Available waiver pickups (hitters)

A problem we have with our rosters is that we are only allowed 3 spots on our bench for alternate players. As a result, there are still a lot of players out there on the waiver wire who could turn out to be nice pick-ups during the season.

So far, these are HITTERS who appear to be pretty good sleepers or solid pickups:
(1 being the best… and so forth)

Catchers:
1. Rod Barajas (Tex): This guy hit 20 homers? That’s pretty good. It doesn’t hurt that the Texas line-up is getting better, even with the loss of Soriano. Wilkerson gets on base a lot, and that Ian Kinsler is one helluva prospect at 2nd base. Sounds like Barajas could get a lot of RBI opportunities. I’m looking at 75 RBI’s and 22 homers.
2. Brian McCann (Atl): Good hitter, and he’s the undisputed #1 catcher in Atlanta. Could get you 17-20 homers and will bat a good average in his 2nd year in Atlanta.
3. Ryan Doumit (Pitt): This guy has talent, and Pittsburgh has some experienced hitters in their lineup this year. Could get some RBI’s. He hit .345 in AAA last year, with 12 homers in just 165 at-bats. He has had health problems (elbow) lately, so keep watch.

1st base:
1. Casey Kotchman (Angels): This could be his year. Will give you a nice .300 average with a bunch of doubles and at least 80 RBI.
2. Conor Jackson (Ari): Same as Kotchman. Nice batting average and the Diamondbacks are really high on him.
3. Durazo/Nevin (Tex): One or two of these guys could be huge this year. Nevin is actually tearing it up in Spring Training.

2nd base:
1. Josh Barfield (SD): This kid can play. Nice speed and power combination. Could give you 15/15 this year. Already has 4 doubles, a triple, a homer, and 11 rbi’s in spring training. Oh, and he’s hitting .571 (batting!).
2. Luis Gonzalez (Col): If you pick this guy up, play him at Coors. Hehehe… 15-18 homers and 80+ runs isn’t too bad overall. If you hit 2nd in front of Helton and company, and can bat close to .300, you have to score a bunch of runs, I think… Oh, I forgot, he’s hitting .313 in spring training right now (3-11).
3. Jose Vidro (Wash): Hey! He looks healthy this spring… I’m not lying.

Shortstop:
1. Ian Kinsler (Tex): This guy will give you SS/2nd base versatility (after he plays 20 or so games into the season at 2nd), has 20/20 ability, hits in that Texas lineup, and already has 2 impressive homers in spring training.
2. Hanley Ramirez (Fla): Okay, he's getting a lot of attention these days. He was a helluva prospect in Boston the last couple of years, but had all kinds of personal problems. New venue, a new starting job, and new confidence could be the best medicine. He's hitting well in spring training... keep an eye.
3. JJ Hardy (Mil): He’s okay. He plays hard, every day, and scores runs. He will play every day because of his solid defense, but his offense could catch up this season. Hopefully.


3rd base: (I’ve got four, and they’re all good):
1. Edwin Encarnacion (Cin): 5 homers already in spring training. Hits the ball hard.
2. Mike Lowell (Bos): Will rebound nicely in Boston
3. Ryan Zimmerman (Wash): A hitting machine. Power numbers will be nice when playing outside of RFK.
4. Pedro Feliz (SF): If Barry plays, Pedro will have a bunch of RBI’s… nice power.

OF: (I’ve got 5):
1. Granderson (Det): Nice all around numbers.
2. Corey Patterson (Balt): This guy has loads of talent, but little in the head. He is being given a chance in Baltimore, and already has 3 steals in spring training.
3. Matt Murton (ChiCubs): I love this guy. Professional hitter, will hit .300 with 18-25 homers this year.
4. Jason Michaels (Cle): The Indians are high on him this year. He’s batting 2nd in that nice Cleveland lineup.
5. Dave Roberts (SD): You need steals? He’ll give you some, if he plays regularly. Just keep an eye on him.

More on the free-agent pitchers next time.