Waiver review: Buehrle, Rogers rolling
His owners breathed a sigh of relief when the post-game examination revealed no serious damage and it was announced that Hernandez would be available for his next start. However, fans had to have raised their arms in disbelief, wondering exactly what would befall their team next. How about Erik Bedard heading right back out of town to a contender in need of a big arm, as rumored in a number of cities?
The trade deadline is about a month away and already the rumor mills are churning. The landscape is seemingly shifting daily, as once dormant teams (see the Tigers and Brewers as but two examples) are suddenly rounding out into the contenders we expected them to be coming out of spring training. Why aren't more people talking about Armando Galarraga?
In any event, we've got a long, long way to go before champions are declared on the field in the real and virtual worlds. Let's turn back to the task at hand and explore some waiver wire options to aid your fantasy cause. I begin with a few quick-fix selections for Tuesday's action on the hill.
Mark Buehrle of the White Sox has experienced a topsy-turvy season. He pitched well in the month of April, but received little support. He struggled to a rough 4.97 ERA in May, but he's turned things around nicely in his past seven starts. With the exception of his second start in a week's time against the Indians in which he allowed six earned runs, he's been brilliant. During the other six starts during this period, he's pitched to a fabulous 1.85 ERA. He next faces the Dodgers on Tuesday night, and the Dodgers rank 24th in runs scored. He's a worthy pickup in those 47.5 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues in which he's currently available.
Another veteran lefty, Kenny Rogers of the Tigers, has also been dominant of late. Rogers has produced five straight quality efforts, pitching to a 1.00 ERA (four earned runs in 36 innings) in that time. Unfortunately, he's generated only one win during this hot streak and, as we know, he won't offer much support in the strikeout column. What he will do, though, is eat innings as well as anyone. He's available in 88.4 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
The Royals are smoking right now and will look to continue this hot streak Tuesday night when Zack Greinke takes the mound against the Rockies, who rank 23rd in runs scored. Greinke's pitched well in his past two starts, surrendering one earned run in his past 14 innings (0.64 ERA). He's striking out 2.24 batters per walk allowed this season. If he can keep the ball down (home runs have defeated him in the past), he could be a nice spot starter in those 34 percent of FOXSports.com in which he's available.
I don't expect Dave Bush to match his no-hit bid from last week against his former team, but he's worthy of spot start consideration against the Braves on Tuesday. He's produced four quality starts in his past five turns in the rotation (3.38 ERA during this stretch). He allowed two earned runs in six innings against the Braves in a late-May matchup and is available in 74 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
Ryan Doumit of the Pirates has missed five games with a mild concussion, but is expected to return to the field Tuesday night against the Yankees. He possesses a strong .341 average in 39 games with nine home runs and 22 RBI. Few owners have the luxury of setting their catcher slot and forgetting about it given the rash of injuries and inconsistent play that plague the position. As such, look to take advantage of his return to the lineup. He's available in 32.6 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
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| Dioner Navarro's average alone makes him worthy of fantasy consideration. (Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images) |
However, I'd first see if yours is one of the 81 percent of leagues that has ignored Dioner Navarro of the Rays. Yes, his bat has cooled off somewhat from his torrid start to the 2008 campaign, but owners would be remiss to ignore his .323 average. He's hit safely in six of his past seven games.
Owners looking for backstop help might also turn to Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina. He's just 2-for-10 with a home run since returning from a concussion, but he's been dialed in at the plate all season. He owns a strong .290 average this year with four home runs and 25 RBI and remains available in 78.1 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues. He certainly warrants consideration for a second catcher slot.
Placido Polanco of the Tigers has been on a roll. He recently strung together an 11-game hitting streak (ended by Cha Seung Baek and the Padres). Polanco batted .500 (24-for-48) with a home run and nine RBI during his hitting streak. He's driven in runs in six of his past seven games. Ride him while he's hot for some middle infield help. He's available in 39.9 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
Jose Guillen of the Royals is stroking the ball well right now. He's hit safely in 16 of his past 17 games with 12 multi-hit efforts. He's batted .437 (31-for-71) during this hot streak with six home runs and 22 RBI. This fantasy surprise remains available in 36.8 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
Guillen's teammate, David DeJesus, extended his hitting streak to nine games with his 1-for-4 performance (a triple) against the Rockies on Monday night. DeJesus has hit .389 (14-for-36) during this streak with three home runs and 10 RBI. He's shown ability in the past, but has often been beset by injuries. Ride him while he's hot. The insignia on his cap has made him an overlooked commodity in the fantasy realm, leaving him available in 80.9 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
He's not going to offer much support in the power categories or to a team's average overall, but Willy Taveras knows how to steal bases. He's already stolen 15 this month, capitalizing on a recent hot streak during which he's hit safely in nine of 11 games. He's batting .311 (14-for-45) with four RBI and 11 steals during this stretch. He's a stellar fourth of fifth outfielder despite being a one-category contributor. He's available in 81.4 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
Kansas City starter Brian Bannister struggled terribly with his control against the Rockies (six walks), but he averted disaster to earn his seventh win of the season. He allowed three runs - all unearned - to lower his season ERA to 4.47. Following a disastrous month of May in which he pitched to a brutal 6.03 ERA, he's produced a strong 3.41 ERA in June with a solid 1.26 WHIP. He's won three of his past five starts and warrants consideration on the waiver wire. He's currently available in 58.5 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.
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