Targets (4/18/06)

Wanted to see if we could start a weekly thread on who everyone thought was a good waiver wire pickup or trade target. Basically, whose playing lights out that might be on the waiver wire, or who is undervalued at the current time and may be available.

Mine for this week:

Waiver wire possibilities.

SP Chris Young, SD. Should be owned in all leagues now, he's 2-0 with a 2.95ERA or so, and 17K's on the season. Should have better numbers than last year because of park factors.

1B/OF Nick Swisher, OAK. He's hit .400 over the last week 10-25 with 3HR, 8 RBI and 7 runs scored. He should also improve on last year's numbers.

OF Alexis Rios, TOR. He's hit .438 this past week with 2 HR, 6 RBI and 5 runs scored. He's got wheels as well, now let's just hope he uses them. If so, he could be Vernon Wells, part deux hitting in the #2 spot for Toronto.


Trade Targets:

3B Aramis Ramirez, ChC. Horrid start. He should be a monster again soon, value might not be lower than it is now.

OF Hideki Matsui, NYY. Hitting .200 with 1 RBI and 0 HR. .583 OPS over the past week. Suffice to say his numbers will improve.

SS Michael Young, TEX Always a slow starter. Decent numbers, but not where they will be at season's end.

I would addIchiro to your targets list. He's off to a very slow start (.190 AB) but we know he's going to hit eventually. Even with his poor OBP right now, he's got 5 steals.

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Originally Posted by RedsManRick

I would add Ichiro to your targets list. He's off to a very slow start (.190 AB) but we know he's going to hit eventually. Even with his poor OBP right now, he's got 5 steals.

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Good addition. It's not my list, it's everyone's list. Add players as you feel necessary throughout the week, and then we'll start a new thread for next week. I would also add that since Ichiro is off to a slow start, Richie Sexson's numbers are down as well. His BA will never be high, but his RBI numbers are down, and that could worry some who have him as their primary 1B.

Trade Target:

Chad Tracy (1B, 3B, OF) - He's hitting .320 with an .846 OPS, yet he's not really on the map as a top 3B or OF. His versatility makes him more valuable in small-roster leagues. He's never going to walk much, but he will give you a BA around .300. Bear in mind that he's playing in Arizona -- once the temperature rises, so will his SLG.

I've noticed Craig Wilson is a free agent in a lot of leagues. With the way he's hitting right now, and Casey out until June, he seems like a good pickup.

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Originally Posted by savafan

I've noticed Craig Wilson is a free agent in a lot of leagues. With the way he's hitting right now, and Casey out until June, he seems like a good pickup.

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Yep. If he's still available, he's a good waiver pickup.

Brad Hawpe and Adrian Gonzalez were available in a couple leagues I'm in. As for targets, if you need speed Figgins is off to a real slow start and could possibly be had for lower value than he will be worth.

I have OF Matt Holliday on my team, and I'm about ready to send him to the waiver wire. I was expecting a lot more from him after he hit over .300 with decent power and some SB's. He's had 2 big games so far, the rest, crappy.

I can't get anything of worth for him in trade.

Not sure if he's a buy low candidate, or just a bust.

Yeah, I have Holliday on a team too. I am starting him through these next five games at Coors field, but if he continues to struggle through that, I will probably get rid of him.

Also, Xavier Nady

I also have Furcal, who I don't like, at SS and Nomar is a free agent in our league. I'd have to drop someone to pick up Nomar, and then DL Nomar and pick up a replacement for the player I dropped. Holliday is getting close to being that player.

So Nomar may be another waiver wire target if he is available in your league. Offers nice position flexibility as well.

Kevin Mench is also off to a slow start, as is Manny Ramirez. Maybe some sucker would trade away Manny.

Great idea! Tremendous feedback!

Here are a couple of my recommendations:

Waiver Wire

P Francisco Liriano, MIN - Tremendous upside. His numbers, while limited because he is stuck in Minny's bullpen, are ridiculous: 8 IP, 13 K's, 0.00 ERA, .72 WHIP.

1B Nick Johnson, WAS - I've seen him on the waiver wire in all of my leagues. I don't get it. He's an OBP machine with good power potential. While he has the unfortunate fate of playing his home games at RFK, his numbers are still quite impressive: .357 avg, .509 OBP, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 11 Runs, 2 SB.

OF Austin Kearns, CIN - I went to pick up Kearns on Sunday and someone had beaten me to the punch. As Reds' fan are aware, he's tearing it up. However others may not.

Trade Targets

P Josh Beckett, BOS - I tried in vain to acquire him via trade during the first week of the season. Since then Beckett has continued to pitch outstanding pushing his record to 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA. I expect big things from Beckett this season.