Fantasy Baseball 2014: Top Waiver Wire Pick Ups And Rankings

As fantasy owners have seen before, veterans and rookies have come out of the gate blazing only to cool off before the end of May.

The trick is obviously to "buy low and sell high," and right now many players are on hot streaks that owners should use to their benefits. The more consistent stars could then be relied upon throughout the rest of the season.

Here are several waiver wire pick ups to consider this week, with many available in every league format.

Infielders

Dee Gordon, SS, L.A. Dodgers

Gordon hit just the third home run of his five-year career, and his early burst is a solid sign for Dodgers and fantasy owners. He’s still available in about 30 percent of leagues, and should be picked up due to his excellent hitting (.394 avg., 13 hits, 5 RBIs) and his four stolen bases.

Yangervis Solarte, SS/3B, N.Y Yankees

The Venezuelan has filled in more than amicably while Kelly Johnson covers first base with Mark Teixeira out, hitting .429 with six doubles for seven RBIs and four runs scored. It's Solarte’s first year in the league so maybe it could be classified as beginner's luck. However, with Teixeira being so injury prone, Solarte might be good long-term insurance.

Casey McGehee, 1B, Miami Marlins

Now with his fourth team in three years, McGehee has looked like the player he was when he entered the league in 2009 with Milwaukee. His slugging percentage (.500) and OPS (.895) will drop, but he’s worth a risk this early in the season.

Outfielders

Alfonso Soriano, OF, NY Yankees

After going hitless in his first four games, the former slugger has hit cleanly in four straight with four runs scored and two doubles. Soriano only has one home run thus far, but this is the same player that’s knocked 20-plus home runs in 13 of his 16 seasons. Soriano is still available in about 20 percent of leagues.

Jason Kubel, LF, Minnesota Twins

Now in his second stint with Minnesota, Kubel has lead the Twins' No. 5 offense in batting average (.462) and OPS (1.212), but is it a flash in the pan after an awful 2013 or a sign of more consistent play? For now, Kubel’s worth a pick up for a boost across every offensive category for most owners.

Michael Morse, RF/1B, San Francisco Giants

Owners would like to believe Morse’s hot start to the season will play out like his career-best 2011 with Washington, when he posted 31 home runs with 95 RBIs and a .303 average. It could turn out that way with Morse hitting behind the heart of the Giants lineup in Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey, and Hunter Pence. Pick him up as soon as possible, as he’s still available in many leagues.

Pitchers

Garrett Richards, SP, L.A. Angels

Very few teams are struggling like the Angels, but Richards has been one of the few bright spots with a 0.75 ERA, 13 Ks and two wins. Opponents are hitting .100 against him, and this could be the year he puts everything together.

Jason Hammel, SP, Chicago Cubs

In his first year in Chicago, Hammel’s fanned 11 batters and allowed only five hits for a 2.63 ERA in 13 2/3 innings for two wins so far. He’s also posting a 0.51 WHIP, and at this stage, Hammel’s a great third starter in any league format.

Jesse Chavez, SP/RP, Oakland A’s

He’s moved back into the starting rotation, and while he doesn’t have a win in two starts yet this season Chavez has a 1.38 ERA with 13 Ks and only two walks. Next week, he’ll face the struggling rival Angels.