 Now 4 weeks into the season, the hitting is starting to heat up while some of the "hot" teams are beginning to cool off. These players, however, are heating up fast. Here are my Week 4 "Hot" Waiver Wire Pickups: By Lawrence Barreca.
Infielders:
- Ryan Garko (CLE)- If he isn't owned in your fantasy league, now is the time to get him. Garko is currently hitting .314, with 1 homer, 9 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Garko is turning out to be one of the surprise first basemen in fantasy, so pick him up and start him if you get the chance.
- Jorge Cantu (FLA)- Cantu is currently on a six-game hitting streak, raising his average to .273 on the young season. He currently has 2 homers, 6 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases as well, meaning that he gives good fantasy points week-by-week. Also, Cantu is starting at third base for the Marlins, meaning that he will have plenty of opportunities to produce fantasy points.
- Brendan Harris (MIN)- Harris is on fire with his bat, currently hitting .341, with 3 RBIs and 8 runs scored. As long as he's starting at second base for the Twins, look for him to get a ton of at-bats and a ton of chances to raise his stats.
Outfielders:
- Carlos Quentin (CHW)- Quentin has been one of the most productive White Sox hitters so far this year, mainly by hitting 4 homeruns so far. Don't let his .244 average fool you, the guy hits for power and drives in the runs (he currently has 15 RBIs). He will have plenty of chances for hits in the upcoming weeks, making him a nice fantasy pickup for Week 4.
- Jason Kubel (MIN)- The second Twin to make this list, Kubel has been the productive force in the Twins outfield next to Carlos Gomez. Kubel has been overlooked in many leagues; however, his 3 homers and 12 RBIs should begin to catch people's attention. He makes a nice pickup to start in any fantasy outfield.
- Chris Snelling (PHI)- As long as Shane Victorino is out with a calf injury, Snelling will get every chance to start in the Phillies outfield. He already has 1 homer this season, and that homer didn't just come off of any pitcher. It came off of last year's NL saves leader Jose Valverde in the bottom of the ninth to help lead his team to victory. In other words, the guy can hit, so he may make a nice pickup until Victorino gets back.
Pitchers:
- Francisco Liriano (MIN)- This is a pickup that is to be taken at your own risk. Liriano could do one of two things: 1) Be the dominant ace that the Twins are hoping for; or 2) Be a bust and end up back in the minors. Here's the thing: Liriano has ace potential, and he could be one of the top fantasy pitchers by season's end.
- Yovani Gallardo (MIL)- Like Liriano, Gallardo is also coming out of the minors after a couple of rehab starts in order to join the major league rotation. Gallardo is supposed to be one of baseball's best young pitchers this season, so look for him to put up big numbers as soon as he comes back (expected to return around April 20).
- Ervin Santana (LAA)- Santana has struggled in year's past; however, this season he has proven himself so far as a big league pitcher. He is currently 2-0 with a 3.32 ERA and 14 strikeouts. Look for Santana to be a nice pickup for now, and if he keeps it up, for the rest of the season.
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