MLB fantasy waiver wire report
For more fantasy analysis, check out The Sandlot Shrink.com.
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.
J.P. Arencibia, Toronto Blue Jays -- Arencibia, 24, was called up to catch while John Buck is on the DL. He is batting .303-31-79 in 379 at-bats for AAA Las Vegas and is worth picking up for now. He is an excellent defensive backstop and improved his plate discipline this year but his numbers are inflated a bit in the hitter-friendly PCL. Don't expect a high batting average. Grade C+
Peter Bourjos, Los Angeles Angels -- The speedy Bourjos, 23, was recalled to start in centerfield. He hit .314 with 13 doubles, 12 triples, 13 home runs and 27 stolen bases at AAA Salt Lake and said he has improved by driving the ball up the middle more often. He also plays excellent defense in centerfield. If he maintains plate discipline, he will be here to stay. Grade B
Kila Ka'aihue, Kansas City Royals -- Ka'aihue, 26, should play a lot at 1B-DH following the José Guillen release. He was batting .319-24-78 with a .463 on-base percentage in 416 at-bats at AAA Omaha. He has some power and draws walks but has trouble when busted inside. Still worth a flier in most formats. Grade C+
Ryan Kalish, Boston Red Sox -- Kalish, 22, was recalled to play left field for now. He hit .294-13-47 in 78 games combined between AA and AAA this season. He has a nice line drive swing and makes contact but is not a big power hitter. Grade B
Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox -- Lowell, 36, takes over at first base with Kevin Youkilis out for the season. Lowell is hitting .216 with three homers in 33 games this year. He hit 17 home runs in each of the last two seasons while batting .290 and .274. GM Theo Epstein said first baseman Lars Anderson also could be called up at some point. Grade B
Mitch Moreland, Texas Rangers -- Moreland, 24, has power to all fields and a keen batting eye and has been platooning with Jorge Cantu at first base. And he's hitting well over .300 in that short span. He's also hit at every level and was batting .289-12-65 with AAA Oklahoma City upon his recall. AL-only leagues should take a flier. Grade B-
Casey Coleman, Chicago Cubs -- Coleman, 23, could be taking Carlos Silva's place in the rotation for now. He throws around 90 mph with a good changeup while mixing in a slider, cutter and curve. He has a good feel for his craft but has to be sharp to win. He has a 4.07 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 14 starts at AAA Iowa. Grade C
Thomas Diamond, Chicago Cubs -- Diamond, 27, was recalled to take Ted Lilly's spot in the rotation. The former top prospect was 5-4 with a 3.16 ERA with AAA Iowa. He struck out 10 in his debut and should be considered in NL-only leagues desperate for starters. Diamond, a first-round pick by Texas in 2004, was designated for assignment twice last season but has really turned it around this year. He had Tommy John surgery in 2007. Grade C+
Chris Heisey, Cincinnati Reds -- Heisey, 25, has been playing centerfield this week in place of the struggling Drew Stubbs. And he could keep it as long as he stays hot at the plate. He is batting .306 with seven homers and 12 RBIs in 98 at-bats with a .389 OBP. He had a breakout season in the minors last year batting .314 with 22 home runs and 77 RBI between AA Carolina and AAA Louisville. He's a decent prospect, so keep an eye on this situation. Grade B-
Omar Infante, Atlanta Braves -- Infante, 28, will play second base with Martin Prado out with a broken finger. Infante is batting .459 over his last 19 games and .348 overall. He offers little speed and power but has batted .300 the previous two seasons. Grade B-
Paul Janish, Cincinnati Reds -- Janish, 27, will play shortstop for a couple of weeks with Orlando Cabrera on the DL. Janish is hitting .270 but has little speed and not much power. Grade C
Mike Minor, Atlanta Braves -- Minor, 22, will be recalled to start Monday following the injury to Kris Medlen. Minor has a 3.41 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and a 144/44 K/BB ratio in 118 2/3 combined innings in the minors this year. The 2009 first-round pick should be considered in most formats. He throws in the low-90s but he's more of a finesse pitcher with a great changeup and plus curve. He's young, so there will likely be some bumps in the road with his location. Grade B
Mike Sweeney, Philadelphia Phillies -- Sweeney, 37, was acquired to play first base with Ryan Howard out. He had been on the disabled list with back spasms since June 27 but says he's pain free. He was batting .263-6-18 in 99 at bats for the Mariners. Grade B.
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