It seems like so many sluggers and pitchers are struggling right now. It’s early, but you can find room on your bench to pick up players on hot streaks. If you can afford to drop a mediocre pitcher for a red-hot hitter then you should do it. It’s not worth it right now to watch players like Grady Sizemore and Aramis Ramirez drain your batting average and power numbers each week. Here are this week’s hot pickups.
C- Ryan Doumit (C PIT)- Doumit was in a three-week slump to start the season, but has now turned the corner and should be added immediately. The Pirates lineup is weak, but he’s batting fourth on most nights and is hitting for a solid average (.308), power (3 hrs) and RBIs (12). If you don’t have a top flight catcher or an injured Joe Mauer or Miguel Montero, make the move.
1B- Paul Konerko (1B CWS)- I mentioned Konerko last week, but he’s somehow still available in 34 percent of yahoo leagues. If he’s still available, don’t walk but run to the computer and add him immediately. His numbers are unreal: .296 12 hrs 24 RBIs.
2B- Kelly Johnson (2B AZ)- Johnson is on a mission right now to prove the Braves wrong for letting him go. His power numbers at the second-base position are awesome right now: .310 9 hrs 18 RBIs. If you don’t have a top three second-baseman right now, Johnson needs to be added right now. Not only are those numbers great, but he’s very patient and leads off for a dangerous Diamonbacks lineup (14 bbs).
3B- Ty Wigginton (1B/2B/3B BAL)- Another guy I mentioned last week, yet he is also owned in only 58 percent of leagues right now. Ty is a on a hot streak right now: .324 8 hrs 14 RBIS 13 runs. He’s going to play everyday for the O’s since Roberts might miss the first-half of the year. Grab him and ride the hot streak.
SS- Alex Gonzalez (SS TOR)- With so many shortstops struggling right now, unless you have a red-hot starter, you need to add Gonzalez for his hot streak. His early numbers are sure to fall (.276 8 hrs 21 RBIs), but he’s a must-start right now with the way he’s swinging the bat.
OF- Marlon Byrd (OF CHC)- Byrd has been on a tear all year and refuses to slow down. He’s in a great position to produce all year, since he bats fourth right now for the Cubbies. Byrd’s numbers are absurd: .354 5 hrs 19 RBIs 16 runs 2 sbs. You have to add him if he’s still available.
SP- Brandon Morrow (SP TOR)- Morrow got off to a rough start early on, but has managed to look dominant lately. He still has issues with his control (16 walks), but most of those came early on. His last outing was a glimpse of what he can do each start: 6 IP 7 hs 2 er 2 bbs 9 ks. The opportunity to buy low on him is closing. Grab him immediately if you have a spot for him.
RP- Evan Meek (RP PIT)- Meek saved the last game for the Pirates and if Octavio Dotel continues to struggle or gets traded, Meek will step right in. His numbers are filthy right now: 1-0 0.60 ERA 15 ks 4 bbs 1 save. Meek is a solid speculative add right now.
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