Waiver Wire: National League

Here is the National League version of the Waiver Wire for the week.

Bob Howry | CHC | RP/CL – With Ryan Dempster struggling since his return from the DL, manager Lou Piniella announced that the Cubs will go to a closer by committee approach. Dempster will still probably get some saves, but Howry is likely to grab some too, at least until Dempster’s struggles stop (which it appears they might soon). If you need cheap saves, Howry is a decent choice. Keep an eye on Carlos Marmol, but I don’t think he’ll get many looks in the ninth inning this year.
Recommendation – Should be owned in 12 and 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues.

Josh Hamilton | CIN | OF – This Norris Hopper business is getting ridiculous. He’s started 2 of 5 games since Hamilton has been back. I’m going to have to reduce his recommendation from last week if he isn’t going to play everyday.
Recommendation – Should be owned in deep 12 and 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in 10, 12, and 14-team NL-only leagues.

Ubaldo Jimenez | COL | SP – 9.10 K/9 makes Jimenez look like he could be useful for those looking for strikeouts, but he’s only started 6 games this year in the majors, and his K/9 in AAA was 7.78. Should be able to put up a strikeout rate better than league average, but I wouldn’t count on Jimenez to continue with such a high mark. Even with such a high K/9, his LIPS ERA is still just 4.45. Doesn’t have very good control.
Recommendation – Should be avoided in mixed leagues. Should be owned in 14-team NL-only leagues.

Franklin Morales | COL | SP – With Aaron Cook on the DL, Morales will get a few starts in the majors. In the minors, he’s shown a good ability to strike out batters and get ground balls, but his control has been very poor. I’d avoid him if you can, but he might be a slightly better bet for strikeouts than Jiminez
Recommendation – Should be owned in deep 12 and 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in 10, 12, and 14-team NL-only leagues.

Ryan Spilborghs | COL | OF – Willy Taveras has hit the DL, and Spilborghs should get regular playing time for a while. Good power, good contact, good lineup. Recommendation up from last week.
Recommendation – Should be owned in 10, 12, and 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in all NL-only leagues.

Yusmeiro Petit | FLA | SP – Average strikeout rate, average walk rate, below average ground ball rate. Not exactly a formula for success. 4.27 LIPS ERA looks about right. If that’s valuable in your league, Petit seems like a pretty safe bet.
Recommendation – Should be considered in 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in 12 and 14-team NL-only leagues.

Eric Stults | LAD | SP – Has put up okay numbers in the minors and will now be joining the Dodgers’ rotation. Should be able to put up a strikeout rate around average, but his control might be a problem. He also is more of a flyball pitcher than a ground baller.
Recommendation – Should be avoided in mixed leagues. Should be owned in 14-team NL-only leagues.

Yovani Gallardo | MIL | SP – Has given up 18 runs over his past two games, but his last start he struck out 6 batters while walking just 1. He’s really only had 2 truly poor starts this year, so all the owners dropping him isn’t really justified. I’d keep starting him.
Recommendation – Should be owned in 12 and 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in all but the shallowest NL-only leagues.

Adam LaRoche | PIT | 1B – After a terribly low start, LaRoche has been pretty good since. His power isn’t nearly as impressive as it was last year, only putting 4 homers past 400 true feet, according to HitTracker. His batting average should be closer to .275, though, and LaRoche has some value in deeper leagues where you can start more than one first baseman.
Recommendation – Should be considered in deep 12 and owned in deep 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in 10, 12, and 14-team NL-only leagues.

Shea Hillenbrand | LAD | 1B/3B – Talk about bouncing back. After being released by the Angels, Hillenbrand has now found himself starting for the Dodgers. Still, he probably won’t be a great fantasy option. Could hit a handful of home runs, but if he hits like he did earlier in the year his batting average won’t help you.
Recommendation – Should be avoided in mixed leagues. Should be owned in 12 and 14-team NL-only leagues.

Wily Mo Pena | WAS | OF – I wish someone would just give this guy a chance. He has very good power and has shown at least an adequate ability to take walk. That skill has improved this year to the tune of an 8.2% walk rate. Of his 5 home runs with the Sox, Pena hit all five past 400 true feet, the furthest going 456 true feet. Despite his qualifications, the Nationals think it’s a good idea to platoon him with Ryan Church. I normally like Manny Acta, but I disagree with this move. Church is a nice little player, but with nothing to play for this year it would be nice to see how Pena performs with no pressure and guaranteed at-bats. His value would increase with more playing time, but for now it is limited. Hopefully next year he’ll get a shot full-time.
Recommendation – Should be considered in 14-team mixed leagues. Should be owned in 12 and 14-team NL-only leagues.

Carlos Beltran | NYM | OF – Huh? How is this guy #5 on CBS Sportsline’s Most Added Players list? Are people actually dropping this guy? I don’t think I need to say it, but if Beltran is dropped, grab him immediately.
Recommendation – Should be owned in all leagues.

Chris Young | SD | SP – Same deal as Beltran, except he is #3 on the list. Again, grab him immediately. And try to find a more competitive league next year.
Recommendation – Should be owned in all leagues.