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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.
Brandon Belt, 1B (SF) – A trendy pick following a monster preseason, Belt fell flat on his face in April and made unbelievers of us all once again. But a closer look reveals that the 2009 fifth-round pick has been a quietly effective presence in the Giants lineup since the start of May, as he’s hit .280/.361/.486 with 8 HR and 27 RBI. He may never deliver on the hype that came from his demolishing minor league pitching, but Belt just might be rounding into a quality major league bat. He’s more than worth a look as the dog days of summer set in.
Brad Miller, SS (SEA) – Miller has done nothing but rake at every level since his selection as a second-round pick in the 2011 draft. A year after posting a .334/.410/.512 triple-slash with 15 HR, 24 SB and a 105/74 K/BB ratio at High-A and Double-A, the shortstop was cruising along at a .319/.399/.521 clip in 68 combined games at Double-A and Triple-A this season. Since his call-up to the big club in late June, Miller has steadily gained momentum and turned himself into a potentially useful option at middle infield. And while he’s struggled some against major league breaking balls, his 18/10 K/BB ratio through 21 games suggests that his strong plate approach is still translating to the highest level. He’s a nice depth add, particularly if you own a Biogenesis-tainted shortstop like Everth Cabrera or Johnny Peralta.
Wily Peralta, SP (MIL) – Peralta entered this fantasy season with somewhat inflated expectations– the big righty has perennially struggled with command and didn't exactly set the world on fire at Triple-A last year, but there’s real talent there and lately he’s really been flashing it. After three mostly unimpressive months, Peralta has been absolutely untouchable in July, registering a 0.31 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 26/10 K/BB ratio over 29.1 IP. While it’s impossible to sustain that type of performance, it still appears that his heavy sinker and nasty slider are finally paying dividends. Catch the wave while you can, he could be a factor in fantasy leagues down the stretch.
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