Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 10

As we move deeper into the season top prospects will find their way to the pro’s so I thought I would include an update for potential star talents like Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas. By mid May, it looked like Moustakas wasn’t going receive a call up as veteran Wilson Betemit and Mike Aviles were hitting well, and Moustakas was struggling.

In recent weeks Moustakas has corrected a few problems and his back to hitting the at the level that’s made him a top ten prospect. Last season Moustaka’s hit 36 home runs between double and triple and now through 52 games he has pulled his batting average up to .286 with ten home runs and 43 runs driven in.

While Betemit and Aviles may give the Royals decent production, like Brad Hawpe of the Padres (see Anthony Rizzo below), their presence won’t stand in the way of a star prospect, moving up to a starting job, when the time is right. As it stands on June 5th, Moustakas is currently owned in 5 percent of Yahoo leagues and 3% percent of ESPN leagues.

With so many third baseman going down to injury, Moustakas will be a valuable player to hold onto even for a week or two before he comes up. Look for this power slugger to be up with the Royals as some point this month.

First Baseman

Anthony Rizzo – Padres (minor leagues)

As touched on above, current Padres first baseman Brad Hawpe has been taking more fly balls in the outfield as he will move out of the infield when top prospect Anthony Rizzo is called up. Because Hawpe is getting ready, fantasy owners should anticipate Rizzo’s call up to come within the month as his sixteen home runs, .362 batting average and 62 RBI’s in 51 games played. It looks like the Padres received respectable compensation for the loss of Adrian Gonzalez with Rizzo set to be the teams next star first baseman.

Second Baseman

Allen Craig – Cardinals – Also Outfield Eligible

The Cardinals are using Allen Craig in the outfield while Matt Holliday is on the shelf but this young hitter will be used at second base as well. Right now, he needs a couple more games at second to be eligible for the position in ESPN leagues, but you can already start him at that position in Yahoo leagues. Look for Craig to continue his production in the Cardinals’ lineup.

Outfielders

Cody Ross – Giants

As we found out in the postseason, the Giants have a lineup that is prone to ups and downs but when they are up they are worth having on a fantasy roster. Cody Ross was one of the Giants bright spots in their post season run, and he’s hitting well in the middle of the order at this time. Ross’s success will be important for the Giants as they’ve lost Buster Posey for the year and Pablo Sandoval is still rehabbing his wrist injury.

Ross can give you a bit of everything and is worth pickup if you need a temporary outfielder to start.

Chris Denorfia – Padres (daily leagues only)

Chris Denorfia is hot of late and hit .300 plus batting average, speed and decent power for a leadoff man can be legit. Problem for Denorfia is that he’s projected to find the bench when top prospect Rizzo is called up and the Padres are forced to move Brad Hawpe to the outfield. Look to Denorfia as a daily league pickup only, because Rizzo could come up at anytime and Denorfia’s benching would hurt you in weekly leagues.

Starting Pitcher

Josh Collmenter – Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are on a role and rookie Josh Collmenter is quietly making an impact in the starting rotation with a sparking four and one record, a 1.25 earn run average and a 0.67 WHIP in just over 43 innings of work. Clearly, the rookie is benefiting from opposing lineups not seeing him before, so look to Collmenter as a quality start next week against the Pirates.