Waiver pickups (Pitchers)

There’s some nice ones out there…

Starting pitching:

1. Erik Bedard: This guy had a nice stretch last year where he was just solid. One of his bigger problems is his inconsistency. Leo Mazzone can take care of that. Look for Leo to be a great influence on Bedard this year. This could be his breakout year actually. I’m looking at 14 wins, 3.75 ERA, and possibly 160 strikeouts. Now please stay healthy!
2. Matt Clement: If you need strikeouts and wins, this is definitely your guy. He was doing really well in the first half of the season last year until the injury. All reports are that his knee surgery went really well and he’s pitching nicely in spring training. This guy has always had talent!
3. Ervin Santana: Loads of talent… will get good run support… good bullpen to back him up… 12 wins last year in less than 140 innings pitched… by the way, he’s got 11 K’s in 9 innings currently in spring training… fella’s throwing smoke right now.

Relief pitching:

1. Dave Weathers: Until someone says something, he’s still the closer in Cincinnati. I’m surprised no one has picked him up yet. I would, if I had any bench space.
2. Fernando Rodney: He closed for a little while last year for Detroit and was fairly successful. Look at that ERA from last year: 2.86. Not too shabby. If anything happens to Todd Jones, Rodney’s your man.
3. Dan Miceli: The closer situation in TB is a mess right now and the Tampa Tribune three days ago reported that Dan Miceli’s the possible closer. He may not be the most talented relief guy for the Rays, but he has arguably the best stats so far in spring training. If you have bench room and hoping for a possible closer, this guy could turn out nice.