With the regular season two weeks away we thought we’d give a quick preview of our daily pick-up column: The Shallow & The Deep.
As mentioned before, it will roll out quite similar to how Adam Forsyth’s MLB team sleepers have been going for the past several weeks. But, each day we will feature a couple of HOT waiver wire pick-ups.
They may be starting pitchers, relievers, or hitters, and may be from any one of the thirty MLB teams. We are not biased towards any one franchise. We’ll show the Pirates and Royals as much waiver attention as the Yankees and Red Sox.
The Shallow
Jason Motte – Relief Pitcher
This Motte comes in Extra Spicy! With Chris Perez now shelved for several days, with what is being referred to as an impingement related to tendinitis – Jason Motte looks to be honing in on the Cardinals closer job – at least to start the season.
It’s not only by default that Jason Motte is now the leading closer candidate in St. Louis, as he has looked sharp this spring with a fireball that has repeatedly touched the high nineties. But, before getting too carried away thinking this is the Cardinals answer to Brad Lidge, keep in mind; Motte only launched his cannon in twelve previous Major League Baseball games in 2008, and reports tell us his slider still needs work.
But, if you’re trying to muster up saves, and the Michigan native is still on your wire – better grab him fast, as it appears Motte’s heat could be thrown into the fire of the Cards closing duties.
The Deep
Jordan Schafer – Outfield (CF/RF)
Another position battle that may not be decided until the final days of camp! Left handed hitting Jordan Schafer has had a very productive spring which has included 16 hits in the twelve spring games he’s played – to go along with five stolen bases.
The talented prospect has only managed 3 walks, compared to 12 strike outs, and Josh Anderson and Gregor Blanco are still very much in the mix to start for the Braves in centerfield. But neither of these combatants possesses the high upside of Schafer – keep a close watch to how this one pans out – if the starting victor ends up Schafer he could prove to be a valuable OF in deeper leagues.
