As snow flurries continued to cascade down in various ballparks yesterday, WaiverSharks hopes to melt it away with a couple of Fantasy baseball speed burners who can be had for fire sale prices.
These two pocket rockets came into camp as underdogs to become starters. However, both will be penciled into Opening Day line-up cards, having beat out all spring competitors, and will now try and show they have what it takes to stick with their respective MLB ball club. They’re pumped. They’re motivated – and they’re available on many waiver wires! So, if you have a need for speed, and somebody already scooped yesterday's hero, Florida Marlins Emilio Bonifacio - consider grabbing one of these guys instead!
By Scott Woodall
The Shallow
Brett Gardner – Outfield (LF/CF)
Looking for steals, or maybe simply a BJ Upton fill in? Brett Gardner may actually end up providing you more than just a worthy temp.
He’ll bat ninth to start the season, and isn’t a serious power threat - but how pumped will this kid be when he runs out to center field in New Yankee Stadium!?!
The speedy left hander will have to utilize the solid OBP he displayed in the minors, as well as his blazing wheels, to fend off Melky – but if the productive spring was a prelude of things to come – Gardner could be swiping second base, then crossing home plate ad nauseum in 2009!
The Deep
Emmanuel Burriss – (2B/SS)
I like certain players right from the get go – and Emmanuel Burriss is one such player.
Kayaks won’t be lining up in McCovey Cove when Burriss heads to the dish, but, his dual eligibility makes for a perfect back-up middle infielder.
If you’re trying to land some stolen bags, and like myself, lean towards doing so in your MI spots, rather than your OF positions - choose this lesser known Manny.
The Giants are still a very young team, but their learning curve could skyrocket in 2009 if some of the wily vets like Randy Winn, Edgar Renteria, Zito, and The Unit, help mold this new AT&T Park crew into legitimate contenders in the NL West.
