2011 MLB Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Gems: American League

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Eric Hosmer, 1B Kansas City Royals ( 48 percent owned in Yahoo, 95.2 percent in ESPN)

Current Stat Line- .286 AVG / 33 R / 10 HR / 45 RBI / 5 SB

The disparity in ownership percentages is just ridiculous. Since June 25th he is hitting .325/13/5/22/3. Yahoo really needs to get with the program. Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn, Todd Helton, Aubrey Huff are all owned ahead of Hosmer in Yahoo leagues. For the love of God, find room on your roster for Eric Hosmer!

Projection (rest of season)- .290 AVG / 28 R / 8 HR / 32 RBI / 3 SB

Hideki Matsui, OF Oakland Athletics ( 17 percent owned in Yahoo, 35.7 percent in ESPN)

Current Stat Line- .251 AVG / 35 R / 9 HR / 51 RBI / 1 SB

Very few have been hitting as well as Matsui in recent weeks. Since July 17th (11 games) he has hit .500/10/3/16. When healthy, he has always put up very solid numbers. He does play in the spacious Oakland Coliseum and the A’s have a terrible lineup but, you can’t argue with what he has been doing lately. He could be just what you need for a fantasy playoff push.

Projection (rest of season)- .265 AVG / 26 R / 8 HR / 30 RBI / 0 SB

Derrick Lee, 1B Baltimore Orioles ( 28 percent owned in Yahoo, 39.2 percent in ESPN)

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Current Stat Line- .248 AVG / 39 R / 12 HR / 41 RBI / 2 SB

It looks like the grizzled vet is giving me a chance to redeem myself! Since July 6th he is hitting .306/11/6/19. He is still hitting fifth for the Orioles so he should continue to get a fair amount of RBI opportunities. If he stays healthy, he should be a solid contributor across the board.

Projection (rest of season)- .275 AVG / 25 R / 7 HR / 31 RBI / 0 SB

J.P. Arencibia, C Toronto Blue Jays ( 47 percent owned in Yahoo, 45.3 percent in ESPN)

Current Stat Line- .220 AVG / 34 R / 17 HR / 48 RBI / 0 SB

J.P. Arencibia has been a nice little surprise for the Blue Jays this season. His recent power surge continued last night and he now has 5 HR/9 RBI in his last six games! Arencibia now ranks behind only Brian McCann in home runs by a catcher. If you are starved in the power department, Russell Martin, Yadier Molina and Matt Wieters, are all safe drops.

Projection (rest of season)- .230 AVG / 26 R / 9 HR / 30 RBI / 0 SB

Jeff Niemann, SP Tampa Bay Rays ( 22 percent owned in Yahoo, 39.4 percent in ESPN)

Current Stat Line- 5 W / 4 L / 3.51 ERA / 58 K / 1.25 WHIP

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Niemann has been pitching like a man possessed since the start of July. For the month he is 3-0/1.06/ 34 K / 1.06 in 34 IP. For the year he has put up a solid K/9 (7.02) and BB/9 (2.30). His FIP and xFIP back him up too (3.58/3.68). Jump on Niemann while you can!

Projection (rest of season)- 5 W / 3 L / 3.40 ERA / 61 K / 1.19 WHIP

*All stats are current as of 7/3/11, 1:00 PM EST.

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