Possible Pickups

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

Whether you’re in first or last place, some roster tinkering is almost a necessity this time of year. Don’t rest on your laurels, as your bench can never be deep enough. Also, don’t give up if your squad is floundering, there’s no need to panic. You don’t need me to tell you not to put too much stock in one week of baseball. With that said, let’s take a look at some possible options lurking on your waiver wire just waiting to be scooped up.

Scott Hairston – Not off to a scorching start and likely a fourth outfielder once Carlos Quentin returns, Hairston is a solid short-term option and would fast become a long-term alternative if traded. Quentin is still a couple of weeks away from returning, so treat Hairston as an OF4 or OF5 in the meantime, as he clubbed seven homers this spring. If 500 at-bats were to present itself one way or the other, a 30-homer campaign isn’t out of the question.

Randy Wolf – After a poor first start, Wolf is likely available in even deeper leagues. A lefty with a solid career strikeout rate (7.4 Ks per nine innings), Wolf is 22 months recovered from Tommy John surgery, so a full return to velocity should be in short order. The NL West and Dodger Stadium are also plusses. His next scheduled start at home against the light-hitting Giants is a fine spot start as well.

Elijah Dukes – Word is, once Rocco Baldelli returns to center field, Dukes will receive most of the playing time at DH, not Jonny Gomes. His past behavioral problems are of some concern, but Dukes ranks as a legit prospect and could be good for 25 homers and 90 RBI as soon as this year.

Melky Cabrera – Although Johnny Damon looks likely to return to the lineup as soon as Sunday, Cabrera could still be a short-term option because of Hideki Matsui’s recent injury. Cabrera hasn’t hit in the early going, but anyone in that Yankee lineup is worth consideration, especially those in deep leagues.

Casey Kotchman – He’s probably only available in shallow leagues, but don’t forget about Kotchman’s ability before mono ruined his season last year. He’s a legitimate .300 hitter.

Zack Greinke – While wins won’t be plentiful, Greinke could be of use in deeper leagues. Remember, before last year’s troubles, he finished the 2004 season with a remarkable 100:26 K:BB ratio.

Josh Phelps – This recommendation isn’t for the faint of heart, as you’d need to be an astute owner in a daily league, starting Phelps exclusively against southpaws. Still, he’s in a potent Yankee lineup and can be extremely effective in the limited role, as he has a career .859 OPS against lefties while smacking 21 HRs in just 403 at-bats.

Kyle Davies – Despite an impressive spring, it took a Lance Cormier injury to get Davies into the rotation to begin the year. While a first start against the red-hot Mets means he should be benched, Davies has solid long-term potential. If he can decrease his walk totals this season, a 4.10 ERA and 12-15 win campaign is possible.

Also, if this guy were to switch professions, he’d immediately become worthy of all of your FAAB. I know that clip is old news by now, but I’ve watched it 100 times, and it never gets old.