With the 2008 fantasy season dwindling away, WaiverSharks.com continues to look to some up-and-comers you should make yourself aware of.

Brett Anderson – Oakland Athletics

Acquired in the Danny Haran deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Brett Anderson is still a ways from making any serious fantasy baseball impact – but the left hander, along with fellow Olympian and teammate, Trevor Cahill, could gobble up a major portion of the A’s innings in coming years.

Now the cat we’re trying to contain ourselves about – but having a bit of a hard time…

The Texas Rangers main return volley when they traded Mark Teixeira a year ago was catcher Jarrod Saltalamachia who may find himself in a Red Sox uni before next season even begins due to their plethora of talented back stops.

Another player included in that trade was a 100mph throwing starter by the name of…

Neftali Feliz – Texas Rangers

Neftali Feliz still can’t even get served an ice cold Budweiser after a big win. (He turns 21 years old in May of 2009.)

But his talent is blatantly obvious – judging by his phenomenal statistics.

He struck out 153 batters while splitting time in AA and A ball – and amazingly, only yielded 3 long balls while walking 51 batters.

Keep in mind – While WaiverSharks editor Scott Woodall was “cutting the rug” at his high school dance to this #1 Terrence Trent D’arby single – Neftali was just being born! (May 2, 1988)

As mentioned - the athletic righty’s fastball occasionally hits 100mph – but usually hovers more in the middle nineties. His curve, and his changeup are said to be improving and further developing – as is his overall command.

It remains to be seen if he will one day make the impact that former Texas Ranger Edinson Volquez has had this year for the Cincinnati Reds – but his stock is most definitely on the rise!

Pointing out the obvious:

Rangers fans can’t lament the loss of Volquez too much – Afterall – that Josh Hamilton guy they got in return for him has had a pretty decent start to his career in Arlington – wouldn’t you say?

Don’t get caught daydreaming WaiverSharks!

With fantasy football in full swing – and perhaps a kibosh to your playoff hopes thanks to Hurricane Ike’s decimation of (among other things) the Major League Baseball schedule you may be losing focus on some baseball developments that are worth making at least a mental note about.

One welcome addition was ‘the king of late season waiver priority adds’ David Price. The 6’ 6” south paw was finally called up by the Tampa Bay Rays on the weekend – and pitched well against the New York Yankees in his major league debut – going 5.2 innings allowing two runs and three hits while fanning four without issuing a walk.

Next season Price will presumably be at the top of many fantasy baseball wish lists when it comes time to draft a rookie arm – due to his undeniable potential.

But here are a few more pitchers who should come much cheaper then Mr. Price – while still having some good fantasy upside.

Trevor Cahill – Oakland A’s

Hard throwing righty, Trevor Cahill could factor into the Oakland Athletics rotation very soon – after all General Manager Billy Beane has traded away every starter the A’s rostered a year ago!

Plus - Gio Gonzales’ call up has garnered mixed results – so opportunity may come knocking on Cahill’s door if he can provide a strong showing next spring.

Jon Niese – New York Mets

Jon Niese possesses a lethal curve ball and although he’ll likely spend a portion of the 2009 season in the minors he may have a chance at cracking the Mets rotation if they run into some injury woes.

James Parr – Atlanta Braves

James Parr has pitched well for the Atlanta Braves since being called up to replace Charlie Morton – but many fantasy enthusiasts have long since forgot the Braves exist ever since they traded Mark Teixeira and appear content to just let the clock run out on the 2008 season.

Madison Bumgarner – San Francisco Giants

Finally, we may be getting a bit ahead of ourselves as Madison Bumgarner projects to join the San Francisco Giants more likely closer to the 2010 season.

However, the Giants are going to be looking to add another young gun to the duo of Cain and Lincecum in the not too distant future – and we think Bumgarner could be their answer!

Coming up later this week – We think we’ve discovered the Texas Rangers' answer to their loss of Edinson Volquez

David Price has still not pitched in 2008 – so much for holding onto that waiver priority eh?

But all is not lost folks – after all – one man doth not make up a fantasy TEAM!

So, let’s take a quick glance at a few arms that have been called up recently for a September cup of coffee – and who could provide some fantasy relevance as early as 2009.

Indeed -while many managers in the fantasy baseball world are still grasping tightly to a dying hope to catch a glimpse of the Tampa Bay Rays future star these other pitchers have already been called to the show.

ALL could be had for a deep sleeper discount come draft day – and will ALL come at a much smaller price than David Price.

Wade Leblanc – San Diego Padres

A crowd favorite while pitching this year for the Portland Beavers, Leblanc had an auspicious debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers – but than proved he may be a fast learner by turning in a quality start against the “men in blue” in his follow up start.

It’s impossible to predict what Leblanc will do the rest of the way in 2008 – but he’ll bring his nasty change up and a little experience to spring training next year – and should have a leg up on many young Padres guns for a spot in San Diego’s rotation.

Michael Bowden – Boston Red Sox

Photo courtesy of: sittingstill.net Are you a Red Sox fan? Then check out sittingstill.net – lots of great rare pics of Sox rooks!)

Bowden is still a bit of a long shot to crack the Red Sox coveted fearless five going into 2009 – but he didn’t hurt his case with his Major League debut – and if he continues to show, as Terry Francona put it – “poise on the mound” – he could have a very bright future ahead of him.

James McDonald – Los Angeles Dodgers

If the Red Sox Michael Bowden is considered a deep sleeper, than James McDonald might be thought of as our “Bottom of the Sea Sleeper” – yep, that’s pretty deep!

At 6’5’ he carries the tools to become an imposing right hander - capable of hitting the mid-nineties with his fastball.

James put together an impressive year in the minors this year going 7-4 with an era of 3.26 – but will most likely just see some mop up duty as a long reliever in 2008.

The Dodgers will certainly take a good look at him next spring – but Clayton Kershaw and Co. may beat him to the bigs – meaning that a portion of 2009 could be spent in Las Vegas next year. But, keeper leaguers take note, this guy has some real upside!

Coming Soon…

More deep sleeper pitchers and -

Our prediction who could be

the next Edinson Volquez!

The last few days WaiverSharks.com has been discussing some players who could have some serious fantasy relevance next season. We mentioned the Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Mat Gamel on Monday, and introduced you to left handed power hitter Travis Snider of the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Today we turn to a fantasy baseball position that was once considered thinner than a papercut – catcher.

Speaking of Papercuts – if you’re planning one final baseball road trip before the 2008 season closes – get a hold of a copy of this San Francisco bands 2007 release for your journey. It has a perfect hazy lazy sound for when your headlights pierce the night air and the open road brings you safely back to your humble abode.

(Sorry, we didn’t mean to go all Pitchfork/Metacritic on ya!)

Actually – the breakout season of Geovany Soto as well as a recent hitting clinic being displayed by the San Francisco Giants Pablo Sandoval – leads us to think things are beginning to look up in the fantasy back stop department.

When asked who could be the next Brian McCann coming up the ranks many may be quick to suggest the Baltimore Orioles Matt Wieters is the minor leagues best bet – however we feel the Texas Rangers Taylor Teagarden shouldn’t be overlooked either.

Since we are trying to keep our focus on players who have been added to ALL leagues and formats Taylor Teagarden - who was recently called up after his recent Beijing Olympic stint is our deep sleeper catcher to consider for a possible breakout season in 2009.

If he’s going to make any impression at all – the Rangers first will need to part company with one of their other catcher candidates that includes: Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Max Ramirez.

If afforded regular duty, the skys the limit for Teagarden – who, if inserted into that heavy hitting Power Rangers line-up could provide some real fantasy fireworks!

A long time ago

in a galaxy not so far away…WaiverSharks.com

was created to assist you in discovering Deeper Sleepers and Better Keepers

for your quest to reign king for the upcoming 2009 season and beyond…

You have stumbled across a great subordinate site to the big dogs such as

 ESPN.COM – Aimed at monitoring Major League Baseballs best up and

 comers. Perhaps you missed your league’s playoffs yet again?

 Well, take heed – WaiverSharks.com will not be resting this offseason as we tune our Fantasy Radar – or “Fadar”…Today we are locked onto the bright future of Toronto Blue Jays power hitter…

Travis Snider

How’s that for an intro Travis? Really, if a giant Darth Vader hot air balloon doesn’t grab ones attention whatever will? But we really like this guy’s potential – and want to make sure you know about him. And, since he plays for the Jays way up in the Great White North – there’s a good chance you don’t – YET!

Oh don’t get us wrong – he’s still a very raw talent – but his power could prove to be a real fantasy asset in years to come.

Snider is listed at 6’ feet tall and 230lbs – and supposedly he can launch baseballs  with the best of them – some measuring over 500 feet!

The bad – his strikeouts remain still way too high. Cut down on that high percentage strike out ratio and we could have ourselves a real Fantasy stud on our hands. His fielding still needs work – but keep in mind he’s still only 20 years old.

The Blue Jays should give the big lefty plenty of looks down the stretch and he will undoubtedly compete for an outfielder’s job next spring.

Not playing with a major market club has kept the lid on this kid. But less fanfare can work to your advantage here!

Come draft day next year, if you’re an educated fantasy manager you’ll be aware of some of your leagues best kept secrets.

In a line-up that consists of some emerging talent (Adam Lind and Alex Rios) mixed in with some wily veterans (Vernon Wells, Scott Rolen, Lyle Overbay) the young Snider could prove to be a sneaky source of power stats in the not too distant future – and therefore worthy of a deep sleeper in mixed league drafts come next spring.

Over the next week WaiverSharks.com will feature short articles about some up and coming Fantasy players who could have some serious impact in the 2009 season due to their tremendous potential.

Some will definitely garner a pick up within keeper leagues – while others should at least be on your “Fadar”

FADAR: (Pronounced - Fay-dar)

1) An exclusive WaiverSharks.com term that means “Fantasy Radar”.

2) A player that has unlimited upside - and therefore should be monitored for the sole purpose of kicking ones opposition in the arse in the not too distant future.

3) A watch list of young aspiring fantasy players who - although currently still honing their skills - perhaps in the minor league system and/or are blocked positionally – could one day merit serious fantasy relevance.

Mat Gamel

Mat Gamel reminds us of a young, slightly smaller built Josh Hamilton.

Similar to the development of his future teammate Ryan Braun - Mat Gamel’s defense is the only thing left to fine tune in the minor league system.

His hitting is already there.

Mat would add another left handed power bat to the Milwaukee Brewers arsenal besides Prince Fielder – something they certainly must covet, so he should arrive with a full time gig sometime in the 2009 season.

Gamel also possesses lightening quick bat speed and therefore should hit for a high average once he becomes accustomed to major league pitchers.

Keeper leaguers shouldn’t hesitate on taking a flier on him – as his bat has been described by some scouts as a “Lethal Weapon”!

Tiiiiiii-ayaaaaaaaa-ime…

Time is on (their) side.

Yes it is!

For some the 2008 Fantasy baseball season may already be over.

In order to cope some folks have switched gears to Fantasy Football’s week-end opener while others may simply be content to angrily blame the 2008 busts they entrusted.

“Thanks for coming out Nick Swisher!” “Way to beef up Jeff Francouer!”

Or our personal favorite – because we predicted it - “Damn you Eric Byrnes!”

“Swish” has endured a rough first season with the Chicago White Sox. Maybe he concentrated too much on his facial hair?

Rather than straining your vocal chords with futile attempts of primal scream therapy - may we suggest another option – after all – your fantasy team can’t hear you…

Instead of impersonating Scott Baker’s neck during a hard thrown heater you need to relax, take a deep breath (Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh) – and turn your focus to scouting what may lie ahead for next year.

In fact - you should perhaps hum the lyrics to the Rolling Stones classic “Time Is On My Side” while reading this entry – after all, just like in real sports – there’s always next year.

Recently some September call ups have made their way onto respective big league rosters. They may not all hold a ton of value for this season – but rest assured – they are definitely worthy of your fantasy attention.

If you want a better shot at taking your leagues 2009 Fantasy title – you’ll consider this September to be an “Early Bird round”

Let’s go around the diamond - rather than forecasting the value of Mr. David Price – who appears to have been crowned the Tampa Bay Rays future ace – prior to warming up for his first major league pitch.

We’ll examine some potential 2009 arms to have on your radars at a later date.

Instead – over the next week or so we’ll discuss several players who have ALREADY been added to EVEN the infamously late for dinner Yahoo Fantasy leagues – beginning tomorrow with a fella you should have already heard a little bit about…

Mat Gamel actually spells his name with only one “T” in his first name.

And no – we don’t think it’s so you don’t confuse him with “Matt LaPorta”

Truth be told Mat Gamel could spell his name Matt Gamel or throw a Q in there for all we care – it don’t matter – he can flat out rake.

Afterall - in 2008 it took many – due to Yahoo’s oversight - until mid-season to figure out that “Edinson” Volquez was not “ Edison ” Volquez. But that didn’t appear to inhibit his fantasy value this season at all - did it!?