RADIO
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.
Lorenzo Cain, OF (KC) – Acquired in the Zack Greinke trade, Cain was supposed to man center field in Kansas City last season but was felled by a series of lower-body injuries that cost him 101 games on the DL. Back in CF to start 2013, Cain has been terrific for the Royals, hitting .368/.431/.509 through 65 plate appearances. The 27-year-old doesn't have too much upside, but he does possess moderate extra-base power and pretty good speed. A hot pickup in CBS leagues, Cain is still available in 53% of Yahoo leagues and is a viable stream in deeper mixed leagues at the moment.
Daniel Nava, OF (BOS) – Nava is a guy that just never goes away; he’s been cut from teams at every level but is a true professional who’s always in good shape and working hard at his craft. Swimming upstream (as per usual) for a spot on the 2013 Red Sox, he nevertheless played his way onto the team and has been one of their best hitters with a .975 OPS in 66 plate appearances. His best attribute is his plate approach: Nava works pitchers and doesn't chase many balls outside the strike zone. He’s 30 years old, streaky, and there's risk of the bottom falling out, but there’s no reason Nava can’t be useful for a bit longer as he continues getting at-bats.
Chris Tillman, SP (BAL) – A perennial disappointment, Tillman finally put together a quality (half) season for the Orioles in 2012, quietly going 9-3 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 66/24 K/BB ratio in 86 IP. The big right-hander was knocked around by the Twins in his first appearance this season, but he grinded his way through starts versus Boston and Tampa Bay before spinning a 6.2 IP, 1 ER gem against Toronto Monday night. Tillman’s extreme flyball nature limits his upside, but he’s got the skillset to be a quality major league pitcher and serviceable fantasy option; grab him if you need an arm.
