By
Lawrence Barreca.
Now two weeks into the season, players are beginning to come out and show their talents. Some of these players were never even considered on Draft Day. Therefore, here is my list of Hot Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 3 of the young season.
Infielders:
• Jason Kendall (MIL) - Many did not believe that Kendall still had it in him; however, he is beginning to show signs of new life in the young 2008 campaign. He is currently hitting .483, with six runs scored, five RBIs, and a stolen base. Look for Kendall to make a nice starting catcher or utility hitter while he is hot.
• Evan Longoria (TB)- Now with Willy Aybar hurt, Longoria has been called up to the pros to play for the Rays. He currently does not have any stats, mainly because he plays his first big-league game Saturday night against the Orioles. He is supposed to be the AL Rookie of the Year though, so he could make a very nice pickup.
• Ben Broussard (TEX) - The main reason why Broussard is on this list is one word: homeruns. He currently has three, as he is the starting first baseman for the Rangers. He isn't hitting for great contact (.258 average); however, he has the RBI's (8) and the homers to show for it.
• Kurt Suzuki (OAK) - The second catcher to make this list, Suzuki is doing the same as Kendall: hitting for contact. He is currently hitting .324, with six runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Suzuki can make a nice backup catcher or even a nice injury reserve catcher for now.
Outfielders:
• Luke Scott (BAL) - Scott was expected to be a sleeper in 2008, and he is showing signs that he can live up to it. He is currently hitting .414, with one homer and six RBIs. Look for those numbers to steadily increase as the season goes on.
• Michael Bourn (HOU) - Bourn isn't hitting for a great average (.195); however, the one thing he is doing is stealing bases. He currently has six on the season, and, as long as he bats leadoff, will see a steady increase in that category. He could be among the lead leaders in steals by year’s end, something that leads to a ton of fantasy points.
• Joey Gathright (KAN) - Gathright is hitting a little better than Bourn (Gathright is hitting for a .200 average); however he has the same amount of steals. Gathright is currently the starter in center for the Royals with David DeJesus hurt, so look for him to get plenty of at-bats and steal attempts while he is in.
Pitchers:
• Gavin Floyd (CHW) - Floyd took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Tigers on Saturday and earned a win. Floyd is a guy who is way under the radar, and now people might want to start looking. If he continues to impress, he could be a nice fantasy pickup before season's end.
• Edinson Volquez (CIN) - Volquez impressed with the Reds in his first start, and he currently has a 0.87 ERA and nine strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched. With all the attention on Johnny Cueto, fantasy owners might want to look at this pitcher in the Reds' rotation.
• Kyle Lohse (STL) - Lohse logged another strong start against San Francisco on Friday, and is now 2-0 on the young year. He currently has a 1.04 ERA and 17 Ks in 17.1 innings pitched. If Lohse can keep this up, he could be a strong fantasy pickup before the end of the year.
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