FAAB guide: Aim high to land Astros' Springer
Players of note hitting the disabled list this week included Adam Lind, Lorenzo Cain, Kole Calhoun, Joe Kelly and Brett Anderson. The predictable Jose Valverde implosion has also occurred. Whom to pick up? In honor of the Easter bunny, let's hop to it. Recommended bid values assume a $100 free agent acquisition budget (FAAB).
BEST BETS
George Springer, OF, Astros (Mixed: $35, AL: $70) – Yes, he has a high strikeout rate, and there's certainly some batting average risk here. Still, players with his combination of power and speed are hard to come by during the season, and there's no telling when Gregory Polanco or Oscar Taveras will be called up. Expect 348 AB, .276 AVG, 19 HR, 64 RBI, 26 SB and 71 R.
Mike Leake, SP, Reds (Mixed: $5, NL: N/A) – It's unusual to find an above-average starting pitcher on the waiver wire at this point in the season, but Leake certainly fits the bill. He flies under the radar because of his low strikeout rate, but in spite of that he's been a steady performer for each of the last four seasons. Expect 175 IP, 12 W, 3.70 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 114 K.
Mike Zunino, C, Mariners (Mixed: $5, AL: N/A) – After hitting for a high average in college and through the lower levels of the minors, Zunino hit a wall at Class AAA Tacoma last season. His initial taste of the big leagues didn't go well, but he's faring better in his second season, with a likely spike in power. Expect 425 AB, .242 AVG, 21 HR, 75 RBI, 2 SB and 74 R.
REPLACEMENTS
Martin Perez, SP, Rangers (Mixed: $5, AL: N/A) – He was a more-heralded prospect than Mike Leake, and like Leake, he's often overlooked due to his low whiff rate. He only has one solid MLB season under his belt, and he won't go through the whole year without giving up a home run, but he's a good potential breakout candidate. Expect 169 IP, 10 W, 3.89 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 110 K.
Edinson Volquez, SP, Pirates (Mixed: $4, AL: N/A) – It's too soon to tell if Ray Searage's latest reclamation project will become this year's Francisco Liriano. His 5.71 ERA last season was definitely the result of some bad luck, but it's still worrisome that his strikeout rate has dropped precipitously since 2012. Expect 142 IP, 8 W, 4.31 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 124 K.
Wily Peralta, SP, Brewers (Mixed: $3, NL: N/A) – On the positive side, it's encouraging that his early-season walk rate is down compared to previous seasons. However, his K rate has remained the same, and you can bet that his batting average against on balls in play won't remain at .222 for much longer. Regression awaits. Expect 126 IP, 8 W, 4.43 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 109 K.
WORTH WATCHING
Carlos Torres, RP, Mets – The Mets have named Kyle Farnsworth as their new closer but it may only be a matter of time until Torres, Gonzalez Germen or Vic Black gets a shot. The combination of Torres' high strikeout rate and other-worldly strand rate has offset a high batting average against on balls in play, but walks could still torpedo his chances. Expect 58 IP, 3 W, 8 SV, 3.72 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 55 K.
Gerardo Parra, OF, Diamondbacks – Cody Ross' return from the DL may cut into Parra's playing time somewhat, but it appears A.J. Pollock will lose more at-bats to Ross. Parra has shown more speed than power since hitting the big leagues in 2009, but with regular at-bats, double-digit homers and steals are possible. Expect 327 AB, .272 AVG, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 8 SB and 45 R.
Nick Franklin, 2B, Mariners – Like teammate Zunino, his initial stint in the big leagues last year didn't go very well. Robinson Cano's arrival and Brad Miller's play this spring sent him back to the minors, but if given the opportunity, he may stick with Seattle or establish himself as a trade candidate. Expect 166 AB, .241 AVG, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 5 SB and 24 R.
Follow Scott on Twitter@fantasy_sherpa or on Facebook, YouTube or Google+