This article originally appeared on Fantasyfootballmaniaxs.com.
We now approach Week Four as fantasy baseball owners are now having to adjust their lineups due to key injuries and matchup situations. Some players couldn’t be breaking out at a better time. So, without further ado, here is the Week Four Waiver Wire.
Infielders:
Chris Getz (2B) (CHW)- Getz, who was rumored to be involved in a trade deal for Baltimore Orioles’ superstar Brian Roberts this offseason, is proving to the White Sox why he could be their future at second base.
Thus far in ‘09, he is hitting for a .333 average, with five RBI, six runs scored, and three stolen bases. Though Getz hasn’t shown much power this season, he is making up for it with contact.
This could prove useful in a 5X5 fantasy format. Getz has been hitting leadoff in a lineup boasting RBI machines Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Carlos Quentin, Josh Fields, and Jim Thome. This allows him a better chance of scoring once he reaches base, a key to success for many fantasy teams today.
Having Getz on your squad not only increases your overall batting average, it also drives up the numbers of runs scored. Also, one thing you cant forget is this rookie’s power potential.
He is expected to be a 20+ home run threat someday, and before long he may begin to show off that “pop” in his bat. If you need a bench player/injury reserve, Getz is your guy. He may wind up being your starter sooner rather than later.
Kurt Suzuki (CA) (OAK)- When you think of the catchers’ position, what names come to mind? Russell Martin? Brian McCann? Bengie Molina? How about Victor Martinez? Let’s try a kid by the name of Kurt Suzuki.
That’s right, this youngster out of Oakland appears to be taking the league by storm. He is currently hitting for a .327 average, with one homer, four RBI, and seven runs scored.
Suzuki has seemed to go unnoticed by fantasy owners for the majority of this season, as he is only owned in 21 percent of Yahoo! fantasy leagues, and only 6.6% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
To put it simply, he may still be available for you to take. Suzuki provides great sleeper potential, as he could end up hitting for a high average with 10+ homers and 60+ RBI over the course of the season.
Suzuki makes for a solid No. 2 catcher with the ability to be a number one. Pick him up if he’s available, and start him if you want a consistent option for the time being.
John Buck (CA) (KC)- The second catcher to make the Week Four Waiver Wire, John Buck is beginning to make a name for himself in Kansas City. In 26 at-bats this season, he is hitting for a .346 average, with three homeruns, ten RBI, and five runs scored. The main issue with Buck is his playing time.
He is currently sharing time with fellow teammate Miguel Olivo behind the plate, costing Buck several at-bats. The one thing going in his favor is this: Olivo is hitting for a .156 average compared to Buck’s .346.
Soon enough, John could become the starter once again in Kansas City, but for now the situation is uncertain. Monitor his progress over the next week and see if he can continue on this hot streak. If he does, grab him, for he could end up being a steal.
Ian Stewart (3B, 2B) (COL)- Another young Rockies’ star is born. First, it was Jeff Francis (Wow, where has his career gone?), then it was Troy Tulowitzki, and most recently Dexter Fowler. Now, Ian Stewart appears to be joining the party.
Stewart is absolutely tearing the cover off the ball, hitting for a .333 average, with three homers, eight RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base.
The main question for Stewart coming into the year was where he was going to get playing time. The Rockies have decided to play him in both the outfield and at third base, allowing the youngster to accumulate plenty of at-bats.
This is perfect for fantasy owners in need of an infielder. If he’s available, grab him. He seems to have high upside going into the rest of the season, and there should always be room on your bench for an up-and-coming star.
Outfielders:
Josh Anderson (LF) (DET)- Normally when people look for steals, they will go out and grab a guy like Michael Bourn out of Houston. Maybe its about time they gave this guy a look. Josh Anderson has emerged as the favorite to start in left field for the Tigers against right handed pitchers, and he is proving that he could end up winning the full time job.
He is currently hitting for a .348 average, with four RBI, seven runs scored, and four steals.
That last stat is the key, though. Anderson has fantastic speed, something that many fantasy owners are looking for in order to rack up points in a 5X5 format. Anderson is a definite sleeper, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. While on the base paths, he is always a threat.
If you need steals, or if you’re just looking for a potential sleeper, Anderson is your guy. For all we know, he could become the starter in Detroit by season’s end, but only time will tell. For now, he should make a solid bench player/injury reserve. If you need him to swipe some bags, though, start him ASAP.
Jody Gerut (CF) (SD)- I’d say that Jody Gerut has had a solid ‘09 thus far. Let’s see, to start, he hit a leadoff homerun to open Citi Field against the New York Mets. Secondly, he’s hitting for a .316 average.
Finally, add in a homer, five RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base, and you have a job well done. Gerut found himself on one of my waiver wires from last season for the same reason as today: His upside.
With him being the starter in San Diego, he has all the time he needs to become one of the more solid outfielders in fantasy baseball. Now, will he become the next superstar? Probably not.
In fact, most likely not even close; however, he does have the ability to swipe a bag and hit for a high average, given a decent number of plate appearances. For now, monitor his progress over the next week. Otherwise, make him a bench player until you feel that he is needed in your lineup. From there, watch and see what happens.
Luke Scott (LF) (BAL)- Talk about being streaky! To start the season, Scott appeared as though he couldn’t hit a lick as he struggled to raise his batting average. Now all of a sudden, he is crushing everything. His average sits at .309, with three homers, ten RBI, and eight runs scored.
The key with Luke is in the first sentence. He is extremely streaky. On some weeks, he will look lost at the plate. On others, he seems like the most dominant batter in baseball. So, the thing to do is play him when he’s hot, sit him when he’s not, and repeat. Simple.
Scott has 25+ homer potential, so he will help out in 5X5 formats, but the key is to use him at the right time. Like now for instance. If you want, grab him now while he’s still killing the ball, then put him on your bench until he heats up again. This strategy could help you in the long run.
Pitchers:
Jordan Zimmerman (SP) (WSH)- If you haven’t heard, Zimmerman (not Ryan) has returned with the Nats, and he’s back with a vengeance. In his first career start, Zimmerman went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, while also issuing one walk and striking out three. Zimmerman has unreal upside, with the ability to K batters repeatedly.
I will make this description short and sweet. The kid is good. He’s really good. So good, in fact, that I highly suggest going out and grabbing him if you can. If he’s available, then he should make a great pickup for the long run.
So what are you doing reading this? Go on and get him, but be sure to hurry back, because there’s two more arms left to look at.
Scott Richmond (SP) (TOR)- With all of the recent injuries to Blue Jays’ starters, Scott Richmond has been called on to help balance out the rotation. To say the least, he’s doing a fine job. So far this season, he’s 2-0, with a 3.31 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and seven walks.
Richmond appears to have the ability to spot his pitches, something that should allow him to succeed for the time being. The key for him will be consistency. In other words, can he keep it up? Only time will tell, so I will advise you to take notice of his next start against the Kansas City Royals.
After that, you should be able to make a final decision on Richmond.
Brian Bannister (SP) (KC)- He’s back! That’s right, the guy that many fans believed could start the 2009 season off on the major league roster is back in the pros again, and he made the most of his return. In his first start of the new year, Bannister went six innings, allowing four hits and no runs, while also issuing two walks and striking out one.
The thing with Bannister will be consistency. Two years ago, Bannister was a twelve game winner. Last year, he won only nine. This season, he’s off to a good start. Monitor his next start against Minnesota, for this could determine his fantasy value in the long run. If he pans out, the Royals will be one scary team.
Lawrence Barreca is a fantasy baseball senior writer/director for www.fantasyfootballmaniaxs.com. For more fantasy sports information, be sure to visit the Maniaxs.
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