Nicky Lopez (SS, KC) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 14% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Less heralded than many of the other prospects who debuted this week, Nicky Lopez is nonetheless an intriguing addition for fantasy owners. The 24-year-old's calling card throughout his minor league career has been excellent contact ability and plate discipline. He cranked those attributes to 11 this season, drawing 20 walks and striking out just five times in 138 plate appearances at Triple-A.

He's a ground ball hitter without a lot of power, so you shouldn't expect much in terms of home runs or RBI. But Lopez has gone 5-for-11 with three walks in his first three games, and been slotted in the 2-hole for all three of them. He also has some speed, with a very nice 69 stolen bases in 1,579 plate appearances as a minor leaguer.

The Royals, of course, aren't shy about stealing bags, so you can bet Lopez will be given the green light as much as he wants. Lopez has drawn some attention from fantasy owners with his hot start, but remains on the waiver wire in the vast majority of Yahoo leagues. He's worth an add in many more.