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And we’re back! The 2015 season is just getting underway, but it’s never too early to start trying to improve your 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. Oh, and if Devon Travis is somehow still available in your league, add him now. As in immediately.
Editor’s Note: for other waiver wire options, check out RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging shortstops, second basemen, and all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
Second Base Waiver Wire Pickups
Jonathan Schoop (2B/3B, BAL) - owned in 14% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Jonathan Schoop (Shoop? Scope? I think it’s “skohp”) has come out of the gate red-hot, banging three homers and driving in seven runs over his first eight games. This should be the norm for Schoop all season. He doesn’t have much to add in the way of speed, and despite his current .292 batting average, I expect him to sit around .265 over the course of the season. However, as the starting second baseman in Camden Yards, I fully expect 20 or more homers come September, which is excellent pop from the second base position. He should be a valuable asset in roto leagues especially, but I’d still feel confident starting him in a deeper points league too.
Baller move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in all roto leagues
Update: Schoop has been placed on the DL with a tear in his left knee, sustaining it in last night's game. Tough break for the Orioles and fantasy owners. Everth Cabrera should receive regular at bats, and can be a speed sleeper for deeper leagues at the shortstop/middle infield position.
Arismendy Alcantara (2B/OF, CHC) - owned in 52% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Alcantara is off to a really slow start, but stick with me here. This is a guy who is eligible at both second base and outfield in most formats, which does improve his value. He’ll be at second base more often than not, and he’s got plenty of potential to produce in multiple categories. In just 70 games with the Cubbies last season, Alcantara had 10 jacks and eight stolen bags—if you project that out over a full 140 games or so, and you’ve got a 20/20 candidate. He’s cold now, but I’d want to own him if and when he heats up. Add him, especially if you’ve got bench spots.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Shortstop Waiver Wire Pickups
Jose Ramirez (SS/2B, CLE) - owned in 6% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Ramirez has seen time with the Tribe in each of the last two seasons, albeit not for very long in either year. He is only 22 now, which shows how much potential he has—he was 20 when he first appeared in the bigs. His main asset is speed, as he swiped 10 bags in 68 games last season and already has three in the first seven games this year. The potential for 25 steals in nothing to scoff at, particularly in roto formats, but this is more of a wait-and-see kind of guy if you play in a points league. I don’t see him contributing much in the way of counting stats, but keep an eye on him regardless.
Baller Move: Monitor in all points leagues/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Jose Iglesias (SS/3B, DET) - owned in 30% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Iglesias is one of the hottest players in baseball right now, hitting at a blistering .481 pace. He’s typically at the bottom of the Detroit order, but considering how many mashers are at the top he can be seen as a sort of second leadoff after the first time through the lineup. The Cuban import is a definite speed threat (he already has four steals in nine games), and I think he’ll score plenty of runs for the reasons I just mentioned.
You obviously can’t expect his batting average to stay this high, but I would not be surprised if he flirted with .290 all year. He’s addable in any format, especially given his hot start. Snatch him up and hold on tight, at least until he cools off.
Baller Move: Add in all points leagues/add in all roto leagues
