2011 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Gems: American League

So your draft really wasn’t as good as you thought it was when you walked out of the war room?? Well here are some names that can help you save face.

Jed Lowrie, SS/2B Boston Red Sox (64% owned in Yahoo, 82% ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .432 AVG / 10 R / 3 HR / 12 RBI / 0 SB

In the better late than never category falls Jed Lowrie. He is highly owned at this point, but if he’s not in your league, grab him while the gettin is good. We mentioned Lowrie on the 4th and home show on Tuesday and his ownership has been booming. Could be a great plug-in as long as he can stay healthy.

Projection: .280 AVG / 70 R / 18 HR / 65 RBI / 1 SB

Travis Hafner, DH Cleveland Indians (52% owned in Yahoo, 50% ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .344 AVG / 11 R / 4 HR / 10 RBI / 0 SB

All you have to do to motivate a guy is write about how good he used to be apparently. That’s what I did with Hafner anyway. He’s looking like the Pronk of old right now, so pick him up and enjoy the ride. But as I mentioned in that article, don’t expect to get 162 games out of him.

Projection: .285 / 60 R / 20 HR / 65 RBI / 0 SB

Alex Avila, C Detroit Tigers (32% owned in Yahoo, 22% ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .267 AVG / 6 R / 3 HR / 10 RBI /1 SB

Avila is nothing to write home about, but with the injury to Victor Martinez he’s getting more playing time. That extra time makes him intriguing for the power he displays at the catcher spot. Looks good as a short-term fill in if your on the catcher carousel right now.

Projection: .260 AVG / 40 R / 14 HR / 45 RBI / 2 SB

Jeff Francoeur, OF Kansas City Royals (51% owned in Yahoo, 81% ESPN)

Current Stat Line: .329 AVG / 12 R / 3 HR / 16 RBI / 2 SB

Apparently those in Yahoo leagues have yet to realize that Francoeur thinks he’s in the ATL once again! Get on board guys, everyone can hope to catch lightning in a bottle every once in a while.

Projection: .280 AVG / 80 R / 20 HR / 85 RBI

Josh Tomlin, SP Cleveland Indians (21% owned in Yahoo, 25% ESPN)

Current Stat Line: 3 W / 0 L / 2.33 ERA / 15 K / 0.89 WHIP

The biggest surprise outside of Justin Masterson in Cleveland right now has to be Josh Tomlin. Ok, maybe it’s Travis Hafer. Or Grady Sizemore. Or the fact that they have a winning record. Whatever, Tomlin has looked good so far. Don’t expect him to be a world beater all year and he’s not a big K pitcher, but take the wins while they last.

Projection: 12 W / 10 L / 3.80 ERA / 105 K / 1.25 WHIP

See the Previous American League Waiver Wire Gems: 4/16, 4/09