MLB Fantasy Fixer-Uppers May 12th 2015
MLB Fantasy Fixer-Uppers
It's that time again. Time to take a look at a few players who just might be hanging out there on the waiver wire in your fantasy league. Now I can't add them for you. All I can do is try to nudge you in that direction. What you do with the advice is up to you.
Noah Syndergaard, SP, New York Mets (67% owned standard ESPN leagues)
It may have taken an injury to Dillon Gee to call up Syndergaard but if he performs there just might be a regular home in the Mets' rotation going forward. The stud prospect has flourished in Triple-A this season posting a tidy 1.82 ERA to go along with a 0.94 WHIP in hitter friendly Las Vegas. He also has 34 strikeouts and just eight walks in 29 2/3 innings. He is making his Major League debut tonight in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field and the game is just now underway so you'd be missing his first start. That said, his ownership was less than one percent prior to his call-up. If he performs well tonight expect that to increase even more. If Syndergaard is someone you want to take a chance on the time to strike is now. Otherwise, it might be too late.
Tim Lincecum, SP, San Francisco Giants (58% owned)
Kind of a big name for a list like this don't you think? Well, that answer is two-fold. On the one hand, yes, Lincecum is a household name and has been for years. On the other he hasn't exactly been fantasy relevant for a few years. If his start to 2015 is to be believed that should change in a hurry. Lincecum is coming off back-to-back starts in which he has not allowed a run and has twice as many strikeouts (12) in that span as hits given up (6). While the scoreless streak is sure to end his exile from the fantasy world may as well. I've already added him in one of my leagues and you should too. Who doesn't want to get in on Big Time Timmy Jim?
Marlon Byrd, OF, Cincinnati Reds (49% owned)
When Cincinnati picked up Byrd during the offseason many pundits wondered if he would be able to b the right-handed power bat the Reds were looking for. Well, Byrd got off to a terrible start and was dropped in most fantasy leagues. And rightfully so. Over the past week or so, however, Byrd has started to take off. During his past seven games the right fielder has slugged four home runs while driving in nine and stealing a base. That's some serious production. While the batting average still looks hideous at .213 there's no reason that shouldn't end up around .260-.270 when the season ends. Forget about the bad April and let Byrd take your team to new heights going forward.
Wandy Rodriguez, SP, Texas Rangers (15% owned)
Rodriguez has had an interesting path to this list. First, he was cut by the Philadelphia Phillies during the offseason after a failed physical. Then he was picked up by the Atlanta Braves and pitched well enough to appear to have a rotation spot locked up. Then he was cut prior to Opening Day when Atlanta acquired Trevor Cahill. He settled for a minor league deal with the Rangers and now four starts in he winds up here. Why you might ask? I'll tell you. In three of those four starts Rodriguez has allowed just one earned run. Seattle did tag him for four runs in his lone loss on the year but for now that's a blip on an otherwise impressive resume. If you need starting pitching help it's time to take a chance on the soft-tossing lefty and see what magic Wandy has left in that arm.
Jung Ho Kang, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates (9% owned)
The Pirates shocked the baseball world when it was revealed they were the winners in the offseason for the rights to Kang. Looks like the Buccos may have known what they were doing when they submitted the high bid. Kang is now receiving steady starts and he is thriving to the tune of .333/.386/.529. Kang hit .356 with 40 home runs in 117 games last season for the Nexen Heroes and is trying to become the first position player to transition from the KBO to Major League Baseball. So far so good. He seems to be hitting his stride and is just now in the prime of his career. The Pirates look to have themselves a steal and in a shallow position such as shortstop you can too.
Is there a player you had your eye on and I didn't cover them here? Please feel free to leave feedback in the comments and I will try and get back to you as soon as possible. If that's not quick enough you can always find me on Twitter @therichwhiteguy. Ask me questions, give me a follow, ridicule me. It's a free country.
