t have a high upside, but he’ll hit for a .270-.280 AVG with 15-20 HRs… deep leaguers could certainly do much worse.

OF Nolan Reimold (BAL) – Reimold is playing close to everyday between LF and DH.  We all know he can produce when he gets playing time, so now may be the time to pounce on him before he becomes a potential shallow mixed league option.

OF Aaron Hicks (MIN) – Hicks looked flat-out overwhelmed when he started in the majors this season after not having played above AA, but he’s turned it around in recent weeks.  Even though his overall numbers don’t show it, he’s been hitting much better (has had a hit in 9 of last 11 games) and hit his first HR to go along with 3 steals.  He’s still not a shallow mixed league option, but deep leaguers should take notice.  He can still be a source of 20+ steals with a solid AVG.

C  Wilson Ramos (WAS) – He just came off the DL so owners in deep leagues might want to keep tabs on him.  He’s a much better offensive option than Suzuki, and eventually he is likely to end up getting the majority of starts even though he’s only starting half the time right now.  Keep an eye on him.

Streamers
*These are starters who you can pick up and start this week based on their skills combined with a favorable match-up, though not likely someone you will end up keeping

I told you about Kyle Kendrick, Andrew Cashner, and David Phelps in last week’s waiver wire article.  Kendrick and Cashner both have favorable 2-starts this week, while Phelps has a decent 2-start next week (and might become someone you hold onto as well).  Here’s a couple more options in case better options are no longer available:

SP Robero Hernandez (aka Fausto Carmona) (TB) – The underlying statistics behind his crappy ERA say he’s actually pitching very well thus far this season.  He has a 2-start this week against Toronto and San Diego… deep leaguers might want to take a shot on him.

SP Eric Stults (SD) – He has a solid skillset and faces the Marlins this week… ’nuff said.  He also 2-starts next week, though I’m not sure I’d recommend that as of right now.

NOTE: Teams have a lot of 5-game weeks coming up…beware of skipped fifth-starters! I have projected where I believe pitchers will be skipped, but things could always change.

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 6 (May 6-12)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 7 (May 13-19)

Notables NOT in the lineup on Monday:
3B D. Wright
SS T. Tulowitzki
2B M. Ellis
OF N. McLouth
OF C. Beltran
OF I. Suzuki
SS H. Ramirez
SS E. Aybar

RP Jose Valverde (DET) – I had him listed as a recommended pick-up in my Week 2 Waiver Wire post and said that if you can afford to stash him for a few weeks it might end up paying off.  Kudos if you did, but if not he’ll likely be too costly at this point.  The problem is, he has name value.  Even though he wasn’t even all that good last season, people know his name, and the Tigers are a good team, so he is very overvalued.  Having said that, he’s a closer and likely has a good amount of job security right now since his manager endorses him so much.  I’d still temper my expectations as they also called-up closer-in-waiting Bruce Rondon.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see him take the job away from Valverde at some point when Valverde inevitably struggles.  Don’t forget Valverde’s plummeting strikeout rate (down to 6.26 K/9 last season) and iffy control.  No one will mistake him for an elite closer, but he has the job and that alone makes him a worthwhile pick-up… just don’t go overboard.

OF Nate McLouth (BAL) – He’s on fire right now… playing close to every day and hitting lead-off for the offensive juggernaut Orioles.  He’s up to 8 steals on the season so far as well.  Now you might be thinking “we’ve seen this before… he’ll come back down to Earth eventually.”  In part, you’re right… but he’s showing something this season he hadn’t shown before – a much improved contact rate (90.7%) and walk rate (16.7%).  It’s still early, but if he continues to walk almost twice as often as he strikes out, he could be a fantasy mainstay this season.  I’d put a decent bid on him if he is somehow still available in your league.

OF Juan Pierre (MIA) – He’s still not hitting well this season, but he has started stealing bases finally, and I think his history of being a high AVG hitter will come through eventually.  Giancarlo Stanton also looks like he’s finally woken up from his coma, so Pierre is still likely to end up being what you thought he was – 35+ steals, a good AVG, and plenty of runs.

3B Nolan Arenado (COL) – The Rockies finally made the inevitable call to bring Nolan up.  Pick him up in all leagues, but temper expectations as he has only mediocre power.  Still, he can hit around 20 HR in Coors over a full season while hitting for a solid AVG, so if you need a 3B (Gyorko owners) give him a look.  Just don’t go overboard… he’s not Myers or Taveras.

SP Andrew Cashner (SD) – Cashner is now a full member of the Padres’ rotation until he gets injured or reaches his innings limit (likely around 160 IP).  He’s a high strikeout pitcher with ok control, but pitching in PetCo, should keep his ERA in the mid 3s.  I wouldn’t spend a ton on him, but he’s worth a decently-sized bid.

RP John Axford (MIL) – The Brewers’ bullpen is really clicking with Axford pitching in lower leverage situations and Henderson closing out games… which clearly means it’s a time to change things.  Even though Axford says he should not close games right now, the Brewers may end up going back to him if he continues to pitch effectively.  I still don’t buy that they make the change and Axford keeps the job the rest of the way, but if you’re a Henderson owner or in need of speculative saves, you should put in a bid on him just in case.

RP Joel Hanrahan (BOS) – I really don’t understand this move at all, but apparently Boston is ready to go back to Hanrahan as the closer once he’s healthy.  All Andrew Bailey has done is pitch like an elite closer in his stead.  And don’t forget, Bailey used to be an elite closer himself.  I’m definitely not buying Hanrahan taking back AND keeping this job as I don’t think his struggles were completely (or even at all) injury-related, but he needs to be owned if you’re a Bailey owner or in need of speculative saves and Axford is gone.

Deep Waivers
*These guys are likely available and worth a look in deeper leagues

SP Dan Straily (OAK) – He’s one of my favorite rookie starters to make a big impact this season.  All he needed was for one of Oakland’s injury-prone starters to get injured for him to have an opening.  He already dominated in a start earlier this season before Colon was back from suspension, and now he gets another start on Monday for Brett Anderson.  Anderson is expected back after missing one start, but who knows with him… he’s always injured.  In addition, Griffin has really been struggling lately… it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Straily take over his spot in the rotation with another good outing.  It’s only a matter of time before he’s up to stay.

SP Matt Magill (LAD) – Incredible.  The Dodgers start the season with 8 starters, trade Harang, then lose Billingsley, Capuano, and Greinke to injuries… now they need starters.  Enter Matt Magill.  You’ve probably never heard of him, but his strikeout rate last season in AA was 10.33 K/9.  He continued to strike out batters at a high rate this season in AAA before his call-up, though he does have some control issues.  Still, his first outing went well, and he’s talented enough to be an asset in 12-15 team leagues.  Give him a look if you’re low on potential impact starters.

SP David Phelps (NYY) – Nova’s injury has opened the door for Phelps to get another shot in the rotation, and this time he might even be able to keep the job if he can be effective.  He’s struggled in relief so far this season, but he’s still a potential impact starter with a high strikeout rate on a good offensive team.

OF Oswaldo Arcia (MIN) – It looks like the youngster might be up to stay in Minnesota.  The kid has some talent, as he’s shown the ability to hit 15-20 HR with a solid AVG in the minors.  He’s struggled a bit so far, but I think a lot of that has been bad luck with a .158 BABIP.  His 7% walk rate is decent, while his 20.7% strikeout rate shows he isn’t completely overwhelmed (unlike Hicks).  If you need an OF with decent power in deep leagues he’s definitely worth a bid.

DH Travis Hafner (NYY) – Hafner looks thin and revitalized.  Travis is hitting the crap out of the ball when he plays… but that’s the problem.  He sits against just about every lefty, so he’s only really worth starting when the Yankees face 5 righties in a week.  Still, deep league owners might want to keep him around for just such occasions.

RP Kevin Gregg (CHC) – I believe the job will be Fujikawa’s when he returns in about a week, but who knows… stranger things have happened than Gregg running away with the job.  Even though he’s a former closer though, his skillset is not good.  I wouldn’t trust him anymore than you trusted Marmol.  Still, he’s getting saves right now so he’s worth a small bid if you desperately need saves for the next week or so.

1B/2B/3B Yuniesky Betancourt (MIL) – He’s clearly hitting over his head right now, but to be fair Betancourt does have some offensive ability.  He can give you 15+ HR over a full season with an AVG around .260-.270… but his value lies in his positional flexibility.  Right now he’s eligible at 1B, 2B, and 3B.  As Matt Carpenter shows, even a decent hitter with that kind of flexibility is valuable.

SP  Robbie Erlin (SD) – The Padres called-up Erlin to pitch out of the bullpen for now, but his long-term spot lies in the rotation.  Given the lack of talent the Padres currently have in their rotation, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him given a chance there sooner than later.  Erlin is a notch below the elite talent of minor league starters like Wheeler, Hultzen, Cole, Bundy, and Straily, but he could very well make a Tony Cingrani-like impact.  He combines a high strikeout rate with good control… always a winning combination.  The time to add him is now before he is put into the rotation and people see his talent.

OF Donald Lutz (CIN) – Lutz was called-up to replace the injured Chris Heisey in Cincy.  Heisey certainly hasn’t done much to guarantee his job when he returns, so Lutz might have a real chance to be of value to the Reds right now.  Lutz has bigtime power, though he’ll probably struggle to hit for AVG.  It’s clear Hamilton isn’t ready defensively in the OF yet, so if Lutz can produce, he may stick around for a bit.  If you need HRs from the OF spot, give him a look.

Streamers
*These are starters who you can pick up and start this week based on their skills combined with a favorable match-up, though not likely someone you will end up keeping

SP Jason Hammel (BAL) – He 2-starts against Seattle and LAA.  Jason is a solid pitcher who you should be able to count on for help in ERA/WHIP and should get you at least 1 Win.

SP Kyle Kendrick (PHI) – He’s actually turned into a very solid starter and starts this week against Miami… enough said.  He also 2-starts next week as well… double bonus.  He’s someone I’d consider keeping as well if I needed a starter.

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 5 (April 29-May 5)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 6 (May 6-12)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 4 (April 22-28)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 5 (April 29-May 5)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 3 (April 15-21)

Two-Start Pitchers for Week 4 (April 22-28)