Dr. Stat's Waiver Prescription: Week 11

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Introduction
The Doctor is in! Here is my weekly showcase of players who are most likely available in your league and could be valuable to your team.

HITTERS

  Jorge Cantu: 1B/3B, Florida Marlins

Cantu has pillaged major league pitching as of late, hitting .312 with 9 HRs and 23 RBIs in the past month. In his last 7 games, he has 3 3-hit games and 6 home runs.

Fantasy Diagnosis: It's unlikely that his recent tear hasn't gone unnoticed in your league, but if he is still available, pick him up. He's among the hottest players in the game right now. This is the guy who hit 28 home runs and drove in 117 in 2005. He's only 25 years old, and his average has gone up and down, but he's been a great source of power numbers recently.

  Christian Guzman: SS, Washington Nationals

Who leads all shortstops in hits, with 87? It's not Ramirez, Reyes or Young. It's the Nationals Christian Guzman. He's also fifth among shortstops in runs. His numbers (.309, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 41 R, 3 SB) make him a cheap, and worthy, option after the top tier of shortstops.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He's been the most consistent hitter in the Washington lineup, with 25 multi-hit games this season. He's an excellent pickup for teams in need of help in the average and runs categories, or teams with a hole at shortstop.

  Reed Johnson: OF, Chicago Cubs

With Alfonso Soriano out six weeks with a fractured had, Johnson will bat leadoff and play left field in the potent Cubs lineup. He's batting .267, but hasn't played on a regular basis this season. I expect a steady climb in his numbers, as he's a career .280 hitter.

Fantasy Diagnosis: As long as he can get on base, he'll score a lot of runs. He's made it known that he's more comfortable hitting leadoff, instead of eighth, like he has much of the year when he plays. Thus, look for his numbers, as well as his fantasy value, to rise.

  Jack Cust: OF/DH, Oakland Athletics

He's pretty much the only power threat in the Oakland lineup, and got off to a slow start, as he was hitting .176 at the end of April. His average has climbed to .257, and he's hit 7 of his 11 season home runs and drove in 17 in the last month.

Fantasy Diagnosis: After his 26 HRs and 82 RBIs in 124 games last season, fantasy owners had high hopes when they drafted Cust in later rounds of their drafts this season. He's a free agent in the majority of leagues now. He won't hit for average, but if you need a power boost, Cust is worth a look.

  Luke Scott: OF, Baltimore Orioles


As of May 11, he had 1 HR and 10 RBIs. Since then, he's hit 9 HRs and drove in 15 while hitting .295 and scoring 19 runs. He's hitting .277 for the season, which is barely above his career average.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He's never played more than 132 games in a season, so this is the most playing time he's ever seen. His value right now is limited to deep leagues with extra OF or UTIL slots, but the last month is hard to ignore.

  Kevin Millar: 1B/DH, Baltimore Orioles

He's known for his personality more than his bat, but he's on pace for a career high in home runs. He's having his best season since 2003, when he hit 25 HRs with 96 RBIs. Granted, he doesn't get the RBI opportunities in Baltimore that he did in that Boston lineup.

Fantasy Diagnosis: His .249 average is weak, but it's the highest it's been since April 20. He won't produce huge numbers, but 25-30 HRs and 90 RBIs are a good possibility for the season.

PITCHERS

  Wandy Rodriguez: SP, Houston Astros

Last season he dominated at home and was awful on the road, with an ERA that almost doubled away from Houston. This season, he's 2-2 with a 1.99 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP.   He hasn't allowed an earned run over his last two starts, and has struck out 35 on the year while only walking 11.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He should be on your radar and is well worth owning when he starts in Houston. His worst 2 starts of the year so far were both on the road, so be cautious about starting him away from home.
  Randy Wolf: SP, San Diego Padres

His 5-4 record does not do his season justice, as he has 10 quality starts. He's allowed 2 or fewer runs in 9 of his 14 starts, including just 1 in each of his last three.  His season ERA is 3.83; and he has a K/BB ratio of 3.00.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He doesn't get much run support, but doesn't give up many runs and has struck out 5 or more batters in 9 of his starts. Beware though, May has always been his best month and his career ERA after the All-Star break is a half point higher than before.

  Kyle Lohse: SP, St. Louis Cardinals


Over the last month, Lohse is 4-0 with a 2.75 ERA. He's 7-2 with a 3.92 for the season, which is impressive for a pitcher with a 4.77 career ERA. He's allowed more than two runs in only five of his 14 starts. He's on pace for a career-high in wins for a season, and his best season ERA since 2005.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He doesn't walk or strike out many batters, so he's only really worth owning for wins. Just be prepared for a rough start every now and then.

  Armando Galarraga: SP, Detroit Tigers

On a team of big names, Gallaraga is virtually unknown around the league and in many fantasy leagues. That won't last long. At 5-2, he's the only Tigers starter with a winning record. In 9 starts and one relief appearance, he's allowed 2 or fewer runs seven times.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He won't pile up the K's (39 in 58.1 IP), but his 1.08 WHIP and consistency make him a name you should know and strongly consider adding to your fantasy team.

  Bartolo Colon: SP, Boston Red Sox

The 2005 AL Cy Young Award winner was a forgotten man in the fantasy realm after back-to-back seasons marred with injuries and disappointments. The Red Sox took a chance on him, and he's pitched beyond their expectations, as he's 4-1 with a 3.41 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 22 Ks and 7 BBs.

Fantasy Diagnosis: The Red Sox gave him a chance when they signed him to a minor league deal, and so should you. He still has big-league stuff; the question is if he can stay healthy and continue to string together solid outings.

KEEP AN EYE ON

  Chris Iannetta: C, Colorado Rockies

He's been splitting time with Yorvit Torrealba this season, but has recently been starting more. He hit .364 last week, and is hitting .288 with 6 HRs and 21 RBIs in 104 at-bats this season. He was highly regarded when he came into the league, as he can hit and has some pop.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He's never gotten more than 200 at-bats in a season, but it would be interesting to see what he could produce if he played every day. Right now, his value is limited to primarily leagues that start two catchers.

  Jamie Moyer: SP, Philadelphia Phillies

He's 45 years old. He's Randy Johnson without the nickname, the mullet and the strikeouts. Yet he's won 4 games in the last month, with a 3.94 ERA. On Thursday, he pitched 8 scoreless innings against Florida.

Fantasy Diagnosis: He hasn't lost in 6 starts, but his almost 1.50 WHIP and low strikeouts limit his value to one statistical category (wins), and that's partially due to the run support he gets. If you're desperate for wins, Moyer is worth owning, but limit your expectations.

LONG SHOT OF THE WEEK

  Russell Branyan: 3B/OF, Milwaukee Brewers


Talk about making a comeback. His numbers are almost laughable. In 14 seasons, he struck out once ever 2.47 times he stepped up to the plate. After being called up from AAA Nashville on May 24, Branyan has exploded. In 40 at-bats, he's hitting .300 with 6 home runs.

Fantasy Diagnosis: If you're desperate for power and willing to get crazy, give Branyan a chance. Outside of that, I'd wait and see what he can do over a longer period of time. At this rate, no one knows what to expect from him.
Dr. Stat is reporting from RootZoo Fantasy World, NY
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Comments
Offlinescorpions94 says .. on 14/6/08 I'll give you a root and arate of eight . Good picks. whith the way some are doing you never know though.
OfflineGR81 says .. on 14/6/08 Nice work. It's amazing how guys like Cantu and Colon pretty much disappeared for a couple years and have just been awesome lately.
Offlinehts360 says .. on 14/6/08 Good job Dr. Stat but for people who have Randy Wolf i think people should just start him at home i dont like him at all on the road
OfflineJas the Mace says .. on 14/6/08 Good breakdown!
Offlineboondog says .. on 14/6/08 good
OfflineDugoutStories says .. on 14/6/08 Nice...
Offlinebeat_this says .. on 14/6/08 Another nice article. Those players have been on my radar, and I am getting closer to picking a couple up with your analysis.
OfflineLSU Tiger Fan says .. on 18/6/08 Nice job, these are always helpful.
Offlinedonsamsonjr says .. on 18/6/08 For real, with your help my teams will be turning around in no time