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The 2015 season is well underway, but it’s never too early to start trying to improve your team. Over the course of the season, I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team. These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.
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.
Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups For Second Base
Johnny Giavotella (LAA)—Owned in 2.4% of ESPN leagues
Giavotella is off to a nice start this season, hitting .317 with nine runs scored and 10 RBIs. He’s been particularly hot of late, going 6 for 15 in his last four games with three RBIs. Giavotella isn’t going to help you out much in a points league, as the counting stats probably aren’t going to be there at the end of the season. However, he has the ability to keep his batting average above .280, and while he’s at the bottom of the Angels lineup, he is hitting ahead of Kole Calhoun, Mike Trout, and Albert Pujols on the second time through the lineup. That means there are going to be plenty of opportunities for runs scored.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Brett Lawrie (OAK)—Owned in 23.4% of ESPN leagues
Lawrie was off to a rough start earlier on this year, but he seems to be turning things around. He’s got seven RBIs in his last four games, and hit his second home run of the season. A healthy Lawrie is capable of a 15/15 season, and hitting behind the meat of a decent Athletics lineup should yield more than his fair share of RBIs over the course of the season. Add Lawrie now while he’s hot, but have a replacement on the back-burner in case he gets hurt again or cools off.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/add in roto leagues with 10+ leagues
Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups For Shortstop
Marwin Gonzalez (HOU)—Owned in 0.1% of ESPN leagues
Jed Lowrie will be out until at least the All-Star Break after undergoing thumb surgery last week, and Marwin Gonzalez should benefit from his absence. The 26-year-old showed some promise in the 103 games he played last year, and should fill in as a serviceable replacement while Lowrie is on the shelf. He has a bit of power, and will probably bounce around the lineup now that he has regular playing time. He doesn’t strike out at the same rate as some of his other teammates, and is capable of a .275 average and 10-15 homers if he’s given a full season. Add him as a backup or as a plug-and-play option.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Brandon Crawford (SF)—Owned in 7.0% of ESPN leagues
So who’s leading the Giants in homers this season? Believe it or not it is Brandon Crawford. This is another guy who is probably better as a plug-and-play than an every day starter, but for the time being you’ll take the power numbers as they are. Four homers and 11 RBIs from a shortstop at this point in the season is pretty good, and Crawford should be able to sustain those modest yet useful stats throughout the season. He’s been quite durable, playing in 143 or more games in each of the last three seasons, so he should be a nice option to throw in your lineup if you lose someone to injury or need a middle infielder.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/add in all roto leagues
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