RADIO
So how’d you do in Week 11? 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 should 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
Rougned Odor (TEX) - Owned in 3.2% of leagues
This guy has only seen limited time with the big league club, but with his performance thus far he’s certainly not going anywhere anytime soon.
A rookie hitting over .300 on the season, with two jacks and 14 RBIs, in less than a month’s time is pretty impressive, particularly out of the second base slot. You could do much worse here, and he’s definitely worth a look off the waiver wire if you’re struggling at the middle infield position. Lord knows it’s thin.
Baller move: Add in deeper and AL-Only leagues
Josh Rutledge (COL) - Owned in 1.4% of leagues
The opportunity is there for Rutledge, as the plan in Colorado right now seems to be DJ LeMahieu manning the hot corner and Rutledge manning second base. Rutledge is a talented hitter, and has shown flashes of his potential in the limited playing time he has had this season. With his newfound every day role, he has the potential to blossom into a solid option at second base in the coming months.
Baller Move: Add in deeper and NL-Only leagues
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Danny Santana (MIN) - Owned in 74.8% of leagues
The rate at which this guy is being snatched up by fantasy owners is astounding, but it may not be too late for you. If it’s not, add him.
This is another one of those guys where I’m not saying that he’s your guy at shortstop from now until September, but with the way he’s swinging the bat right now it’s a possibility. He’ll be hitting leadoff for the Twins for the foreseeable future, and with his set of skills there’s no reason for you not to want him while he's hot. Ride the wave and let's hope it continues.
Baller Move: Add in all leagues
J.J. Hardy (BAL) - Owned in 70.4% of leagues
Hardy is the opposite of Santana in that people are dropping him at a fantastic rate, and with good reason - the counting stats simply aren’t there. After hitting 77 homers over the last three seasons with the O’s, Hardy still doesn’t have one this year and we’re in mid-June.
So why would I advise you to add him? Precisely that history. The counting stats are coming, folks. This to me feels like one of those “get over the hump” situations - once he goes yickety, the floodgates will open.
Plus, say what you will about the power numbers, but the guy’s still hitting .280. There’s a small amount of value here now, but if you feel like rolling the dice you might be greatly rewarded once he heats up with the power.
Baller Move: Add in deep leagues, monitor in all leagues
