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The 2015 season is well underway, and of course everyone is looking to improve their team. Over the course of the season I’ll be giving you two players at second base and shortstop per week who I think can help your team.
These players are usually widely available in any format, and should turn nice profits in the weeks to come. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly @Roto_Dubs with any questions about the middle infield or fantasy baseball in general.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for second base and shortstop, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Second Base (2B) Waiver Wire Pickups
Cory Spangenberg (SD)—Owned in 1.4% of ESPN leagues
Spangenberg has settled in at the keystone in San Diego and has been hitting quite well of late. In his last 15 games, he has hit .333 with six RBIs and six runs scored. He does have five stolen bases on the season, so he’s not entirely useless there either. My main reason for advocating his addition is that the Padres haven’t really hit their stride yet as an offense. I believe it’s only a matter of time before they heat up, and Spangenberg should continue to hit behind the thumpers in the lineup, affording him plenty of chances to rack up the counting stats.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Matt Duffy (SF)—Owned in 13.6% of ESPN leagues
Duffy has found his power stroke in recent weeks, clubbing four of his five home runs this season since May 22nd. While I don’t expect him to get past 15 dingers, he, like Spangenberg, hits behind the meat of his team’s lineup. The current .283 batting average is perhaps a little high for what you can consistently expect (he sports a .328 BABIP in 2015), but he should have no problem continuing to add to his run and RBI totals as the season progresses.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Shortstop (SS) Waiver Wire Pickups
Jordy Mercer (PIT)—Owned in 3.0% of ESPN leagues
Mercer’s overall numbers are still abysmal for the year, but he has truly picked it up in the last two weeks, putting himself back on the radar in deeper leagues. Over his last 15 games, he’s hitting .342 with a pair of jacks and six runs scored, which is useful in any format. He’s a bottom-of-the-lineup guy, so his RBI totals will never jump off the page. However, the more he gets on base the more he’ll score, and perhaps even find his way to 10-12 steals by the end of the year. I wouldn’t expect to ride him for the year, but if you’re an unlucky Zack Cozart owner, he could be a good injury fill-in for now.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Jace Peterson (ATL)—Owned in 15.7% of ESPN leagues
Peterson has established himself as a reliable leadoff hitter in Atlanta. He is setting the table in front of Freddie Freeman & Co. Over his last 15 games, Peterson's hit .340 with a .411 OBP. He has a .349 OBP on the season. The point: you want this guy for his run totals and batting average. He’s a solid contact hitter and will probably have 15-18 steals at the end of the year. With middle infield being as thin as it is in fantasy, Peterson should be rostered in most leagues. If nobody else in your league is smart enough to recognize that, snatch him up and plug him in.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
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