Nate Springfield
Under the Radar - AL/NL Only Leagues
Wednesday June 6th, 2012
Brian Matusz could live up to previous expectations in 2012. (US Presswire)
This week's AL/NL-only waiver wire pickups features players who can provide some early season help to owners in need of stopgaps and youngsters with upside. Whether your fantasy team needs home runs, steals, or strikeouts, or even if you're just chasing wins, this mix of players has you covered.
* Owned percentages via Yahoo!
AL-Only Players
Trevor Plouffe - 2B/3B/SS/OF, Minnesota Twins (3% owned)
In the middle of May, Trevor Plouffe was in danger of being demoted to the minor leagues, but since then has gone on a tear when it comes to counting stats. In fact, over the last two weeks the 25-year-old utility man has hit three home runs, collected five RBI, with a .286 batting average over 35 at-bats, and a majority of those numbers have come in the last week. Plouffe, who is eligible almost anywhere, showed last year he is capable of streaky production and picking him up now may pay off for the next few weeks.
David Cooper
- 1B, Toronto Blue Jays (1% owned)
Adam Lind's trip to to Triple-A has given David Cooper the opportunity to get every day at-bats in the major-league lineup, and so far he has fit right in with the powerful Blue Jays lineup. In his first 37 at-bats, he has two home runs, six RBI with a .324/.359/.703 triple-slash line. Lind has been raking in the minors, and his recall to the big-league club is only a matter of time, but as long as Cooper keeps hitting like this, he will keep his job and will work out great as a corner option in an AL-only league.
Brian Matusz - SP, Baltimore Orioles (10% owned)
Adam Lind's trip to to Triple-A has given David Cooper the opportunity to get every day at-bats in the major-league lineup, and so far he has fit right in with the powerful Blue Jays lineup. In his first 37 at-bats, he has two home runs, six RBI with a .324/.359/.703 triple-slash line. Lind has been raking in the minors, and his recall to the big-league club is only a matter of time, but as long as Cooper keeps hitting like this, he will keep his job and will work out great as a corner option in an AL-only league.
Brian Matusz - SP, Baltimore Orioles (10% owned)
Brian Matusz was touted as a sleeper heading into the 2011 season, but struggles with his control, giving up home runs, and some arm troubles hindered his ability to be an effective starting pitcher. The southpaw was off to a shaky start again this season, but over his last five starts he has given 10 runs in 31-plus innings - good for a 2.87 ERA - with 28 strikeouts, and nine walks. Even though he has a 4.41 ERA on the season, he has only given up more than three earned runs in a start once since April 20th, and should be inserted as a main stay in a AL-only fantasy rotation, unless he reverts back to his 2011 ways.
NL-Only Players
Ryan Theriot - 2B/SS, San Francisco Giants (2% owned)
When Ryan Theriot came off the disabled list on May 25th, Giants manager Bruce Bochy stated that he would be the team's starting second base until veteran Freddy Sanchez is healthy enough to play everyday. "The Riot" has never been a fantasy standout, and what little pop he has in his bat is swallowed by his home ballpark, but everyday at-bats from a career .281 hitter should be added to any NL-only team that has to roster a middle-infield position. The upside of Theriot the rest of the way would be 12 stolen bases and 50 runs scored, but combine that with a .280-plus batting average, and he's worth owning.
Nyjer Morgan - OF, Milwaukee Brewers (4% owned)
Since the Brewers suffered season ending injuries to consecutive first basemen, Nyjer Morgan has become the left-handed portion of a center field platoon, and in the last week, he has really been hot at the plate. Over his last 30 at-bats, he has hit two home runs, two stolen bases, and a .310 batting average. Even though many owners may steer clear of Morgan for his antics and attitude on the field, if he is available, he must be owned for the time being and used as much as possible when he is in the starting lineup.
Ryan Theriot - 2B/SS, San Francisco Giants (2% owned)
When Ryan Theriot came off the disabled list on May 25th, Giants manager Bruce Bochy stated that he would be the team's starting second base until veteran Freddy Sanchez is healthy enough to play everyday. "The Riot" has never been a fantasy standout, and what little pop he has in his bat is swallowed by his home ballpark, but everyday at-bats from a career .281 hitter should be added to any NL-only team that has to roster a middle-infield position. The upside of Theriot the rest of the way would be 12 stolen bases and 50 runs scored, but combine that with a .280-plus batting average, and he's worth owning.
Nyjer Morgan - OF, Milwaukee Brewers (4% owned)
Since the Brewers suffered season ending injuries to consecutive first basemen, Nyjer Morgan has become the left-handed portion of a center field platoon, and in the last week, he has really been hot at the plate. Over his last 30 at-bats, he has hit two home runs, two stolen bases, and a .310 batting average. Even though many owners may steer clear of Morgan for his antics and attitude on the field, if he is available, he must be owned for the time being and used as much as possible when he is in the starting lineup.
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