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In this piece, RotoBaller delves deeper into three players who are currently in our Daily Updated Waiver Wire Watch List that you should look to own over the next few weeks. These are fringe players, available on the waiver wire in many leagues, who could have an immediate impact on your team. If you invest a roster spot in one of these guys and catch a hot streak, you could then trade for a more stable player, or roll the dice on continued hot performance. Either way, you could see a fairly nice return from any of these players.
Scott Feldman, SP (CHC) – A swingman for much of the past three seasons in Texas, Feldman has found his groove in the National League and has been one of baseball’s hottest pitchers of late. In his past four starts, the sinker/cutter specialist has gone 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA and 0.84 WHIP, leveling his season numbers at a very solid 3-3/2.53/1.15. Feldman isn’t fooling savvy fantasy owners-- his career body of work as a starter certainly suggests there will be regression-- but as with any groundball pitcher riding a considerable hot streak, it’s recommended to latch on and enjoy the ride while you can.
Brandon McCarthy, SP (ARZ) – Always a promising talent, McCarthy has made a staggering eight trips to the disabled list in his seven-year big league career, none being more ruinous than when a line drive fractured his skull, necessitating emergency surgery last September. Fully recovered and handed a 2-year, $15.5 million deal by Arizona in the offseason, McCarthy was absolutely brutal in April, posting a 7.48 ERA and 1.77 WHIP that led many fantasy owners to drop him. But that type of short-sightedness can benefit waiver-wire vultures, and McCarthy– who in-between DL stints was a very effective pitcher the past two seasons in Oakland– appears to have righted the ship in May, as he has registered a 3.10 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and now possesses an elite 32/6 K/BB ratio for the year. A healthy McCarthy is worth owning in all 12-team mixed leagues, so if you need an arm he’s more than worth grabbing before it’s too late.
Mitch Moreland, 1B (TEX) – Moreland flashed a strong plate approach and solid power when he first reached the majors in 2010, but his on-base ability suffered as he evolved into more of a pull hitter over the past two seasons, and a .622 career OPS versus lefties served to push him into a platoon role. What a difference a year makes, though, as Moreland is hitting lefties at a .291/.344/.473 clip and has already seen more at-bats versus southpaws this season (55) than he did in all of 2012 (46). Owner of an outstanding .292/.345/.538 batting line, Moreland is on pace for 30 homers and 72 extra-base hits. Snap him up if you need some pop in your lineup.
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