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Getting Settled In
Now that the first few weeks have come and gone, where does your team stand? Need to replace an injured catcher? Looking for a reliable backup?
RotoBaller has you covered with analysis on three catchers who may be free agents in your league who you can target off the waiver wire in week 6 of fantasy baseball.
Editor’s Note: for other waiver wire options, check out RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list. It's updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging NL-only options, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
Waiver Wire Adds for Catchers
Wilson Ramos, Washington Nationals – Owned in 68% of Yahoo, 21% of FleaFlicker Leagues
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Wilson Ramos has recorded a hit in each of his last 11 contests, including six multi-hit games. During that span, Ramos has four runs, three RBI, and two walks. Even in that small sample size, it's evident that Ramos' ISO (SLG minus AVG) isn't all that spectacular at this point in the season. I would expect an uptick from his current .077 ISO, to somewhere closer to his career average of .157. His walk rate is nearly 50% less than his career average, but why not swing when you're seeing the ball like he is right now.
All that being said, Ramos likely won't keep up his current average of .321. But the opportunities should continue to arise in the Nationals lineup that ranks in the middle of the pack for most offensive categories. With only one HR, Ramos has relied on batters in front of him being able to get on base such as Bryce Harper who is leading the league in walks. Look for him to continue to put up serviceable numbers while getting a few more rest days than usual to keep him healthy for the long haul.
Yasmani Grandal, Los Angeles Dodgers – Owned in 47% of Yahoo, 19% of FleaFlicker Leagues
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Yasmani Grandal has absolutely exploded in the first week of May, but the signs of a breakout were already there. Fantasy managers are going to snatch up Grandal based on his recent streak, but i'm here to tell you this likely isn't just a flash in the pan. This looks like a talented young catcher growing into his own as a hitter in a great situation.
Grandal clobbered 15 home runs last season, despite playing home games games at Petco Park. His abilities as a power hitter really shouldn't really be up for much debate. The more important thing to take away from his first month-plus as a Dodger is that the rest of his skills are coming along quite nicely. Grandal has struggled to hit for average in his career, and April looked like more of the same, as he had just a .189 BA for the month. But he has since raised his average up to .307 and doesn't look to be slowing down with at least one hit in each of his last six games. During that span he's racked up 3 multi-hit games, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 5 runs, and 3 walks.
Nick Hundley, Colorado Rockies – Owned in 22% of Yahoo, 13% of FleaFlicker Leagues
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Following suit with the other two players we've covered so far, Nick Hundley is in the middle of an impressive hitting streak. In the past 11 games, Hundley has 16 hits including 5 multi-hit games. He also accrued 2 HR, 7 RBI, 2 runs, and 3 walks in that time-frame. Hundley was originally brought in during the off-season as a defensive upgrade over Wilin Rosario, but what's been surprising is his contribution on offense. He has a slash line of .347/.392/.528 over 79 at bats with a line drive percentage of 27%, which is indicative that he's seeing the ball well. What’s even more surprising is that he’s hitting just as well on the road as he is at Coors Field.
Another reason for the Rockies bringing Hundley in was for his ability to call a game and be a veteran presence for young pitchers like Tyler Matzek, Eddie Butler, and Jordan Lyles. Meaning he will continue to get the majority of starts behind the plate. So while he remains batting seventh for now, that may change if he keeps up his contribution with the bat. And the opportunities should continue to roll in for Hundley regardless, as the Rockies are in the middle of the pack or better for nearly every offensive category.
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