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Welcome back to Digging Deeper! I'll be taking a look at some deeper AL waiver wire options for Week 9 of the fantasy baseball season.
I hope everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend. Now that we're unofficially starting the summer months, your fantasy baseball team's identity is really taking shape. At this time of the year, who you're taking a shot on with your waive adds should be more about your personal team needs and less about the overall flavor of the week. Even still, the name of the game is still upside... unless of course you're doing well and just really need a safe, high floor player.
I've picked out a few guys who can either add a spark to an injury-riddled team or provide a floor for a team looking to keep a lead. Best of luck to you all as the season really heats up. As always, find me on Twitter @BellRoto and let me know how I'm doing.
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Digging Deeper: Week 9 Picks - AL
Greg Bird (1B, NYY) - 23% owned in Yahoo! Leagues
Yes, Bird is over 20% owned. However, he's disappeared for a while and is about to come back on everyone's radars as he begins a rehab assignment. I can't guarantee the DL stint cured what was ailing the highly-touted prospect early in the season. Although, this is still a huge power threat in an amazing hitter's park. If you're someone who lost Freddie Freeman, perhaps you want to take a shot on Bird if his previous owner gave up.
Howie Kendrick (1B/2B/3B/OF, PHI) - 11% owned in Yahoo! Leagues
Like Bird, Kendrick was also a DL candidate for the past few weeks. He's back now though, and the Phillies need all the offensive help they can get. The veteran utility man has batted second in each of his first two games back from injury, and he's already stolen a base.
This is one of those high-floor players that I discussed in the intro. We pretty much know what we're going to get from Kendrick as long as he's healthy, and his variance in position eligibility can be a big help in daily leagues. Take a look at Kendrick if you need to fill in for an injured player with consistent production.
Ben Revere (OF, LAA) - 1% owned in Yahoo! Leagues
If you lost Mike Trout and need the steals more than anything, Revere might be a good place to turn. Not only does Trout's absence guarantee at-bats for the speedy outfielder, but Cameron Maybin is experiencing some soreness too. The Angels' overall offensive production may not be there, but there could be a 15 to 20-steal month sitting on your waiver wire in Revere.
Jordan Montgomery (SP, NYY) - 13% owned in Yahoo! Leagues
We've discussed Montgomery before, and I continue to believe that a lot of bad luck is the only thing keeping him from being perceived as a quality starter. Sure, his park isn't the greatest, but as a lefty he can get away with a litte more on his home turf. With a decent ground ball rate, a hard hit percentage that doesn't scream regression, and the stuff that easily passes the eye test, Montgomery is a starter worth acquiring, especially when he's on the road.
Lucas Giolito (SP, CWS) - 7% owned in Yahoo! Leagues
When you throw seven innings of no-hit ball at any level, you deserve some attention. When you're a top prospect who's been strangely struggling this season, you get even more attention. When you're big league ball club has nothing to lose and would like to see what they have in their farm system, you deserve an add. Giolito could be the next best pitcher to come through the pipeline. Don't sleep on him if you want to speculatively add pitching help.
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