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Seen here handing over the ball on opening day, Jim Johnson again couldn’t escape the 9th on April 9 (Photo: Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)
In this week’s edition of the Weekly Waiver Wire, we have a former All-Star making news in Oakland, two rookies making their presence known, and what could end up being a huge injury to one of baseball’s best teams.
Five MLB Waiver Wire players to add:
Jason Vargas (SP, KC): Vargas is the first Royals pitcher since Zack Greinke in 2008 to begin the year with consecutive starts of at least 7IP and no more than one run allowed. Greinke finished in the top 10 in ERA and top five in WAR for pitchers in 2008. Numbers don’t lie. I’m not the only one who likes Vargas this week, just ask Chris Meaney.
Ryan Cook (RP, OAK): According Jon Collins, Ryan Cook is in line to be the new closer for the Oakland Athletics. In two weeks, this guy will be the perfect pickup. But guess what? You’re not going to wait two weeks. You’re not going to wait until Cook’s hype blows up and his ownership skyrockets. Pick him up now, before someone else does. After what was an abysmal start to the season by Jim Johnson, Cook got the call and he answered the phone. People forget this guy was an All-Star in 2012.
Scott Kazmir (SP,OAK): Kazmir is a sneaky pickup in my opinion. He draws the Mariners on Sunday, a team he’s had a great deal of success against. He has held the Mariners to a .152 batting average and Robinson Cano has only seven hits in 34 AB against Kazmir. Kazmir then draws the Astros next Saturday, making for another favorable matchup. Kazmir is only owned in 57.9% of leagues and that percentage is rising so add him while he’s hot.
Yordano Ventura (SP, KC): Our Chris Meaney told you all about Ventura, and why he should dominate. First Major League start, 6 IP, two hits allowed, 0 ER, 0 BB, and 6 K’s. Oh, and he did this against the Rays. The same Rays team that came into the season as ESPN’s consensus pick to win the World Series. He is primed for two starts this week against Houston and Minnesota. I really liked what I saw from him against Tampa Bay, and I feel like I’m going to love what he is going to do this week. Ventura is owned in only 45% of leagues.
Yangervis Solarte (3B, NYY): What’s not to like about Solarte? He’s young, talented, and plays for the Yankees. Solarte is batting .387 thus far, and through his first seven career games, his six doubles are the most for any player since 1914. Only owned in 30.7% of leagues, his popularity is rising, which means only one thing; add him before it’s too late.
Five MLB Waiver Wire players to drop:
Erick Aybar (SS, LAA): How in the world is Aybar still owned in 77% of leagues? The 30 year-old shortstop is batting .179 with four RBI’s; all of which came from the series against Houston. There is many a better option at SS than Aybar. Chris Owings, Jhonny Peralta, and Brad Miller to name a few.
Colby Rasmus (OF, TOR): I am not buying Rasmus’ “breakout” game against Houston on Thursday. If it were against any other team I would probably be singing a different tune. But, the fact of the matter is, it was Houston. Rasmus is batting .176 with a HR and an RBI. His ownership percentage is rapidly decreasing, which should be a signal for you to drop him. While you’re at it, you might as well pick up Giants OF Michael Morse to fill the void. He’s only batting .400 with 5 RBI’s in his last 3 games.
Jim Johnson (RP, OAK): Stick the fork in him. I sense he is finished. An 18.90 ERA to start the season has opened the door for Ryan Cook and closed the door on Johnson. I’m not saying with 100% certainty that he is out as Oakland’s closer for the full season. Even if he isn’t, he still warrants a drop.
Matt Moore (SP, TB): If you haven’t heard, Moore is more likely than not, done for the season. He will probably need to undergo Tommy John surgery. The Rays are calling his injury a strain, but I have my doubts. Still owned in 89.6% of leagues, I would drop him. If I am wrong, I will take the blame for your team.
Bobby Parnell (RP, NYM): Parnell, unlike Moore, is definitely out for the season. He underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. The only reason he is on my drop list this week is because he is unbelievably still owned in 74.8% of leagues. Obvious drop in all formats.
Have specific questions about your team? Ask @RyanDorf on Twitter.
The post Weekly MLB Waiver Wire: The ways of the A’s appeared first on Fantasy Sports Locker Room.