Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Large Leagues

Published: 25^th Apr 12 10:04 pm

by Adam McGill
adammcgill

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Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Large Leagues

Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

With the fourth week of the fantasy baseball season underway, free agents will be flying off the waiver wire. Below are my top free agent pickups for this week in 10-14 man leagues:

Large Leagues: 10-14 man leagues

C Josh Thole, NYM – Thole may be splitting time with Mike Nickeas as the Mets’ backstop, but Thole is certainly making the most of his limited at-bats with an incredible .364 batting average.

1B Adam LaRoche, WSH – LaRoche has driven in 14 runs through his first 18 games and really stepped up for the Nats as they are struggling without the bat of the hard-hitting, Michael Morse.

2B Robert Andino, BAL – Andino is the best nine-hitter in the majors, as he is hitting a stellar .300. He may have struck out 16 times already this season, but the fact that he is getting on base so often is huge for fantasy owners to take advantage of from one of the thinnest positions in the game.

3B Jack Hanrahan, CLE – The 32 year old veteran is having a career year so far. He is batting a robust .333 with 13 RBI and is swinging the hottest bat among all the Cleveland hitters.

SS Jamey Carroll , MIN – Carroll has been showing off his leather all year, but recently his bat has really come around. Carroll is an extremely level-swinger and he is one of the most experienced sticks in the entire Twins’ lineup. He has a respectable .325 On Base Percentage and his good eye will always help him draw a good amount of walks.

OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, NYM – Nieuwenhuis continues to make plays on a daily basis and is really making a case to remain in the starting lineup when Andres Torres returns from the DL. Nieuwenhuis is the hot bat right now in “Nieu York” and the 24-year old centerfielder will stay there until he begins to cool.

OF J. D. Martinez , HOU – JDM has quickly earned a spot in fantasy rosters, despite being undrafted in almost every fantasy league on opening day. The 24-year old combines raw speed with an even quicker bat and is looking like an outstanding keeping option for next year already.

SP Bartolo Colon, OAK – Colon may look like the most out of shape pitcher in the league, but he continues to put up respectable performances one after another. He is still available in a good amount of leagues, but many owners refuse to pick him up, as Mr. Bartolo has burned them before.

SP Drew Smyly, DET – The rookie barely won the fifth starting spot in the rotation coming out of spring training, but has looked like an All-Star since joining the pitching staff. The 22-year old currently boasts a sparkling 1.13 ERA through his first 16 major league innings. He also struck out 15 batters during that time, and is on his way to becoming a true fantasy star.

RP Jon Rauch, NYM – Rauch has already stolen one save opportunity away from Frank Francisco this year, and JR could be in the process of stealing his job sooner rather or later. The Mets will not have patience to stick with Francisco if he keeps struggling in the ninth inning, so fantasy owners who are desperate for a closer should stash Rauch and cross their fingers.

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