By Ryan Roach

The Shallow

Scott Baker – Starting Pitcher (SP)

Scottie “Too Hottie” Baker has been given a rough go this season. The numbers ain’t pretty, but the control and tasty potential is.

Even though he’s been tagged for 12 Home Runs in only 8 appearances, Mr. Baker has been the victim of being left on the mound an inning too long all season. His last few starts have drawn mixed results, but I see light at the end of his tunnel, and a very nice June should be in store for Mr. Baker and the Twins.

Lookout AL Central, cause here comes the mystifying Twins…How do they do it year in and year out?

The Deep

Anthony Swarzak – Starting Pitcher (SP)

Swarzak’s major league debut couldn’t have gone any better. He threw 7 shutout innings against a strong Brewer lineup, only conceding 5 hits, while striking out 3.

His Triple AAA numbers between this season and last have been outstanding (8-4 with a 2.02 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, along with 58 K’s in 89 innings).

The combination of the Twins ability to always pump out good young hurlers, his minor league success and his victorious debut are reasons to believe that Swarzak is worth grabbing in deep or keeper leagues if available.

FANTALYTICS – VOLUME 8

by Adam Forsyth

Phil Hughes vs. Jordan Zimmermann

In this edition of FANTALYTICS we have a pair of arms that the future appears to be nothing but bright. This is a tale of two 23-year olds that have taken totally different paths to get where they are right now. It is a tale of the biggest of big markets, versus the smallest of small markets. A story of a major league dynasty against a…well, I suppose you can just remove the “dy” and consider this a nasty organization that is struggling to find the right mix. Ah yes folks, we’re talking Phil Hughes of the mighty, free-spending New York Yankees, against the zip filled arm of Washington Nationals Jordan Zimmermann.

Read the case for each player on Fantalytics....

By Ryan Roach

As WaiverSharks Daily Fantasy Baseball Pickups blog - The Shallow & The Deep - gets just about ready to head into it’s third month, we thought we’d offer twice the suggestions, for today.

The Shallow

Casey Blake – First Base/Third Base (1B/3B)

After a so-so second half for the Dodgers last year, Blake seems to be warming up in his first line of duty with an NL squad. He even was recently given his own Casey Blake Bobblehead Night!

With multi-hit games in 8 of his last 12, Blake has temporarily convinced Joe Torre to insert him into the cleanup role in a potent Manny-less Dodger offense. Blake is a hot stick and should provide some nice pop at the corner’s of your infield for the time being.

If he’s available, jump on the train and ride the hot streak until it fizzles.

The Shallow

Paul Konerko - First Base (1B)

Typically known for his slow starts and subpar batting averages, good ole Pauly Konerko is currently hitting over .300. Even with a White Sox lineup currently hitting .251 overall, which is 24th in the majors, Konerko brings his bats to play every day. With hit’s in all but 7 games this May, Konerko is seeing the ball well and driving it with force.

It wasn’t that long ago Konerko was seen as a top first baseman in fantasy, so don’t sleep on the last few years of normality, or you’ll get Delgadoed.

The Deep

Mike Pelfrey - Starting Pitcher (SP)

After a slow start to the season, Mike Pelfrey has put the arm troubles aside and started to pitch with some consistency. Allowing 3 runs or less in his last 6 starts, Pelfrey gives the Mets a chance to win in each of his starts.

With an offense like the New York Mets, he should have no problem passing his career high total in wins (13) this season. Even though the WHIP and K’s are low, the wins and ERA should balance out the stats if that’s something your staff is missing.

The Deep

Sean West – Starting Pitcher (SP)

West has been seen with some control issues throughout his brief professional career, but that’s something the big 6’ 8” hurler has attempted to cut down in 2009.

The Florida Marlins first round draft choice in 2005 is a big lefty that possesses some valuable tools, while on the mound. His stay in unknown at this point, but his first start was encouraging, which is why this kid is worth watching in deep or keeper leagues.

If slick Ricky Nolasco can figure things out at Triple AAA New Orleans, don’t be surprised if the kid gets sent down for some more polishing, but remember his name because he has a bright future.

By Adam Forsyth

The Shallow

Scott Hairston – Outfield (CF/LF)

Why is it so hard for this San Diego outfielder to get some respect? With Chase Headley and Brian Giles struggling mightily at the dish, Hairston is the only dependable bat in the vast greens of PETCO Park .

A career .252 hitter prior to 2009, Hairston is clubbing away with success, and fantasy owners should pay attention. Although the OF position has lots of options, not many are options that bat in the top third of a line-up. The product of Central Arizona (JC) has been steady and solid all season long.

He can hit for power, as his 17 HR’s last season display, but with only five thus far, hopes would be that he can bump those numbers up. Since extra base hits in PETCO are a possibility to a right handed bat, the addition of the Texas native will only add to the benefits.

Hairston appears to be more patient at the plate this year and while it hasn’t turned into a huge increase in walks, it is limiting his strike-out rate (career rate of 4.04AB/K to this years’ 4.92AB/K rate) and allowing his new-found patience to turn into base hits.

The Deep

Adam Kennedy – (2B/RF)

Fantasy owners can no longer ignore the clip that Kennedy is currently hitting at right now. While slicing away at a plus .400 rate isn’t going to continue for the Oakland A’s middle infielder, he continues to be clutch while fighting his way to contribute on a team that is in definite need of a spark plug.

Expect Kennedy to be rewarded by more appealing line-up positions - that should help him continue to punch and slap hits where they can’t be defended. Kennedy has deceptive speed which some thought would allow him to put on display on a team that has to play baseball the old way by scoring runs using sacrifice, running the bases and putting the ball in play.

Should Kennedy continue to hit at, or near the top of the A’s line-up, his run total should increase; however, expect the jolt to be a temporary fill-in for a boost in BA/OBP and enjoy the ride while it lasts. Although we don’t see the sizzling bat of “A-ken” lasting more than 15 minutes, fantasy baseball winners have a knack for adding and subtracting at the right time.

The Shallow

Nick Johnson – First Base

Yes, Nick Johnson is still currently a member of the Washington Nationals, although rumors continue to swirl about him becoming a member of the Boston Red Sox, or New York Mets. The Red Sox deal, which reportedly would have sent the Nats reliever Manny Delcarmen appears to be dead. And although Mets rumors continue, they seem to be now involving Jorge Cantu of the Florida Marlins just as much. With neither of these deals happening yet, Johnson maintains at least a second look by pro-active fantasy baseball managers.

As it stands, the lovable, chubby first bagger is rolling along hitting mostly second in a decent Nationals line-up that provides Johnson with the plate protection to continue his torrid pace. Many are waiting for a decline to take place; but, with health not being an issue, the 30-year old has remained extremely consistent all season.

While not known as a power hitter, he does have some pop. Should he be able to increase his extra base totals which are sitting a little low right now, his value only continues to increase. Regardless, he is getting on base at an incredible pace (.445 OBP) which helps absorb the blow of his light power numbers.

Take a chance, his consistency may be the right fix in dealing with a mini-slump, or allow you the opportunity to use match-ups with more confidence.

The Deep

Josh Outman – Starting Pitcher

After a slow start to the season, the former Philadelphia Phillies prospect has been impressive in the month of May using his five starts to lower his ERA to a very respectable 2.90. Not bad for a kid who wasn’t expected to earn a rotation spot on an Oakland Athletics team stock-piled with young pitching talent.

The lefty has taken everything in stride working on his control (let’s forget about the May 24th 5/BB start against the D’Backs) to become a more complete pitcher. Working on his mechanics as the tools provided over the years from his father Fritz (check out this crazy wind-up style); who penned a book on pitching mechanics.

This different style forced Outman to change everything he had done to that point of his career prior to being drafted and it appears that he has worked on it and is finally comfortable. This comfort has increased his deception, and has brought out the full capabilities of his nasty slider.

We may be inclined to sit Josh Outman this week in Arlington, but the Oakland A’s are in good hands with young developing arms like Brett Anderson, Dallas Braden, Trevor Cahill as well as Outman, all of whom are gaining the important experience now to build a career on.

Some bumps, bruises and growing pains will surely be felt; however, don’t be afraid to take a chance on youthful talent such as Outman in Deeper Mixed and AL Only leagues.

By Scott Woodall

The Shallow

Gary Sheffield - Outfield (LF/RF)

Gary Sheffield may not sport a “Rico” Tubbs soul glow anymore, but when “Sheff” is kickin’ it old school, and waving his motivated bat with a little extra tomahawking verve, as he has the past couple weeks - he can produce with the best of them.

Despite being lordy lordy look who’s forty, Gary Sheffield should net plenty of playing time for the New York Mets now that Carlos Delgado chose to go under the knife to repair his A-rod like hip.

Gary won’t be jacking the ball out of Citi Field’s pitcher friendly confines at any record breaking pace in 2009 (What’s the asterisk next to the 500 daddy?) However, batting clean up regularly in such close proximity to superstars like David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Jose Reyes (Although a DL stint is looking like a possibility for Reyes) should provide the always out spoken, and often controversial Mr. Sheffield plenty of run scoring and ribby chances for his New - New York team.

The Deep

Ryan Madson Relief Pitcher (RP)

“Bad” Brad Lidge is still insistent that his knee is fine, his arm is fine, he’s in tip-top physical shape, and hasn’t felt better…So what the heck’s the problem Brad? Is he having Nam-like flashbacks of Prince Albert again?

Either way, Philadelphia Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel continues to give Lidge the ball in the 9th, and a vote of confidence was also given - always a sign your closer is in trouble. If Lidge blows a couple more heart breakers this year, I think we’ll see him land on the DL with an imaginary enigmatic injury.

This would open the doors, at least temporarily for Ryan Madson and his wicked changeup to close out some games in the possible not too distant future. Brad Lidge owners, and deep league save mongers need to get Ryan Madson, and/or possibly even JJ Putz on your rosters NOW!

By Scott Woodall

The Shallow

Ben Zobrist SS/LF/RF – & almost 2B

With Akinori Iwamura being bull-dozed on a play late in yesterday’s game by the Florida Marlins Chris Coghlan, it appears the fantasy baseball communities wishes for Ben Zobrist regular duty, should be on it’s way…we think…

MOO HAA HAA HAA!

Unless Joe Maddon is the Devil in Buddy Holly specs, he’ll be employing the rising pinch-hitting stud as the Rays every day second baseman beginning this week. We thought the regular duty would have began when Pat “The Bat” Burrell hit the DL over a week ago, but Maddon foiled us with his affections for the "Two Gabes" – Gross and Kapler.

Zobrist only needs one more 2B start to gain second base eligibility, and a couple more botched line-up cards with Longoria, and he’ll add 3B to his growing arsenal of positions. DeRosa like multi-eligibility won’t mean squat if he doesn’t produce, but he’s been fantastic early on, and should provide enough speed and plenty of pop to be a welcome addition to those who are particularly starved on middle infielder spots!

Note: If Rays coach Joe Maddon continues to hornswoggle Ben Zobrist out of regular duty even after the latest Iwamura injury (appears to be quite serious), it may be time Ben soothes the Joe Maddon fantasy wreaker demon with the some Christian Rock ditties Ben’s cutie wife Julianna Zobrist has been known to croon!

The Deep

Andy LaRoche – Third Base (3B)

Hey remember me? Brotherly love didn’t get off to a rousing start in the city of Pittsburgh , as the younger LaRoche stumbled out of the gate to begin 2009. But the prized former LA Dodgers prospect seems to be finally showing us a taste of the masher he was throughout his minor league career.

LaRoche has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games he’s appeared in, raising his average .44 points in the last ten days. The strong right handed hitter still has only connected on two jacks this season, but the much more aggressive approach at the plate has garnered him some great results so far this month. Third Base is not exactly a bountiful position this year – so keep a close eye on honest Andy – he may be finally starting to live up to some of his hype!

By Ryan Roach

The Shallow

 Max Scherzer - Starting Pitcher (SP/RP)

“Mad” Max Scherzer finally picked up his first major league win last week, in what took a lengthy 23 appearances (14 starts). Not only has Scherzer been a yo-yo this season, but so has his team.

Scherzer has unbelievable potential, and a rocket of an arm, but pre-season injury woes shattered what might have been a mighty start in 2009. After settling in and getting his pitch count up, Scherzer has shown signs of brilliance at times.

If an impatient owner has foolishly cut ties, make sure you don’t sleep on Scherzy. You can never go wrong grabbing a guy with two different colored eyes, can you?

The Deep

Colby Rasmus – Outfield (CF/RF)

“The Ras” has had a slow, but steady ride this season. Consistently hitting around the .250 mark, Rasmus has been a slow riser. Thought to be the everyday Center Fielder in Busch Stadium before the 2008 season began, La Russa sent the boy down for another year of conditioning in the minors. However, after setting the minor league world on fire in 07, Rasmus turned the trick of disappointing the entire fantasy world, with a sub-par season to say the least.

In 09, Rasmus was given a spot on the team, but it hasn’t come without competition. A crowded outfield in St. Louis has lead to mixed playing time, but a couple of injuries have occurred recently, giving Colby a shot every day.

His numbers don’t jump off the page at you, but I see some bright spots (2 HR’s in his last 4 games, hits in 6 of his last 8 games, along with 7 RBIs in his last 7 games) in what could be a rather warm summer for the kid from Georgia.

Don’t be a hammerhead! Subscribe to our RSS Feeds!

WaiverSharks RSS Subcriber totals have been steadily climbing! Yaaaay!

To our current subscribers – THANK-YOU for adding us! We hope you continue to enjoy WaiverSharks exclusive content for years to come!

With our 2009 Daily Fantasy Baseball Pick-ups in full force, there has never been a better time to add our main WaiverSharks RSS FEED to pick-up the advantages of WaiverSharks.com.

We want to remind you that there are several different BLOGS on WaiverSharks.com! If you have only subscribed to the WaiverSharks homepage feed, you may be missing out on some valuable information! For an at-a-glance view of other WaiverSharks Blogs, and the other RSS Feeds that are available, go to our Blogs Page, or simply click this navigation button (in the upper right corner) when reading your favorite WaiverSharks blog, to subscribe to the RSS Feed for THAT blog (you will also see a preview of the feed to make sure it's what you're looking for).

Offering you feeds for each WaiverSharks blog. we're giving you the opportunity to customize the content you receive!

What else is available via RSS?

In addition to our Main Page, where THE SHALLOW & THE DEEP features Daily pick-ups, Adam Forsyth’s FANTALYTICS is a NEW for 2009 Blog here at WaiverSharks.com.

Fantalytics focuses on the tough decisions you need to make. We draw comparisons of two similarly ranked fantasy baseball players, break down some stats, and ultimately come to a conclusion who we feel is the better bet.

Our Bobblehead Daze blog articles continue to expand each week (including a Bobblehead SGA Schedule).

Unfamiliar with how RSS Feeds work, here’s a video: RSS Feeds in Plain English

We hope you enjoy using WaiverSharks as part of your 2009 Fantasy Baseball tools. Just remember, Fantasy Baseball is a marathon. It’s a LONG LONG season. We are here to help!

Drop us a question, or comment on any of our articles, or via our Contact Page or Twitter.

We would love to hear from you!

By Ryan Roach

The Shallow

Manny Parra - Starting Pitcher (SP)

After starting the season with 3 rocky starts, Manny Parra has tightened up and thrown 5 straight quality starts. With a boat load of success in the minors, Parra is an intriguing candidate to anchor the back end of a quality starting staff.

Possessed with an arsenal of pitches, Parra can have hitter’s minds wandering when he’s on. If he over thinks things on the mound, he’s in trouble, so getting ahead of hitters early and being accurate is the key to his success.

The only knock I have on him is his ability to consistently give out free passes. Parra average’s 3.25 walks a game, which has a tremendous affect on a pitcher’s WHIP. However, if you can stomach the walks, in return for some K’s and wins, than this Parra is your guy.

Look at grabbing the Milwaukee Brewers Manny Parra if some owners in your league feel he still belongs on the waiver; because simply put, he does not.

The Deep

Gerardo Parra – Outfield (CF/LF soon?)

Another Parra that is garnering some attention on the waiver wire is Gerardo Parra. Parra has never hit above Double AA, until his recent call up, but with a number of D-Back outfielders slumping or hurting, Parra has been given the opportunity to earn some playing time.

Though he won’t hit for much power, Parra is a career .300 hitter in the minors. Along with the AVG, Parra has great speed, and should produce numbers very similar to that of the Giants Fred Lewis.

With things falling apart fast in the desert, it looks like Parra may be given a longer leash, since the thoughts of post season are drifting further away with each loss.