Schierholtz, Aviles lead waiver adds

By Ryan Fowler
Published

With three weeks of games in the books, here are 10 of the most added fantasy baseball players.

Note: the following "changes" are week-over-week percentages.

Nate Schierholtz

Change: +17.3 percent
Analysis: What better way to lead this week’s waiver wire claims than by posting 6-10 with two runs, two triples, a home run and three RBI in a doubleheader on Monday? Schierholtz is one of a handful of outfielders that has flirted with fantasy owners the last few seasons. He’s produced in spurts, but less than stellar power numbers has kept him from finding a permanent home. The Giants lack of run production also hurts his overall value.
Buy/Sell: If you need a boost to your batting average/on-base percent, go for it. I’d compare him to Darwin Barney’s fantasy value.

Mike Aviles

Change: +14.6 percent
Analysis: The Red Sox may have their issues, but scoring runs aren’t one of them. Boston is averaging more than five runs a game and, with Ellsbury out, Aviles has reaped the benefits. His 13 runs and three home runs are second among all shortstops and 10 RBI rank third among SS in MLB.
Buy/Sell: With SS/2B/3B eligibility, I definitely think he’s worth adding. Aviles hit .304 with 63 runs and 14 stolen bases in 2010 (w/ KC) before slumping in 2011 (.255).

Chris Sale

Change: +12.2 percent
Analysis: So far, so good on Sale’s transition from bullpen to starting rotation. In his first three starts, the 23-year-old (23?!) has allowed seven earned runs in 18 inning pitched. What really got owners’ attention over the last week were 11 strikeouts against the Mariners in his last start.
Buy/Sell: I like him, but at the age of 23 don’t trust him quite yet.

Mike Minor

Change: +10.1 percent
Analysis: After a horrific season debut against the Mets (6 ER in 5 IP), Minor has gone at least six innings in each of his last three starts with 15 strikeouts and only one walk.
Buy/Sell: Buy

Cody Ross

Change: 10.1 percent
Analysis: The 2010 NLCS MVP joined the Red Sox, his third team in three seasons, this past winter via free agency. With Carl Crawford on the shelf for the immediate future (meeting with Dr. James Andrews - Gulp!), Ross will continue to enjoy playing time. His five bombs in the last eight games shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Ross has provided pop in the past with the Florida Marlins. Owners just have to deal with a batting average hovering below .275.
Buy/Sell: He’s batting in the lower-third of the Boston lineup. That’s not ideal, but if you want to gamble on Ross’ early power numbers, I’d understand the rationale.

Alejandro De Aza

Change: +8.0 percent
Analysis: Here’s a guy (in my best Jon Gruden voice) that saw his fantasy stock rise over the winter. He was one of those names that promised potential moreso than guaranteed production. Still, it’s hard to ignore eight of his 17 hits are for extra bases and he’s scored 14 runs. My hope is for 20+ steals from the White Sox leadoff hitter.
Buy/Sell: Bought

Jason Vargas

Change: +6.5 percent
Analysis: Vargas is still available in 77 percent of leagues. So, it’s not like owners are running over each other to try and acquire the starting pitcher. I’m not overwhelmed with his early season stats nor his track record.
Buy/Sell: Sell

Ross Detwiler

Change: +6.4 percent
Analysis: He was 6-14 over the last three seasons and only started the season in the rotation because Chien-Mien Wang is on the disabled list. With that said, 2-0 with an ERA and WHIP under 1.00 will get your attention. He hasn’t thrown more than 81 pitches in each of his first three starts, which means you need to hope the Nationals score early and for Detwiler to avoid trouble to maximize his fantasy production each start.
Buy/Sell: I’d buy in deeper leagues (14 or more). Wang’s minor league rehab starts begin next week.

Henry Rodriguez

Change: +6.3 percent
Analysis: Rodriguez is now owned in 32.2 percent of leagues. He’s still swapping days (not save opportunities) with Brad Lidge, but is clearly the better of the two options. Bottom line is Drew Storen isn’t coming back anytime soon. Pick up Rodriguez now.
Buy/Sell: Buy

Rafael Furcal

Change: +6.2 percent
Analysis: The Cardinals have scored 86 runs this season. Furcal has 10 of them to go along with eight RBI and three stolen bases. His batting and on-base percentage got my attention two weeks ago when my starting shortstop forgot the season had started. Furcal is still hitting .347 with an OBP of .413.
Buy/Sell: Bought