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Fantasy baseball’s stock market, the free agent waiver wire, possesses many of the same speculative practices performed at the New York Stock Exchange. The key, as with all investments, is to hop on the roller coaster on the way up, but bail before the first dip in production. Any baseball fan can review a series of recent box scores and report “he’s doing well … he’s in a slump … Whoa! Ubaldo were you even trying?”
Thanks to FOXSports.com’s fantasy baseball transaction trend report, I’m able to report the most popular waiver wire adds of the past week and whether I’m buying, selling or holding that player as a fantasy investment.
Starling Marte – owned in 48. 4 percent of leagues (+29.4 percent)
Analysis: The Pirates’ left fielder has seen quite a spike in ownership over the last week. It’s no surprise considering he’s in the midst of a 10-game hit streak, eight of which have been multi-hit performances. Marte has six extra base hits and two stolen bases, which has boosted his value in points and roto leagues. His minor league resume suggests he could swipe 20-plus bases during a full MLB season.
Buy/Sell/Hold: I’m buying as a mid-to-low OF2.
Ross Detwiler – owned in 27.3 percent of leagues (+13.6 percent)
Analysis: He’s three-for-three in quality starts. Detwiler has only allowed two earned runs in 20 innings pitched with 11 strikeouts. The Nationals’ bullpen has allowed nine earned runs after Detwiler left the game this season. That’s just bad luck. He’s looked too sharp to completely ignore in standard mixed-leagues.
Buy/Sell/Hold: Buy – SP 3/4
Andrew Bailey – owned in 18.1 percent of leagues (+11.9 percent)
Analysis: Joel Hanrahan is on the disabled list with a bad hamstring. Bailey will act as the Red Sox closer in the interim. Two seasons ago, Bailey converted 24 of 26 save opportunities. If you’re in need of saves, Bailey’s widely available.
Buy/Sell/Hold: Buy
Jhonny Peralta – owned in 24.8 percent of leagues (+8 percent)
Analysis: When Jose Reyes was placed on the disabled list, owners without shortstop insurance bolted to their league waiver wire only to find, in most instances, it was bone dry. For those owners still scouring, Peralta’s ownership is up eight percent on the week. His batting average is up over .300 and could be the band-aid needed until Reyes returns around the All-Star break. He’s a .265 hitter with the ability to hit 10-15 home runs a season, but because he’s buried at the bottom of the Tigers’ lineup, it’s hard to expect uber-production from the shortstop. If not Peralta, Jean Segura continues to rake (~.380 BA) for the Brewers (owned in 41 percent of leagues).
Buy/Sell/Hold: Hold/Sell
Brandon Crawford – owned in 12.6 percent of leagues (+7.6 percent)
Analysis: San Francisco’s shortstop is among the league leaders in hits, runs, home runs and RBI at his position. However, it’s worth noting that Crawford finished the 2012 season with a .248 batting average with a .304 on base percentage. So, there are some red flags that his hot start could cool at any moment. But as I write this, he’s 2-2 with a run scored against the Brewers. Jose Reyes-less owners, take a peak.
Buy/Sell/Hold: Sell/Hold
**Click here, to review more fantasy baseball transaction trends.
