It’s trade week in baseball which means by Thursday all of us will have plenty of new waiver wire targets to look at. With every trade comes an opportunity for a young player to step into a featured role. Today, the only person getting a trade bump is Jose Cisnero, the new default closer for the Astros—but there are plenty of other pickups in this week’s waiver wire rundown.
Jarred Cosart (9%): I had my doubts about Cosart’s control when he was called up but he has proven that he can get around baserunners time and again, owning a 0.86 ERA through 21 IP despite walking 11 batters. He hasn’t allowed more than one earned run in any of his first three starts and should see more strikeouts as the season moves along – he put up a 9.0 K/9 in the minors this season.
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Randall Delgado (5%): Deglado might be the most under-owned guy in the league, owning a 3-3 record with a 2.85 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 38 K/10 BB. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his eight starts this season and hasn’t allowed a single run in his last two starts.
Jose Cisnero (3%): With Jose Veras shipped off to Detroit, Cisnero is the likely new closer for the Astros. The 24-year-old isn’t particularly impressive, owning a solid 3.48 ERA but a rough 1.48 WHIP and 4.1 BB/9. Worse, he has an 11.12 ERA over his last seven appearances. Still, saves are saves and despite Houston’s lack of wins, Veras managed to get 19 saves so Cisnero (and later, whoever replaces him after he inevitably falters) has value.
Nick Franklin (41%): Don’t look now but Nick Franklin is turning into an elite infielder in Seattle. The 22-year-old, MLB.com’s 47th top prospect, currently owns a .277/.340/.492 line with 10 HR, 32 RBI, 21 R, 12 2B, and 5 SB in just 52 games. Actually, Franklin didn’t produce much in his first month so eight homers, 28 RBI, and 15 R have actually come in his last 31 games. He’s been especially hot lately, putting up four homers and 12 RBI over his last eight games.
Nate Schierholtz (23%): Schierholtz has had a breakout season, putting up a .278/.339/.530 line with 14 HR, 43 RBI, 40 R, 23 2B, and five stolen bases. Most of his production has come in spurts and he’s off on another spurt right now, putting up thee home runs, eight RBI, four runs, and four doubles over his last 21 at-bats. He’s very likely to get traded by Wednesday and a move to a lineup better than the Cubs could be a big help for the 29-year-old.
Carlos Quentin (34%): Quentin is quietly producing for the Padres once again, putting up a .277/.365/.496 line with 13 HR, 45 RBI, 42 R, and 21 2B in 81 games. He’s gotten it going in July, putting up a .301/.358/.562 line with four homers, 20 RBI, 12 R, and seven doubles in his last 19 games.
Brandon Beachy (45%): Beachy is set to make his 2013 debut on Monday against the Rockies and is a must-own in all leagues. Last season, Beachy put up a 2.00 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 68 K over 81 IP. The previous year, Beachy’s rookie campaign, the 26-year-old went 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 169 K over 141 IP.
Felix Doubront (29%): Over his last 13 starts, Doubront is 4-3 with a 2.71 ERA, .217 BAA, and 68 K over 79.2 IP. Over his last seven starts, Doubront is 3-1 with a 2.15 ERA, .191 BAA, and 35 K over 46 IP. Outside of two rough in early May, he’s been great all season and hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any of his other 17 starts.
Jacob Turner (26%): He plays in Miami and seldom wins but Turner has excellent numbers and is really living up to that top prospect potential. On the season, the 22-year-old is 3-3 with a 2.49ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 45 K over 65 IP. He’s given up more than two earned runs just twice this season, four against St. Louis on July 5 and three against Milwaukee back on June 11.
Yonder Alonso (12%): Alonso has been much better since returning from a broken hand. Over his last 10 games, he owns a .368/.429/.421 line with nine RBI. On the season, he’s now batting .287 with six homers, 38 RBI, and 24 R over 67 games.
