Fantasy Baseball Deep League Waiver Wire Pickups

September 7, 2014

Aaron Schooler analyzes the top fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups as we head into the final weeks of the 2014 season. These waiver pickups can have an impact

Summer is over and the last weeks of the baseball season are upon us. How do you close out the season in style? By picking up the right sleepers at the right time. If you are a fantasy deep league player, do your homework and find the right September call up to help your fantasy baseball team.

Scott Feldman, SP, Houston Astros

Owned in 9% of Yahoo Leagues

With the wheels falling off of the Astros, Scott Feldman has been one of the few stabilizing forces. I was actually expecting him to have a new home by now because of his ability to be an effective back of the rotation starter. In the last month, he has been a work horse, pitching into the 7th inning in all but one start and notching two complete games. Feldman was 4-2 during August while pitching against some difficult lineups. The Astros schedule has them playing against a struggling Oakland team and the hitting challenged Mariners next.

Recommendation: Worth adding in all deep leagues

Hector Santiago, SP, Los Angeles Angels

Owned in 15% of Yahoo Leagues

It is hard to tell from looking at the wins and losses, but Hector Santiago has been fairly solid for the Angels since the all-star break. His ERA has dipped nearly 1.25 runs since early July and he has compiled a 4-0 record during that span. Although he has spent time in the bullpen and in the minors, the Angels need step up performances on the mound so they will give Santiago every opportunity to contribute. If he can find the strike zone more often his stuff is good enough as evidenced by a .226 BAA.

Recommendation: Well positioned for a nice finish. I would continue to wait before picking him up.

Dillon Gee, SP, New York Mets

Owned in 22 % 20Yahoo Leagues

Another lost year for the Mets has at least resulted in some positive growth from the pitching staff. At 28, Dillon Gee can still be a big part of the future. Although he has not pitched a full season to this point, his last two outings have been quality starts and he has evened his record at 6-6. His WHIP (1.18) and BAA (.230) indicate that he is giving himself a solid chance at securing a win each time out. For now, he is at the mercy of a mediocre Mets offense.

Recommendation: Nothing special here, but may give you something in September.

Jose Ramirez, 2B, Cleveland Indians

Owned in 3% of Yahoo Leagues

Jose Ramirez has filled in nicely since being given the starting job at second base and he has settled into the lower half of the Indians lineup. Despite his young age, he has shown signs of being a decent stick. Recently, he collected 10 hits in a six game span scoring six times. Fantasy owners can expect no pop in the bat, but he has swiped 5 bases in his limited playing time. In fact, he has over 80 stolen bases in his brief minor league career.

Recommendation: Young call ups are up and down, watch a little longer.

Ryan Vogelsong, SP, San Francisco Giants

Owned in 20% of Yahoo Leagues

What you get with Ryan Vogelsong is consistency in his performances. He is a savvy veteran that will give himself an opportunity to compete.  His numbers for the year are not spectacular, but his post all-star break numbers are clearly better than the first half. To amplify the point, in August Vogelsong recorded a jaw dropping 0.89 WHIP. In the crisp September northern California evening air, Vogelsong will continue to thrive in San Francisco.

Recommendation: Don’t count out smart pitchers that have been through the wars. A solid late season pickup.