EFB DRAFT RANKINGS

Wednesday May 7th, 2008

Waiver Wire Wasteland: Jack is Back

by John Thornton

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Overall Top 25 Drafts

Top 10 rankings by Scoring Category

League by League Breakdown

Jack Cust, OF, Oakland Athletics –  I'm not sure why Cust is still available in so many leagues, but he is. Big Jack doesn't get the job done in a pretty fashion by any means but he's guaranteed to have more power potential than anyone you'll find on the waiver wire all year. Cust is as streaky as they come, as evidenced by his horrific start followed by the monster week he's having right now. The home runs come in bunches for Cust and the time is now to make him your new utility man. Cust is also among the AL leaders in walks with 26 and that trend should continue all year, epecially when he's hitting as well as he is right now. Walks are hard to come by on the wire, don't miss out on the 80-100 that Cust can give you. (WW 5-8)

Aubrey Huff, 1B/3B, Baltimore Orioles – Huff faded into fantasy mediocrity as fast as anyone a few years ago. While he never really bottomed out, he did go from a top tier corner infielder to waiver-wire fodder in what seems like a matter of weeks. As seemingly mediocre as Huff has become, he’s always been (and still is) an excellent hitter. He’ll never be a fantasy stud again but he will have a vital role in a major league lineup for several more years. With that being said, Huff has been more impressive than expected so far in this young season and he’s starting to deserve some fantasy attention. Huff is currently riding a 15 game hitting streak dating back to April 17th and he’s also showing a little more pop than he has had in quite some time with 5 HR to date. Huff could prove to be a very serviceable corner infielder this year for deeper mixed leagues. (FA)

Rich Aurilia, 1B/2B/3B/SS, San Francisco Giants – Aurilia’s fall from stardom might have been even more abrupt that Huff’s. The difference is that Huff never fell nearly as far as Aurilia. He went from winning an NL Silver Slugger award in 2001 with a .324 batting average and 37 HR to hitting an embarrassing .246 with 6 HR just 2 years later. Aurilia looked decent again in 2006 when he hit .300 with 23 HR but fell back into oblivion last year. Will Aurilia make himself a fantasy option again in ’08? Probably not, but he’s certainly on fire at the moment and could help you team since he still qualifies at the shallow middle infield positions. He’s hitting .515 over the last 10 games with 3 HR and 7 RBI as he tries his best to make himself viable trade bate for the rebuilding Giants. Pick him up and ride him out as well if you need help in the infield. (FA)

Wladimir Balentien, OF, Seattle Mariners – Called up with Jeff Clement last week, Balentien has already seen quite a bit of playing time in Seattle. Typically, Balentien is without a walk in 25 at-bats so far, while striking out 8 times. On the bright side, Balentien has serious power and could add 20-25 more long balls to the two he has already given enough at-bats. However, I’m not sure the Mariners will be able to tolerate his terrible plate discipline all season. If he sticks, Wlad has .275 25/25 upside making him a viable fantasy option right away. His power speed potential warrants serious consideration. (WW 9-12)

Erik Aybar, SS, Los Angeles Angels – Speaking of guy who can’t take a walk, Aybar makes that short list for sure. He’s got just two so far in 113 at-bats, which is just ludicrous. Despite the lack of walks, Aybar has hit and run his way into a full-time spot on the Angel’s potent offense. Aybar’s batting average currently stands at .310 with 5 steals to go with it; and while his BA is likely to adjust as his fairly lucky .335 BABIP falls to the mean, he’s still capable of a .290+ average over the rest of the season. Throw in his 25+ SB speed and run-scoring potential in the stout LA lineup, and you’ve got a solid middle infield option for your fantasy team. (WW 9-12)

(Daily)- The box scores don't always tell the whole story, but you don't have to miss out on he inside scoop. Check in everyday as Tarrell Graham highlights the previous days MLB action from a fantasy perspective.

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(Wednesdays)- Walking the waiver wire isn't always graceful but it is vital to a teams success. Check in every Wednesday for Waiver Wire Wasteland with John Thornton.

(Thurdays)- Keeping an eye on the farm leagues isn't only important for Keeper and Dynasty leaguers. Grabbing those key mid-season call-ups can be the push your team over the top.