Mike Zunino (C, SEA) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Mariner's decided in spring training to give catcher Mike Zunino a chance to play and show why he was the top catching prospect in the minors last season. He has been just okay so far in 2014. Zunino has shown power and has looked eerily similar to his backup John Buck with a low batting average (.230) and solid power (12 HR).   While his 12 HRs in just 259 plate appearances is very solid for a young backstop, his 33% K-rate and paltry 4% BB rate will make it hard for him to bat above .230. Zunino's lack of consistency had been holding him back, but the month of June has been very promising for his owners and those considering him. This past month he accumulated 19 H, 5 HR, and 10 RBI which makes him more enticing than other options and rosterable in a 14-team mixed league or any 2-catcher league. Going forward I would take a flier on Zunino based on the past few weeks and hope for him becoming a fantasy starter by season's end. If you are choosing between Zunino and d'Arnaud I am choosing Zunino every day and twice on Sunday.