Waiver Saviors: 05/13/2010

Here are some guys very available in ESPN leagues that are worth looking at in the latest installment of Waiver Saviors.

HITTERS (last 7 days)*

• SS Starlin Castro, CHC (6/18, .333 BA, 2 R, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB) came up with a splash and hasn't disappointed, offensively, in his first week. If he's still available in your league, grab him. The Cubs are invested heavily into this 20-year-old and so should you, especially if your league is a keeper. (56.5% owned)
• C John Buck, TOR (9/21, .429 BA, 7 R, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 0 SB) may not be a long-term solution at catcher, but he's definitely proving to be a short-term one. If your league uses a two-catcher format or you punted the catcher position all together, Buck is worth owning while he's hot. (25.4% owned)
• OF Fred Lewis, TOR (14/33, .424 BA, 3 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB) is getting it done at the top of the Blue Jays batting order. If he can increase his walks (only five) and stolen bases (just 3/5), he could be an asset worth owning in deep mixed leagues. (9.8% owned)
• 1B/3B Troy Glaus, ATL (11/28, .393 BA, 3 R, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 0 SB) is heating up (May: 16/40, .400 BA) after a very slow start (April: 14/72, .194 BA). Glaus could easily reach 30 home runs, if he can simply stay healthy, and the move to first base should help. (11.2% owned)
• OF Angel Pagan, NYM (10/26, .385 BA, 5 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB) has a solid hold on the center field job (until Beltran comes back) and is making the most of his opportunity. If you are in need of speed, Pagan could provide a short-term boost. (2.2% owned)
• SS Orlando Cabrera, CIN (9/23, .391 BA, 4 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB) is batting leadoff, producing and should be rostered, especially if you're in a deep league with an MI spot. (36.1% owned)

PITCHERS (last 15 days)*

• SP Ian Kennedy, ARI (2-1, 2 QS, 21.2 IP, 20 H, 4 BB, 14 K, 2.49 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) is on everyone's waiver wire pickup lists, so why is he still so available? He's finally living up to his potential and could be a nice addition to a struggling fantasy pitching staff. (11.2% owned)
• RP Alfredo Simon, BAL (3 SV, 6 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 7 K, 0.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 10.50 K/9) is the Orioles closer and should be owned in all formats that use saves as a scoring category. If he's available in your league, then your league probably sucks. (29% owned)
• RP Frank Francisco, TEX (2-0, 2 SV, 1 HLD, 5.1 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 5.06 ERA, 2.25 WHIP, .444 OBA, 8.44 K/9) will kill your ratios and frustrate the hell out of you for owning him, but the Rangers bullpen is a mess and he is right in the thick of it. If you've got the stomach for it, own him. (42.7% owned)
• SP Brett Myers, HOU (1-1, 3 QS, 20 IP, 20 H, 9 BB, 14 K, 3.15 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) could be worth owning if the Astros showed any signs of life on offense. He's gone at least six innings in all seven starts, recording a quality start in five, but only sporting a 2-2 record. (1.1% owned)
• RP Tyler Clippard, WAS (3-1, 0 SV, 4 BSV, 4 HLD, 9.1 IP, 10 H, 7 BB, 11 K, 3.86 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 10.61 K/9) is the major league leader in wins with seven...as a middle reliever. If your league uses holds, he's a must-own. If you are desperate for wins, he's ownable. If your league uses K/9, what are you waiting for? I can't think of any reason for him not to be owned at this point. (40.6% owned)
• RP Jhoulys Chacin, COL (2-0, 2 QS, 15.1 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 16 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, .217 OBA, 9.39 K/9, 3.20 K/BB) is pitching his way into a permanent spot in the Rockies rotation. Grab him while the league tries to figure him out. Chacin should gain SP eligibility after he makes his 3rd start, according to ESPN rules. (21.9% owned)

REMEMBER: Waiver pickups are all about filling a need with a player(s) that is currently hot and beating your fellow owners to the punch without destroying your current roster to do so.

Six weeks into the 2010 season, what players have you claimed off waivers that are paying dividends?

* Statistics accurate through games played as of 05/11/2010