Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Like so many players on the Minnesota Twins, starting pitcher Carl Pavano started the season off slow as he posted a 5.19 earn run average in the first two months of the season. In Pavano’s first three starts in June, the veteran has thrown two complete games while a 1.44 earn run average and an equally impressive 1.08 WHIP with two wins.

The Twins are heating up as is evidence of the three waiver wire pickup options I have listed from that team alone. With Joe Mauer back and the team clicking on all cylinders, I expect them to remain a competitive team, throughout the summer and that means good things for pitchers like Pavano and fellow teammate Scott Baker.

This coming week, Pavano will be a two start pitcher as the Twins it the road and face the Giants and then a tough start against the Brewers in Milwaukee. Look for Pavano to post another terrific start against the Giants, and he should have a respectable start against the Brewers as that offense doesn’t face him throughout the season. Owned in 22 percent o Yahoo leagues and nine percent of ESPN leagues, Pavano is available for most of you to acquire off the waiver wire in weekly and daily leagues.

Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Starting Pitchers

Jonathon Niese – Mets

I don’t blame you if you cringe at the thought of picking up Jonathon Niese as the word “trust” doesn’t come to mind when thinking about the Mets starting pitchers in recent years. That said, the Mets new ball park is actually pitcher friendly and Niese has been hot over his past seven starts going over six innings in all but one of those contests, and he’s given up two runs or less in each game.

One thing the Mets still do well is put up offense with their talent group of hitters, so any pitcher than can pitch close to the way Niese has for the Mets, is likely to find wins. Understanding this, it’s no surprise that Niese has five wins in his last seven starts. Don’t be surprised if Niese has a game or two that he gets roughed up, but I think he can be a respectable pitcher in deep mixed leagues going forward.

Scott Baker – Twins

The second starting pitcher from the Twins on our list this week, as Scott Baker is having a nice season and will continue to pitch well through the summer. Again, I believe the Twins have corrected the major issues they had in the lineup, and they’re starting to get healthy so look for Baker to get better run support in the future.

Jeff Karstens – Pirates

The Pirates are going to have their first season over a .500 record this year and they will be led by their starting rotation. Jeff Karstens is one of about four Pirates starters that is having a nice season and is worth using in fantasy baseball lineups. In Karstens past eleven starts, he’s only given up over two runs once.

Surprisingly, Karstens has a 2.66 earn run average on the season with an impressive 1.08 WHIP as well. Now that the Pirates’ offense is starting to wake up, Karstens should build on his four and four record on the season.

Hitters

Alexi Casilla – Twins – 2B/SS

Since June 4th, middle infielder Alexi Casilla has seven games with at least two hits. In fact, in the last fifteen days Casilla is hitting .373 with five stolen bases, eight runs scored and six RBI’s. Factor in that Casilla has eligibility at second base and shortstop, he gives you added flexibility for your lineup.

Dustin Ackley – Mariners – 2B

The Mariners finally called Dustin Ackley up to the majors, and he should get regular playing time right away. I’m not sure how effective Ackley will be for fantasy, but he is worth a look for mixed leagues as the Mariners are in the hunt for the Western Division Title, and excitement seems to be in the air in Seattle. Simply put, this is a good situation for Ackley to be starting out in.

Scott Rolen – Reds – 3B

At age 36, it’s apparent that Scott Rolen has lost something in his game and doesn’t seem to have the power stroke he once had. That said, he is worth using in the Reds’ offense when hot and next week the Yankees come to town, and then the Reds head out to play the Orioles. Both series should be high scoring affairs so Rolen should post some productive numbers in the short term.

Charles Blackmon – Rockies – OF

Dexter Fowler has received a lot of play from various fantasy experts in the past couple years, but I was never much of a fan. Now, it looks like he might have a hard time finding a starting job as rookie call up Charles Blackmon is on a tear, and his Head Coach even publicly talked about Blackmon being the teams future leadoff man.

At this time, Carlos Gonzalez is leading off but that is a temporary move to get Cargo’s bat going. Blackmon should continue to play well over the summer, and he could be the teams’ leadoff man but the All Star break.