Waiver Wire Booty Calls: Players to Keep Your Eye on for 2014

April 5, 2014

Alex Levine highlights a handful of MLB players to pickup on the 2014 fantasy baseball waiver wire. These waiver wire "booty calls" will help you during the year...

Waiver Wire Booty Calls 

You’ve been there before. You have a glaring need. You’re out of options at this point and need to make a move. You know it’s probably not a good idea, but really, what the hell? Maybe, this time, you won’t regret it? At this point, you’re getting a little desperate and your judgment’s getting clouded. Time to go back to the well and make the call.

Waaiit a second cowboy (or cowgirl), I’m not talking about that type of call. We give fantasy news and advice on this site. I’m referring to those names perennially on the waiver wire that always cycle in and out of a few fantasy teams throughout the season. These are the Adam Dunns and Nick Markakis’ of the world. Often they’re either big names that didn’t quite live up to the potential, or they’re deeply flawed in the long term.

These types can be good to ride out for a few weeks, but as usual, approach with your eyes open and don’t be afraid to drop them if something better comes along. Here are a few early contenders who should be scouted throughout the year.  They will have a few good weeks at a time, but they will largely be unownable.

Emilio Bonifacio (2B, OF) - CHC

Boy did Bonifacio ever steal my thunder with his historic start, but his 2B and SS eligibility make him a tempting pickup in mixed leagues. He’s pulled this move before however, going 4-5 with a triple on the Marlins opening day in 2009. Ultimately, the same applies in 2014. His position eligibility and speed are tempting, but he’s not on a good offensive team and the lack of runs and BA will put him back on the wire before long. Until then, enjoy his speed, runs and insanely high batting average!

Adam Dunn (1B) - CHW

Always a charmer with his power, he’ll hit 3 dingers in two games and will be scooped up by managers needing a power boost. He’s the ultimate ride him while he’s hot, drop him while he’s not play. But once he goes back to back games going 0-4 with 3Ks, time to send him out to pasture. You don’t want that .200 AVG 200+ Ks weighing you down over the long term, but he looks good at the dish right now and is a decent own in moderately deep leagues.

Nick Markakis (OF) - BAL

Every year: Solid, but not great numbers across the board. He’s now past his prime but it will take another year or two, and a few go arounds with fantasy league managers, before he’s deleted from your phone. Markakis heats up in the summer time, so leave him alone until then.

Ubaldo Jimenez (SP) - BAL

I’ve actually drafted Jimenez in one of my leagues as I was intrigued by how he finished 2013, and we all remember his incredible 2010 season. However I will be quick to part ways with him if I see another SP come along with upside and better control. He’ll dazzle you with Ks which will cause you to take a chance and start him on a warm night at Fenway in July. He’ll then give up 4 BB and get knocked out in the 4th. Hungover from this encounter, you’ll drop him the next day, but it won’t be his last fling in your league.

Rajai Davis (OF) - DET

Managers will see a few multi SB games in a row from Davis and make the move, only to quickly realize he doesn’t play every day because he just can’t hit righties. A great addition if you have room on your roster to play him against lefties, or if he has a nice week or two of LHP matchups, but otherwise (avoid the quickie?), make room for a long term contributor.