Waiver Wire Work

08/29/2010 4:09 AM -  Eric Homola

Well I have drafted 2 football teams and a couple of hockey drafts are coming soon, the kids are going back to school soon.  The seasons are a changing. Even the leaves are starting to slowly change color. Here in the Northwest, it seemed like we had only 2 weeks of good weather. The playoffs are starting in some of the head to head leagues and it’s another week until rosters expand. So it’s slow week.

I am reading a book about the Braves GM John Schuerholz. One amazing little tidbit. The Braves had a signed and sealed trade, well a verbal agreement with the Pirates to trade for Barry Bonds in 1992. When the Pirates GM told then manager Jim Leyland, he went nuts and the trade was off. For 16 hours, Barry Bonds was a Brave, and he didn’t know it. The Braves had the budget to sign Bonds to a long term deal too. It just begs the question, what would have happened? Would the Braves become an uber dynasty and win even more world series trophies? Would Bonds still become the player he became in San Francisco? What would happen if the Braves didn’t resign Maddux?

Not too much action on the add / drop area. But here are a couple of movers and shakers.

Fernando Rodney  RP LAA – How the Angels got the Twins to pay the rest of Fuentes $9 million dollar contract to become a set up guy?  Fuentes becomes a set up guy, practically guaranteeing that his option won’t be picked up next year, since he needed 55 games finished to activate an option for next year. So Rodney steps into the closing role officially and raises his value, while Fuentes value dies.

Ryan Rayburn 2b DET – Got some extra playing time, and has been using it well. .311 6HR 17RBI in 25 August games.

Daniel Hudson SP ARI – I liked this kid from the MLB Network show “the club.” He was one of the last cuts to the pitching staff, out of spring training. But since he had more options left, he was sent down. A 4-2 record with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.15 Whip is not bad for the rook.

Most of the add / drop action has been on the dropped side. Other than injuries or losing of closing duties, here are a couple of players whose value has dropped, but still are salvageable.

Jeremy Hellickson SP TB – I know he was sent down, but he will be back next week, so don’t fret. He will either get some long relief or spot start here or there.

Chris Johnson 3B HOU – His big hot streak is over, but question is, can he make adjustments and stay in the bigs, or will he fall victim to the book.

Mike Stanton OF FLA – He goes on a homer tear and is the most added player for a few weeks, umm, the power hasn’t gone anywhere and will probably be made in bunches when the rosters expand and more AAA pitchers are playing.

Pedro Alverez 3B PIT – Like most Pirates, starts out hot, then cools. A hot streak is probably coming.