RADIO
Middle Infield Waiver Wire Sleepers
So how’d you do in week 14? Whether you’re at the top of the heap or languishing in the basement, your team can always use a shot in the arm…or in this case, the roster. Here’s a look at some middle infielders who could be useful in the next few weeks, and could still be sleepers depending on your league format including AL-Only and NL-Only leagues. If they are still available on your league’s waiver wire, consider snatching them up. At the very least keep them on your radar…
Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Tommy La Stella, 2B (ATL)
Owned in 6.4% of leagues, 4% of Fleaflicker leagues
Since getting the call-up to Atlanta, La Stella is hitting .292 with an OBP over .350. That’s second on the team, behind only Freddie Freeman. He’s in the bottom of the lineup for the moment, but if that OBP and batting average stay where they are, this guy is going to force himself into the 1 or 2 spot of a decent lineup.
He’s not by any means a source of power, but the batting average looks like it’s here to stay.
Baller move: Add in deeper and NL-only leagues
Logan Forsythe, 2B/SS/OF (TB)
Owned in 9.3% of leagues, 7% of Fleaflicker leagues
Forsythe has been red-hot in the last couple weeks, the last full scoring week in particular—he hit .464 with three bombs and eight RBIs. The Rays are surprisingly hot of late, and Forsythe has been a big part of that, producing from the bottom of the lineup. He’s not going to be a staple in your lineup or even in the Rays’ lineup for the rest of the year, but if you’re hurting at second base snatch up his scorching hot bat for the short term.
Baller Move: Add in deeper and AL-only leagues
Arismendy Alcantara, SS (CHC)
Owned in 6% of leagues, 3% of Fleaflicker leagues
Alcantara may only be 6% owned but don't let that be a reflection of much of anything. He beat Baez and Bryant to the majors by posting a nasty.307/.353/.537 triple slash line with 10 homers, 41 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in Triple-A. He has the tools to be a 5-category roto league force right out of the gate, as shown by his 4-for-5 Thursday night, with 2 Runs, 3 RBIs, a double and a triple. The biggest question mark with Alcantara is his playing time, as the Cubs might opt to put Barney back in now that he's back from paternity leave. However if Alcantara keeps hitting, he should keep playing, and that's good news for you.
Baller Move: Add in Most Leagues
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Jordy Mercer, SS (PIT)
Owned in 15.3% of leagues, 6% of Fleaflicker leagues
His season stats are, in a word, bad. This is due in large part to a dismal April and May. However, he’s turned things around completely in the last few weeks, getting his average back to a semi-respectable .250 (considering where it used to be) with 32 runs scored and 27 RBIs. He’s cemented himself firmly in the starting shortstop role, so he’s definitely worth a look in deep leagues where you need the shortstop help.
Baller Move: Add in deeper leagues
Jed Lowrie, SS (OAK)
Owned in 52.5% of leagues, 34% of Fleaflicker leagues
Lowrie has been similar to Mercer in that he's had really bad season stats. However, I firmly believe that Lowrie has the talent to turn things around. He’s had five multi-hit games in the last week and a half, and I think he’s going to continue to trend upwards. The All-Star Break couldn’t come at a better time for the A’s shortstop, and I think we’ll see him return to his old ways on the other side.
Baller Move: Monitor in all leagues
