X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 8 Waiver Wire: H2H Category Streamers

Jason Katz identifies fantasy baseball category streamers for week 8 of 2018. Waiver wire pickups, adds, and streamers for weekly head-to-head (H2H) leagues.

I like to consider myself a pioneer of the streaming approach. I won a league about seven years ago completely ignoring saves and just stacking up the starts each week. While streaming is undoubtedly more directly associated with pitching, there's plenty of value in streaming for offense as well.

Maybe you have a stacked roster and you can't drop anyone. But for those of us with a couple of guys on the roster fringes, it's never too early to look into targeting a specific player or two to gain an edge in a particular category. This season, I will be making weekly recommendations for extreme short term category specialists every week in three offensive areas: speed, power, and average; and three pitching areas: strikeouts, wins, and ratios (ERA/WHIP).

Below are my Week 8 category streamers for fantasy baseball. All position eligibility and ownership percentages are based on Yahoo! fantasy leagues.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Head-to-Head Category Streamers to Consider

Speed

Travis Jankowski (OF, SD) - 9% Owned

While he's not amongst the league leaders in steals, Travis Jankowski does have a track record of speed on his resume. In just 383 plate appearances in 2016, he stole 30 bases. Between the prolonged injury to Wil Myers and Manuel Margot's struggles, Jankowski has been seeing regular playing time this season. He stole three bases over roughly a week span early-mid May.

Mallex Smith (OF, TB) - 28% Owned

Here we go again with Mallex Smith. He's cooled off a bit recently, but he's still hitting over .300 and he's still stealing bases. I don't know if he can keep up the batting average, but I am confident he can keep running - the getting on base part only helps. He will be a mainstay on this list until he either faceplants or sees an uptick in ownership percentage.

 

Power

Adam Duvall (OF, CIN) - 39% Owned

If you find yourself inclined to look at Adam Duvall's batting average, just don't. Seriously. This is a PG rated website and Duvall's batting average is not suitable for children. If you want some cheap pop from a guy with back to back 30 home run seasons the past two years, then you can note that Duvall has four home runs over the past two weeks and a history of hitting the ball very far. Additionally, of his six games next week, he will spend half of them at home in Cincinnati and the other half at Coors.

Logan Morrison (1B, MIN) - 17% Owned

While his 38 home run 2017 is undoubtedly the outlier and will be his career year, Logan Morrison is still capable of going on home run sprees. One could come next week as he should face a slew of right handed pitchers on the Royals and Indians. While the Indians' right handed pitchers are pretty talented, he's capable of launching a big fly or three. And the Royals' pitching is far from imposing.

 

Average

Howie Kendrick (2B/OF, WAS) - 19% Owned

I really should just leave Howie Kendrick in this list weekly. He doesn't do enough to be owned much more than he is, but he also consistently gets on base. Kendrick is still hitting over .300 and has been strong the past two weeks, hitting .341. He's just empty batting average, but if that's what you're looking for, he can provide that.

Daniel Descalso (1B/2B/3B/OF, ARI) - 12% Owned

Only a career .241 hitter, Daniel Descalso finds himself on the average help portion of this least due to his recent hot streak that has also come with an increase in walks. While walks don't help in average, they are indicative of a more patient approach at the plate and Descalso's .324 average over the past two weeks supports that. His BABIP his a little higher than his career average, but nothing beyond normal variance. I say ride the hot streak.

 

Strikeouts

Freddy Peralta (SP, SD) - 22% Owned

If he was scooped in your league after his 13 strikeout debut, I'm sorry. There were definitely a lot more positives than negatives in Freddy Peralta's first major league appearance. For our purposes, all we care about are the strikeouts. There were many. The Mets are actually slightly above average in terms of avoiding strikeouts, but Peralta has struck out over a batter an inning throughout his entire professional career. He may not go deep into the game, but if he can get you six innings, you're getting at least six strikeouts.

Trevor Cahill (SP, OAK) - 21% Owned

Trevor Cahill just returned from the DL this past Wednesday. His career strikeout rate is under 7.00, but he's been a new man this season, with a K/9 over 11. His second start next week is the one I'm interested in because it should come against the Diamondbacks, a team that is top five in strikeouts. Paul Goldschmidt is the newest Diamondback on the list of hitters striking out more than 30% of the time. He and the rest of the team should provide Cahill with plenty of swings and misses.

 

Wins

Zack Wheeler (SP, NYM) - 11% Owned

Guess what team Zack Wheeler pitches against on Monday? It's the Marlins! Wheeler shut down the Marlins en route to a 4-1 victory during his last outing against them. This time he has the comfort of home field advantage. Wheeler will beat the Marlins again.

Jeremy Hellickson (SP, WAS) - 41% Owned

Once a big time Rays prospect, Jeremy Hellickson's career has derailed over the past few seasons. He seems to be experiencing a renaissance in 2018, though. Hellickson has a 2.20 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP so far this season. On Monday, he pitches in PETCO Park against the Padres, a team he has already beaten once this season. The Nationals are a better team than the Padres - a lot better. Hellickson should win again.

 

ERA/WHIP

Jordan Lyles (SP, SD) - 10% Owned

Is Jordan Lyles this good? No. But, he is definitely an improved pitcher. He's been around a while, but is still only 27 years old. His .215 BABIP is definitely playing a big part in his breakout, but for the career 5.30 ERA pitcher, he's just not that guy anymore. His FIP indicates he's more of a mid 3s ERA guy, which is still a vast improvement and certainly fantasy viable. He should start against the Nationals next week. Not the greatest of matchups, but right now, Lyles is damn near unhittable.

Francisco Liriano (SP, DET) - 19% Owned

There's only one team that scores runs at a worse rate than the Chicago White Sox, who just happen to be Francisco Liriano's opponent next week. The White Sox can't score and Liriano has actually been decent this season, with an ERA hovering around 4.00. He is the perfect type of streamer - someone you can reasonably rely on in favorable matchups. The White Sox are one of them. Fire up Liriano for a solid outing.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Laken Tomlinson

Confident in Texans Offensive Line
J.K. Dobbins

the Starter in Denver?
JT Woods

Seahawks Release JT Woods
Darren Waller

Trade to Miami Becomes Official
Asante Samuel Jr.

Dolphins Interested in Asante Samuel Jr.
Nyheim Hines

Seeking Return to NFL
Dak Prescott

Expects to be Full-Go for Training Camp
Ajay Mitchell

Posts 16 Points in Summer League Win on Monday
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Waived by Bucks
Brice Sensabaugh

Logs 37 points in Summer League Win on Monday
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
GG Jackson II

Collects 27 Points in Summer League Loss
Ace Bailey

Scores 18 Points in Summer League Victory
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Kobe Bufkin

Cleared for Summer League Action
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Agrees to Contract Buyout with Bucks
PGA

Sungjae Im Still a Liability at Scottish Open
James Wiseman

Pacers Bring Back James Wiseman
Ludvig Aberg

is a Solid Option at Scottish Open
Tyrese Haliburton

to Miss Entire 2025-26 Campaign
Paolo Banchero

Signs Historic Five-Year Extension with Magic
Anthony Santander

Hoping to Hit Soon
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning in Short Order
Alex Bregman

Could Return Later This Week
Ketel Marte

Day-to-Day with Groin Tightness
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Hunter Greene

Suffers Setback on Monday
Kyle Lowry

Staying With 76ers
Kyle Anderson

Lands in Utah
Kevin Love

Traded to Jazz in 3-Team Swap
Norman Powell

Traded to Miami
John Collins

Dealt to Clippers
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied For 14 at Travelers Championship
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For 61 at Travelers Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Tied For 17 at Travelers Championship
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For 11 at John Deere Classic
Viktor Hovland

Withdraws From Travelers Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For Second at Travelers Championship
Brian Campbell

Wins John Deere Classic
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 10 Points
Harrison Ingram

Limited on Sunday
Golden State Warriors

Isaiah Mobley Drops 16 Points
Ryan Rollins

Staying with Bucks
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF