MLB fantasy 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.
Jamey Carroll, Los Angeles Dodgers -- Carroll, 36, is a veteran utility player and will play shortstop until Rafael Furcal returns from the disabled list. Carroll is hitting .276 with seven steals in 100 games so far but has no power. Grade C+
Chris Carter, Oakland Athletics -- Carter, 23, plays first base but recently moved to left field. Plus, he could be sent back down when Conor Jackson returns. Regardless, figure on some power and a low batting average. He said he's still adjusting to the outfield. He was hitting .262-27-89 at AAA Sacramento. Grade B for the future.
Jeremy Hellickson, Tampa Bay Rays -- Hellickson, 23, could be up for a while due to injuries to the starting rotation. He is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts. He went 12-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.17 WHIP for AAA Durham. A top prospect, he throws in the low 90s with a curve and change, all plus pitches. He also has excellent location. "I felt really good," he said. "As long as I can throw my curveball for a strike, I think I can be successful." Grade B+ for the future.
Jose Guillen, San Francisco Giants -- Guillen, 34, was signed to help out in the outfield but probably won't play everyday. He was batting .255 with 16 homers and 62 RBI in 396 at-bats before being released by Kansas City last week. Grade C+.
Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros -- Lyon, 31, will temporarily close with Matt Lindstrom having back problems (he has been dealing with this for a few weeks now). Lyon has 54 saves in his career and has pitched well this season despite the ugly outing on August 11. "Lyon has been absolutely outstanding," Brad Mills said. "He's thrown the ball extremely well all year long." Grade B-.
Fernando Martinez, New York Mets -- Martinez, 21, will platoon with Jeff Francoeur in right field and should be considered in NL-only formats but beware low batting average. He was batting .255-12-33 in 247 at-bats for Buffalo but stuck out 62 times. Good prospect for the future but he's very young. He struggled (batting .176) in 29 games with the Mets last year. Grade B for the future.
Mike Morse, Washington Nationals -- Morse, 28, will play right field for now, at least until he cools off. He is batting .295 with eight home runs in 130 at-bats so far. He missed over a month with a left calf strain earlier in the season. Grade C+.
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