2011 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Gems: American League

Ok, I’ll admit it. I have at least 1 guy on my team that I drafted that hasn’t panned out. Now what, you ask? Now I show my waiver wire genius, that’s what.

Darren Oliver, RP Texas Rangers (20% owned in Yahoo, 22% ESPN)

Current Stat Line – 1 W / 2 L / 2 SV / 8 K / 2.38 ERA / 0.97 WHIP

Oliver has proven himself to be the man in Texas until Feliz returns. That will be soon, but if you are hurting for saves, Oliver would appear to be your guy in Texas for the short-term already converting his first 2 opportunities.

Projection: 3 W/ 3 L / 5 SV / 65 K / 2.58 ERA / 1.12 WHIP

Justin Smoak, 1B Seattle Mariners (27% owned in Yahoo, 39% ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .303 AVG / 9 R / 4 HR / 15 RBI / 0 SB

It’s clear that those in ESPN leagues have gotten a jump on my Yahoo brethren when it comes to Smoak. So far Safeco hasn’t been the deterrent many believed it would be for Smoak as he’s gotten off to a great start. If you’re looking for someone young with potential upside, Smoak could be your man. Because where there’s Smoak, there’s fire! Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Projection: .285 / 70 R / 21 HR / 82 RBI / 0 SB

Melky Cabrera, OF Kansas City Royals (18% owned in Yahoo, 37% ESPN)

Current Stat Line – .279 AVG / 15 R / 2 HR / 14 RBI / 2 SB

It’s amazing what a couple of 3-5 nights can do for your stat line. Don’t expect miracles here folks, he’s less than 50% owned for a reason. But, on a good night Melky can give you some stats if you’re in a pinch and need OF help.

Projection: .270 AVG / 58 R / 14 HR / 60 RBI / 8 SB

Scott Baker, SP Minnesota Twins (34% owned in Yahoo, 32% ESPN)

Current Stat Line: 1 W / 2 L / 3.24 ERA / 24 K / 1.12 WHIP

Baker’s been getting a lot more movement on the wire recently after a slow start. 1 earned run and 15 k’s over your last 14 innings will do that for you. Get him while he’s hot.

Projection: 14 W/ 10 L / 4.05 ERA / 165 K / 1.20 WHIP

Josh Tomlin, SP Cleveland Indians (34% owned in Yahoo, 45% ESPN)

Current Stat Line: 4 W / 0 L / 2.45 ERA / 18 K / 0.91 WHIP

1 more win you just missed out on since last week! 34% owned in Yahoo and 4-0, C’mon! Let’s get with it here people. Don’t jump on board after he starts losing, it kind of defeats the purpose.

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

See the Previous American League Waiver Wire Gems: 4/23, 4/16, 4/09