MLB waiver wire report
It's a long season; let us guide you through all of the potential names on the wire who can help your team. For more fantasy analysis, check out Sandlot Shrink.com.
Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants -- Posey, 23, was recalled to play first base with Aubrey Huff moving to left field. Posey, the top catching prospect in the minors, will also see some time behind the plate. He is hitting .349-6-32 at AAA Fresno and is eligible at catcher right now. Grade A
Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals -- No need to sell you on this guy. He throws hard, has great stuff and is very poised beyond his 21 years. He finished his short minor league career with a 1.30 ERA and a 65/13 K/BB ratio in 55 1/3 innings. He will make his major league debut against the Pirates next Tuesday. GradeA
John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers -- Axford, 27, will be used as the closer until Trevor Hoffman is ready, if ever. Axford throws 94-97 mph with a good curve but has had control and command problems in the past. Grade B
Reid Brignac, Tampa Bay Rays -- Brignac, 24, will play shortstop for the next couple of weeks until Jason Bartlett returns. He is batting .299 with two home runs and is worth a pickup short-term. Grade C+
Andrew Cashner, Chicago Cubs -- Cashner, 23, was recalled to help out in late relief. He was a starter at AAA Iowa for most of the season, but was switched to the bullpen last week. He had a 0.86 ERA and a 17/2 K/BB ratio in 20 innings and has good stuff (mid-90s fastball, hard slider). His control improved this year but his changeup is still inconsistent. He was the 19th overall pick in the 2008 draft. Grade: C+/B for the future whether it be as a starter or closer.
Mike Fontenot, Chicago Cubs -- Fontenot, 29, is platooning with Ryan Theriot for now, at least until Theriot starts hitting again. Fontenot, a left-handed hitter, will get more of the playing time. He is hitting over .300 in part time duty. He batted .236 with nine home runs last year but .305 the year before. Grade C+
David Murphy, Texas Rangers -- Murphy, 28, will fill in for Nelson Cruz for the next couple of weeks. He is batting .271 with two homers but has potential for more power. He hits right-handers very well so he could be platooned. Grade C+
Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates -- Walker, 24, will play second base with Akinori Iwamura struggling. The former top prospect was batting .321-6-26-10 in 168 at-bats at AAA and has hit well since his recall last week. He has also has played first, second and outfield. He played in 17 games for the Pirates last year and hit .194. Grade C+
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