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The 2015 season is well underway, but it’s never too early to start trying to improve your team. Here are two players at second base and shortstop who I think can help your team for week 7. 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: for other waiver wire options, check out RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list. It's updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging NL-only options, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
Waiver Wire Pickups At Second Base
Logan Forsythe (TB) - Owned in 22.6% of Fleaflicker leagues
Forsythe is surprisingly the best hitter on a surprisingly good team right now. I had the Rays pegged dead last for the AL East this year, but they’re playing some good ball right now, and Forsythe has been a big part of it. In his last 15 games, he’s hitting .333 (and has a .304 season average) with an OPS over .850. He’s got a little bit of pop, and he doesn’t strike out very often, which makes him useful in any format. He’s also eligible at multiple positions, which increases his value even more. Add him while he’s hot.
Baller move: Add in all points leagues/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
Luis Valbuena (HOU) - Owned in 29.4% of Fleaflicker leagues
Valbuena has the opposite strengths of Forsythe. He’s clubbed eight homers so far in the young season to go along with 14 RBIs and 19 runs scored. However, he’s flirting with a .200 average. While it’ll get a bit better, I’d be shocked if he finishes the season hitting over .260. You want the power numbers, making him much more valuable in roto leagues than in points leagues. Still, the batting average should pick up, so he won’t be totally useless in the weeks to come.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/add in all roto leagues
Waiver Wire Pickups At Shortstop
Freddy Galvis (PHI) - Owned in 16.0% of Fleaflicker leagues
Galvis is the hottest hitter on the Phillies, which isn’t saying a lot. However, with a .353 average through the first month and half, this breakout looks to be for real. The average will of course come down (he’s enjoyed a .360 BABIP thus far), but he has improved drastically in making contact. He’s striking out in less than 7% of at-bats, which means that the batting average is more legitimate than lucky. He’s got a bit of speed as well, and could be a cheap source of 15-20 steals by the end of the year. Not much in the way of counting stats, but that’s not why you’re adding him. Collect the batting average benefits while he’s hot.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ teams/add in all roto leagues
Wilmer Flores (NYM) - Owned in 6.8% of Fleaflicker leagues
Flores is the latest in a long line of sub-par Met shortstops. He’s actually been pretty good at the plate, tagging five homers with double-digits in runs and RBIs. His batting average leaves a lot to be desired, but I expect that to improve to a respectable range—his BABIP is lower than .250 so far. The Mets would love to make him the everyday shortstop, but his defense is making that call really difficult. Of course, defense doesn’t count for anything in most fantasy formats. If he continues to be a liability in the field, he may lose his regular role. Keep an eye on it, but add him for his offense.
Baller Move: Add in points leagues with 10+ leagues/add in roto leagues with 10+ teams
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