Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy owners with Pablo Sandoval will be running to the waiver wire in the coming days in need of a third baseman. Sandoval has a broken bone in his wrist and will miss the next four to six weeks with recovering for surgery.

One name to keep in mind is Indians third baseman Jack Hannahan as the Cleveland is off to a hot start and Hannahan is playing great. Coming into the weekend, Hannahan has fourteen runs scored and fourteen RBI’s to go with four home runs and a .288 batting average. While some will doubt his ability to keep a respectable average up for the entire season, it won’t hurt you to ride a hot hand on a winning team.

Take a look a the names below as I have included an extended list of third baseman to consider with Sandoval down and Ryan Zimmerman now undergoing surgery for a sports hernia.

Third Baseman

Jack Hannahan – Indians

Wilson Betemit – Royals

Not much power but Wilson Betemit has hit well (.343 batting average coming into the weekend) over the first month of the season and the Royals should hit throughout the 2011 season. Betemit will also give you a few stolen bases as he has three so far this season.

Mike Aviles – Royals – Also Eligible at 2B and SS In Yahoo Leagues

Mike Aviles is a hot and cold hitter but over the past two weeks, Aviles is hitting well with three home runs, three stolen bases and a .278 batting average. His added position eligibility helps your squad as well.

Juan Uribe – Dodgers – Also Eligible at 2B and SS

Like Aviles, Juan Uribe is a streaky hitter who is on a tear at this time and is eligible at multiple positions.

Ryan Roberts – Diamondbacks – Also Eligible at OF

Ryan Roberts is all but gone in ESPN leagues but may still be around in Yahoo leagues. If you can get Roberts on your team, do so, as he has been hitting well for a few weeks and plays in an offensive ball park.

First Baseman

Justin Smoak – Mariners

It looks like Justin Smoak is starting to establish himself at the pro level as he’s become the one reliable hitter in the middle of the Mariners order. Smoak is worth a look in your league and those of you that have Ichiro Suzuki should be rooting for this guy as he will help him score more runs.

Starting Pitchers

Bartolo Colon – Yankees

If Bartolo Colon is available in your league, jump on him now, the veteran has pitched great to start the season and has a starting job for as long as he’s productive. Next week Colon is a two start pitcher and will benefit in wins because of the run support and bull pen the Yankees provide.

Ian Kennedy – Diamondbacks

Ian Kennedy was lights out against the Phillies and should be a productive season for your team. Kennedy will be a decent strikeout pitcher as well. If he’s available in your league, take a look at him.

Ryan Vogelsong – Giants

With Barry Zito out for a few more weeks, Ryan Vogelsong will remain in the Giants’ rotation after a strong outing last week. This coming week Vogelsong is a projected two start pitcher against the Mets and Rockies so consider him as decent help to your rotation.

Relief Pitchers

Sergio Santos – White Sox

The White Sox are going with Sergio Santos as the closer, and he’s responded with success in the past week. Only owned in about 40% of all leagues, fantasy owners need to jump on Santos.