With the worst wOBA in the American League, the Baltimore Orioles club is looking to kick-start a sluggish offense. As a result, the organization promoted triple-A first baseman Rhyne Hughes to the Majors on Saturday.

Hughes is a name you may not be familiar with. He was not amongst Baltimore’s Top 10 prospects for 2010 when we published the list prior to the season. He did not make Baseball America’s Top 30 list. Hughes was originally acquired from the Rays in ’09 during a late-season trade involving veteran catcher Gregg Zaun. He was drafted by the Rays in the eighth round of the ’04 draft out of a small community college.

The 26-year-old first baseman will make his MLB debut when he is penciled into the lineup for the first time. He was hitting .353/.421/.667 in 51 at-bats this season at triple-A. He had three homers and five doubles in 15 games. Last season with three teams, Hughes hit .279/.349/.506 with 25 homers and 79 RBI in 515 at-bats. He also, unfortunately, had a strikeout rate of 33%.

The left-hand hitting Hughes could platoon with the right-hand hitting Garrett Atkins, who has a .242 wOBA, but is actually performing better against right-handed pitchers right now (He’s 0-for-16 vs LHPs). Hughes has a career OPS of .843 against right-handers (compared to .716 vs LHPs).

From a fantasy perspective, Hughes has little value unless he can wrestle the full-time job away from Atkins. The rookie should be monitored in AL-only leagues but, hey, he’s no Kila Ka’aihue.

From April 16 at FanGraphs: Ka’aihue probably fits best with the O’s. The club is second last in the American League in on-base percentage (.309) and is 11th (out of 14 teams) in slugging percentage. Those just happen to be the two areas that Ka’aihue excels in. He slugged 37 homers between double-A and triple-A in ‘08 and followed that up with 17 at triple-A in ‘09. He’s walked 100+ times in each of the past two seasons and had a walk rate of 18.4% in ‘09. His BB/K rate was an impressive 1.20.

We looked at the National League closers earlier today, so the American League contingent is now due for some love.

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: Put up your hand if you’re surprised to see Rivera under the “strong performance” column. Hmm, no one. The ageless wonder has yet to allow an earned run this season and he’s a perfect 6-for-6 in save opps. A couple things to note, though: His strikeout rate is down about 2.0 K/9, and he has a BABIP of .179. He’s been very good, but his domination of the league is not going to last forever.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: The Royals bullpen leads the AL with five blown saves so far this season, but you cannot fault Soria. The right-hander has been successful in four of his five tries. He’s given up just three hits and one walk on the year, and has nine Ks in 6.0 innings of work. Soria was perfect in save opportunities this past week (2-for-2 against Minnesota and Toronto).

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: Free agent Valverde did not come cheap during the off-season but he’s been worth every penny so far for the Tigers. The veteran’s five-save total is tied for second in the AL and his ERA currently sits at 1.29. He’s given up four hits in 7.0 innings but has just four Ks. He was a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities this past week.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Aardsma is tied for the AL lead in saves with Rivera and Jon Rauch. The Mariners closer has yet to allow a run this season and he’s given up just one hit and two walks. He also has seven Ks to his credit. Those 38 saves in ’09 appear to have been for real, and playing in Seattle has really helped his fly-ball tendencies. He was 2-for-2 in save opps this past week.

Kevin Gregg | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: Cubs fans are probably scratching their heads right about now. Gregg… a strong performer? Well, he’s wrestled the closer’s job away from Jason Frasor and is a perfect 4-for-4 in saves. Even odder, his control has been outstanding and he has yet to walk a batter in 6.1 innings. He’s allowed just four hits and has seven strikeouts.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: Although his overall numbers are pretty average, Rauch has successfully ended six wins without a blown save. His ERA sits at 1.29 and he’s given up six hits in 7.0 innings. Rauch has recorded five Ks.

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: Papelbon’s teammates have been struggling but he’s done what he’s been asked to do with three saves in as many tries. He has, though, taken one loss on the season. Papelbon has also given up six walks – with just 4 Ks – in 8.1 innings, so he’s clearly not at his best right now. The main culprit appears to be a lack of command with his fastball. He was solid in his last game (against Texas on April 21) with one strikeout and five ground-ball outs in two innings.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: The sophomore closer finally has some saves to his credit after knocking them out over the past eight days. Bailey’s strikeout rate is a little puzzling, as it’s down from 9.83 to 3.60 K/9 this season over last. He hasn’t struck out a batter since April 12, and his last one prior to that was on opening day. On the positive side, he has just one walk.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: The juggernaut Rays club has not needed to rely too heavily on its closer so far this season. When he’s been called upon, though, Soriano has been perfect with four saves in as many chances. He also has a win to his credit. Soriano has appeared in just one game over the past week.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: Closing for a team whose offense is last in the Majors in batting average means there probably aren’t going to be a ton of save opportunities coming your way (unless you have great starting pitching). Jenks has been perfect so far this year in terms of saves, but he’s had just three chances. His ERA sits at 1.50 and he’s struck out eight in 6.0 innings.

Chris Perez | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: After hitting some turbulence in the early going, things appear to be leveling out for Perez. In three appearances during the past seven days, the former Cardinal was 2-for-2 in save opportunities and, perhaps more importantly, he did not allow a walk in 2.2 innings. Perez had previously walked five batters in three innings of work. He’s actually only given up runs in one appearance this season (3 in 1.0 IP vs Detroit on April 11).

Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: Just activated off the disabled list, Fuentes blew a save against Detroit on April 21. He gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning on two walks, two hits and a homer. He’ll likely get a chance to redeem himself this weekend.

Neftali Feliz | Texas Rangers
The Comments: The 20 year old Feliz has stolen the closer’s gig away from Frank Francisco and the rookie is a perfect 2-for-2 in save opportunities so far. He has 10 Ks in 6.2 innings and has given up just two hits on the year (both came on Opening Day).

Jim Johnson | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: Johnson has taken over the role from the injured (and ineffective) Mike Gonzalez. Johnson has had a bit of a rough introduction to the role, as he blew his first two save opportunities of the year on April 13 and 17. He finally notched his first successful save on April 18 in Oakland. Johnson is worth a pick-up considering that Gonzalez is probably out for a while, but the new closer won’t record a ton of strikeouts or be overly dominant.

Let’s get this party started.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: It seems weird to see Broxton with just one save on the year, but he continues to throw well. The right-hander has yet to allow an earned run this season in 5.2 innings. He’s issued one walk and nine Ks. Now might be a good time to try and get him in a trade since his fantasy value is down through no fault of his own.

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: The Giants’ closer is in a similar situation to Broxton’s. Wilson has pitched very well but he has just two saves on the year. He has yet to allow a run in 5.1 innings and he’s given up just one hit with six Ks.

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: The single-season saves leader is just not getting the opportunities this season. Rodriguez has one save on the year in two opportunities. He’s still giving fantasy owners some value, though, as his ERA is solid at 1.17 and he has 11 Ks in 7.2 innings of work.

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: Nunez has been one of the biggest surprises of the young season. The right-hander has yet to allow an earned run while recording three saves in four tries. He’s walked four batters in 7.1 innings, but he’s also recorded 10 Ks. This past week, Nunez recorded strikeouts on five on the six batters he retired. He’s probably not still flying under the radar in your fantasy league but, if he is (83% owned in Yahoo leagues), snatch him up.

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: Capps continues to be proof that spring training is meaningless. The right-hander has recovered from his brutal March to lead the NL in saves with seven (in as many tries). It really can pay off to be a closer on a bad team. Capps has saved all but one of the club’s wins so far this season. Don’t overpay for him in a trade, though. He’s still not the most dominating or proven end-game option. Capps has allowed eight hits and six walks in 8.1 innings this season.

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: Lindstrom is one of just a handful of closers in the NL that has yet to blow a save. Interestingly, he also has yet to issue a walk and his lack of control was a problem for him last season in Florida. Lindstrom’s value rose a lot this past week as he recorded four saves in as many appearances (and has saved 80% of the team’s wins). He did allow four hits, though.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: Carlos Zambrano is in the bullpen for now, but he shouldn’t be a threat to Marmol, who has been pitching well. On the year, the right-hander is showing improved control with just three walks in 7.2 innings and he’s added 14 Ks. Marmol has converted three saves on the season but he went 0-for-1 in save opportunities this past week.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: Cordero is currently second in the NL in saves with six. He’s blown just one save. Cordero has a slightly-elevated ERA at 3.12 and he’s given up eight hits and four walks in 8.2 innings of work on the season. This past week, he was 2-for-3 in saves and one particularly awful appearance (2 ER, 3 BB, 2 H in 0.2 IP) against Pittsburgh, which has skewed his numbers. He’s a borderline Strong Performer.

Heath Bell | San Diego Padres
The Comments: Bell is tied for fourth in the NL with four saves. He continues to be a possible mid-season trade target for playoff-bound teams in need of bullpen help. However, San Diego is currently playing well enough to be considered a possible playoff team (thanks to its position in the NL West). Bell has given up his fair share of base runners with seven hits and three walks allowed in six innings. He was 2-for-3 in save opps this past week and gave up five hits in three innings.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: It cost the Braves organization quite a bit to obtain him in the off-season (a first round pick, and a salary dump of Rafael Soriano) but Wagner has yet to prove his worth. The veteran closer has just one save in two tries. On the plus side, though, he does have 11 Ks in 6.0 innings of work. Fantasy owners were rewarded for their faith in him, despite zero save opps, as he recorded a win this past week.

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Fantasy managers were wary of Franklin during 2010 drafts and his 4.50 ERA might suggest the caution was justified. However, the veteran pitcher has been successful in all five of his save opportunities and he currently sits third in the league in saves. In eight overall innings, he has yet to walk a batter but he’s given up eight hits and has just three Ks. In other words, he might help your save totals, but that’s about all he’s going to (positively) impact. One thing to note, though: Franklin has given up six of his eight hits and all four of his runs in two outs (April 5, 16).

Trevor Hoffman | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: With save opportunities few and far between recently, Hoffman appeared in just one game this past week and it was during the 20-0 laugher against Pittsburgh. If you own Hoffman, he is probably better off on your bench right now as he currently has a 10.50 ERA with nine hits allowed in 6.0 innings.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: Dotel currently sports a 7.71 ERA but to be honest, you could do worse. The right-hander has one win and three saves in four opportunities. The aging reliever can still miss bats (9 Ks in 7.0 IP) and he plays for Pittsburgh, so you know there could be a lot of narrow leads to protect.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Comments: The D-Backs’ bullpen has been just brutal this season (leading the Majors with six blown saves) and Qualls deserves a great deal of the blame. He may not be long for the closer role if this keeps up. He currently has a 10.80 ERA and has given up 13 hits in 6.2 innings. Qualls has saved just two games in four opportunities. He gave up four runs in 2.1 innings this past week, including a complete meltdown against St. Louis on April 21. Avoid.

Ryan Madson | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: Brad Lidge, currently on the DL, might have a job to come back to after all. Madson has struggled in his current role to some degree, although he has saved three games in four tries. The young closer has given up 10 hits and two walks in 7.0 innings this season. He allowed three runs against Atlanta during his last outing on April 20, and took the blown save.

Franklin Morales | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Morales has not been the dominating late-game reliever that the Rockies club had been hoping for when it anointed him the closer in the wake of Huston Street’s injury. Morales has blown two saves in five tries and he’s struck out just four batters in 6.2 innings. If he continues to struggle, Manny Corpas or even Matt Daley might get a save opportunity or two.

Every season we have unexpected hot starts from a multitude of players around the Majors. Some are for real, some are just a tease. The home run is one of the more valuable fantasy categories in many leagues. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 home run hitters in the Majors and try to sort out who’s legit and who’s going to make novice fantasy players look silly in the long run.

At the beginning of the season, I would have called you insane for telling me Vernon Wells would be leading the Majors in homers. After all, he’s coming off of three pretty lousy seasons (1.5 WAR or worse). But I’ve seen him with my own eyes quite a few times this season and that swing is for real. The outfielder had wrist surgery this past off-season, for an issue that had been dogging for, well, apparently for about three years. His approach still makes me cringe, as he pulls absolutely everything (even wild pitches headed for the first base dugout), so his average is probably going to suffer. As long pitchers keep making mistakes out and over the plate, though, Wells is going to cream pitches for doubles and homers.

I’ve been touting Matt Kemp as a 2010 breakout candidate for a while now and it looks like he might be ready to make me look smart. He’s hitting for power and average, while also driving in most of L.A.’s runs (20 in 14 games). He has a legit shot at a 30-30 season if he improves his stolen base rate.

Mr. Late Bloomer Nelson Cruz is out to prove that his ’09 season was not a fluke. He’s going to strikeout a fair bit and he probably isn’t going to hit .300, but a 30+ homer season is definitely within reason. Oh, and check out the three steals… another 20+ SB season, would certainly make him an even more attractive fantasy player.

If you think Wells is a shocking addition to the home run leader board, you’re probably on the floor with a tingly left side now that you’ve seen Jose Guillen’s name on the board. I mean, it’s almost like his contract is up or somethi- What? Oh. Guillen is currently hitting like a man possessed, but who knows if or when the streak will end. Enjoy it while it lasts and don’t feel bad for picking him up and riding the hot bat. (And yes, I know he apparently almost died last year from a clot).

I don’t think we really need to get too in-depth here with Chase Utley. He’s the best offensive second baseman on the planet (and a pretty nifty defender to boot). End of story.

Uh, well, the same thing goes for Mr. Pujols. The home runs are no surprise and they should not let up any time soon. The scary thing is that he’s actually kind of slumping right now. And it says a lot about his talent when we consider a .423 wOBA a slump…

Apparently nobody told Dustin Pedroia that 5’9” second basemen are not supposed to hit homers. He’s hit some dingers in the past, but he’s on pace for more than 20 homers this season. Alex Gonzalez opened the season with a real bang. His power output has slowed down somewhat over the past week but he still has five homers and eight doubles. He has hit more than 20 homers in a season, so the home-run burst is not that out of character.

Colby Rasmus is showing everyone why you should never count out a top prospect after a rough rookie season. The power is for real. Konerko is no longer a .280-.300 hitter like he was in his prime, but the 34 year old is proving that he still has some pop left in the tank. You should not be surprised to see Mark Reynolds‘ name on this list.

We’re back with another edition of RotoGraphs’ Deep Keepers.

Paul Goldschmidt | 1B | Arizona
You have to love Goldschmidt’s debut numbers: .334/.408/.638 in 287 at-bats. However, he was playing in rookie ball. As a college-drafted prospect, he was probably playing against equal or lesser talent than he faced in Division I college ball. Bumped up to high-A ball in ’10, Goldschmidt has a 1.032 OPS in 11 games. Keep in mind, though, that the California League is a very good hitter’s league, so it’s going to skew his numbers. The 28 Ks in 47 at-bats is also a huge red flag; a strikeout rate of that level is not going to fly in the upper levels, so he has adjustments to make. With that said, you cannot ignore the success that he’s had so far. Monitor his progress.

Nick Weglarz | OF/1B | Cleveland
Weglarz fell off the prospect map a little bit last year after hitting .227/.377/.431 in double-A. On the plus side, his strikeout rate has shown signs of improvement over the past two seasons (it’s basically gone from very high to high), and his walk rate was an outstanding 17.6%. In fact, there is some thought that his patience is actually hurting him, as he’s letting too many hittable pitches go by. One of the big culprits behind his ’09 struggles was his BABIP, which was a crazy-low .245. Keeping in mind that Weglarz is still just 22, he has a lot of potential as an on-base machine with 20-25 homer potential. He’s currently hitting .321/.472/.679 back in double-A.

Jemile Weeks | 2B | Oakland
Weeks split the ’09 season between high-A and double-A but he began the year on the DL and may have never been truly 100%. An explosive, offensive-minded second baseman, Weeks is off to a hot start this season with a line of .342/.419/.579 in 10 games. He has the chance to hit for average and pretty good power (for a second baseman) at the MLB level. For him to truly reach his peek value, the former University of Miami star needs to start stealing bases again. A strong ’10 season by Weeks could convince the A’s to decline Mark Ellis‘ option to return for 2011.

Jordan Walden | RHP | Los Angeles (AL)
A move to the bullpen can do wonders for stalled pitching prospects. A top prospect as a starter, Walden struggled with staying healthy and with developing a reliable third pitch. Lacking pitching depth in the upper levels of the system, the organization chose to convert Walden to the ‘pen so he could focus on his heavy fastball and good slider. The early results have been good as he’s struck out seven batters in three double-A innings and has yet to allow a run. Relievers that can strike out batters and induce a significant number of ground balls can have a lot of success, and Walden looks like a future closer.

Nick Barnese | RHP | Tampa Bay
The pitching depth in Tampa Bay’s system is bordering on ridiculous and Barnese is yet another promising hurler who does not get quite as much ink as some of the other arms. He appeared in just 15 games in ’09 thanks to injuries but he posted a 3.43 FIP and allowed just 56 hits in 74.2 low-A innings. Moved up to high-A in 2010, the right-hander has given up just five hits in 13.1 innings and he’s struck out 10 batters with just two walks. Just 21, Barnese has a ceiling of a No. 2 or 3 starter. He could reach the Majors as soon as mid-2011, if he keeps pitching well.

The fantasy closer reports are moving to Fridays… As a result, it means two reports this week for both the American League and National League.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: Like Andrew Bailey in Oakland, Broxton has yet to receive a save opportunity this season. Even so, he’s made five appearances in total, including three this week (Please tell me why Joe Torre is running him out there in three straight days in non-save opportunities?). Broxton has allowed just one hit and one walk on the year. He has eight Ks. Torre’s going to wear him out before the club really needs him.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: He’s still not what you’d call a strike-throwing machine, but Marmol’s control has been improved this season. As such, he’s been successful in all three save opportunities this year and he’s allowed just one hit in 4.1 innings of work. Marmol also has nine strikeouts.

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: A bad start by a club can have a real adverse effect on a closer. Rodriguez is yet another relief pitcher that has yet to have a save opportunity. Even so, he’s allowed just two hits and no walks over 4.0 innings of work. Rodriguez has also struck out five batters.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: Ah, good ol’ Dusty Baker. Cordero has been the busiest closer so far this season with six appearances. He’s also already worked back-to-back-to-back games on two occasions this season. It’s good news for fantasy owners of Cordero, though, as he has four saves and one win. He’s also recorded seven saves and no walks in six innings.

Heath Bell | San Diego Padres
The Comments: The anti-Cordero, Bell has appeared in just two games this season (His last appearance being April 10) and appears to be the forgotten man in the ‘pen. This, ladies and gentlemen, is not the way to build trade value.

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: Save opportunities have been hard to come by for Wilson, who has gone 2-for-2 but his last came on April 6. He’s made just two appearances in the last seven days and his control has suffered, as he’s walked three batters in 2.2 innings. On the plus side, he also struck out four and has yet to allow a run.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: It’s been an up-and-down season already for Wagner, who has just one save in two tries. So far this week, though, he has yet to give up a hit in two innings of work. He’s also struck out four but has two walks.

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Franklin has an interesting stats line. He is 3-for-3 in saves and has given up four hits in as many innings. However, he has yet to allow a walk or a strikeout.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: Dotel was roughed up by the Giants lineup during his lone appearances this week (two runs in one inning) but he still recorded the save and is a perfect 2-for-2 on the year. Dotel has struck out three batters in 4.0 innings.

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: Nunez has recovered well after blowing a save in his first appearance of 2010. The right-hander hasn’t saved a game this week, but he’s given up just one hit on the year and has five Ks in as many innings.

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: Capps is a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities this season but he was roughed up by the Phillies in his last appearance. He still secured the save, but Capps gave up three hits, including a solo homer, in 1.2 innings of work. He’s one of the few bright spots on the team.

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: When your club is 1-8 on the year, it’s hard to record saves. Lindstrom has made just three appearances on the year and he hasn’t been overly sharp with four hits allowed in three innings. He has yet to allow a walk, though.

Ryan Madson | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: With Brad Lidge doing well in his minor-league rehab, Madson’s days as closer could be coming to an end in the near future. He’s done well, though, with two saves and six Ks in 4.1 innings of work. Madson has been a little too hittable with six base-knocks allowed.

Franklin Morales | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Morales is 2-for-3 in save opportunities and he has yet to allow a walk but he’s struck out just one batter in 4.0 innings of work. Generally speaking, the bullpen has been very good for the Rockies.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Comments: Qualls has fallen on hard times. He’s blown two saves this week and has given up three runs in 2.0 innings of work. He’s allowed five hits and three walks. The club has no shortage of back-up options, including Aaron Heilman, Juan Gutierrez, and Bob Howry.

Trevor Hoffman | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: The 2010 season has been a struggle for the Saves King, who is just 3-for-5 in opportunities this season. He’s given up nine hits and just three Ks in five innings of work.

The fantasy closer reports are moving to Fridays… As a result, it means two reports this week for both the American League and National League.

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: Despite totaling just one inning so far this week, Rivera has saved two games against the struggling Angels. He did not allow a hit or a walk. Rivera has a total of four saves in as many tries on the young season.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Four appearances, four saves. Seattle’s season hasn’t gone quite as planned so far, but you cannot blame Aardsma. The former college closer appears to have finally settled into the role in pro ball. He’s got five Ks and has yet to allow a hit. Aardsma has actually saved each one of Seattle’s wins on the year.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: Minnesota is tied with Toronto and Oakland for the most wins in the AL, and Rauch has saved five of those games. He’s given up his fair share of hits (five in five innings) but he has yet to walk anyone and he’s being helped by a steady defense behind him. Rauch is not flashy, but he’s getting the job done.

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: Papelbon has gotten into just one game this week so far but he shut the door. He’s 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, but also has one loss to his credit, as well.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: Soria has appeared in one game this week and shut the door over 1.1 innings. He walked a batter but also recorded two Ks. The interesting news is that it’s been announced that the club will use Soria earlier (and longer) in games if a key lead needs protecting.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: The A’s club is in first place in the American League East with a 7-4 record, but Bailey has yet to have a save opportunity this season. Rookie Tyson Ross is the only pitcher on the staff with a save, but that was a three-inning affair. Bailey has yet to allow a run in 3.0 innings, so he should be ready when called upon.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: Soriano has recorded one save this week and has also struck out two batters in 2.0 innings. He gave up one run on a solo homer. Overall, he’s been a little too hittable with five base-knocks allowed in 4.0 innings.

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: The Tigers’ $14 million man has looked pretty average so far this season with two saves in three tries. He’s also whiffed just two batters. On the plus side, he’s induced 11 ground balls compared to just three fly-balls, which is a great way to keep the ball in the park.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: The White Sox bullpen has some pretty powerful arms on display, so Jenks’ days in Chicago could be numbered. On the positive side, though, he’s throwing pretty well and has two saves in as many tries. He’s struggled a bit with his control and has four walks in as many innings, but he also has six Ks.

Chris Perez | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: It’s been a rough April so far for Perez. The young closer has five walks and four hits allowed in just three innings. He failed to record an out in his last appearance. Control has never been a strong suit of Perez but he should rebound.

Jason Frasor | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: Toronto leads the American League in both saves (six) and save opportunities (eight). Frasor has recorded three saves but he’s also responsible for both blown saves, which has caused the closer job to (at least temporarily) be awarded to Kevin Gregg. He also has three saves on the young season and has given up no walks and just one hit in 4.1 innings.

Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: Fuentes had made just one appearance on the season (a save on opening day) and he was finally placed on the DL this week. Fernando Rodney has been named his replacement and he secured his first save against the Yankees this week. Kevin Jepsen is a dark-horse candidate for saves.

Jim Johnson | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: With Mike Gonzalez on the DL with shoulder problems, Johnson is the go-to guy for now. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been overly sharp this season. The club also recalled Kam Mickolio, who could also see some save opportunities.

Neftali Feliz | Texas Rangers
The Comments: Feliz is probably not available in your fantasy league, but if he is… PICK HIM UP. The 21-year-old flame thrower has taken over the role from Frank Francisco and he just might not give it back. Feliz already has two saves in as many tries. On the year, he has seven Ks in 4.2 innings of work.

If you’re looking for long-term or even short-term help for your fantasy team, then you’ve come to the right place. This week’s waiver wire will feature some players that could very well be available in your league right now. And they can help you.

Chase Headley | OF | San Diego (47% owned)

The skepticism is understandable. You’re looking at a sophomore who posted a WAR of 1.4 in ’09 and he plays in a massive pitcher’s park. Keep in mind, though, that he was one of the club’s top prospects in the minors (for good reason) and he also plays half his games on the road. Depending on your league, he could also be eligible at both third base and the outfield. Headley won’t post a wOBA of .464 for the entire season but he’s a good player that could offer you batting average, 15 homers and 10+ steals.

Scott Podsednik | OF | Kansas City (43%)

I’m going to file Podsednik under the “short-term value.” The outfielder is currently on a hot streak so managers in unlimited transaction leagues could benefit from picking up this speedy player. Not only is he benefiting from an unsustainable .519 BABIP, but Pod is showing a solid approach at the plate (1.25 BB/K) and he has six steals in as many tries. He has, though, only scored four runs, which says something about the players around him. Still, steals can have a lot of value.

Alex Gonzalez | SS | Toronto (35%)

Gonzalez is another short-term fix, thanks to his hot start and the fact that a number of middle infielders have gone on the DL lately. The former Marlin is benefiting from hitting at the top of the order with a couple of scorching hitters behind him (Adam Lind, Vernon Wells). The power outburst (four homers in eight games) may slow eventually, however he did hit 23 dingers in ’04 and he’s currently utilizing a nice, level swing and not trying to do too much. The average will most certainly plummet from .300+, as he’s a career .248 hitter.

Brian Matusz | LHP | Baltimore (47%)

Let’s switch it up and look at a long-term investment for your team. Rookie starters are usually more heartbreak than they’re worth, but Matusz is an advanced college product who looked solid in eight ’09 starts with Baltimore. He’s struggled a bit with his control in ’10 (4.38 BB/9) but he’s getting a lot of whiffs and he’s providing innings. His ERA is a little high at 4.38, but his FIP is just 2.02. If you’re going to worry about anything, let it be about his fly-ball tendencies and ground-ball rate of just 15%.

Fernando Rodney | RHP | Los Angeles AL (34%)

If you’re looking for a second closer for your fantasy team, Rodney could be your man. Incumbent closer Brian Fuentes was just placed on the DL and manager Mike Scioscia“>Mike Scioscia has pointed to Rodney as the temporary replacement. Keep in mind that he saved 37 games in 38 tries last season so he’s got the experience. Rodney does have a habit of posting some ugly ERAs, but at least he’ll balance that out with some nice K numbers.

Ownership percentages based on Yahoo Fantasy Baseball

Predictably, there was a lot of movement on the closer chart this week as some surprising names had big opening weeks.

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: After a brutal spring, Capps is leading the NL in saves with three in as many chances. The Nats won’t win a lot of games but, when they do, they’ll probably be close contests, which will result in plenty of save opportunities. Be cautious of Capps’ control issues (five walks in four innings). Capps and his teammates now move on to face the potent Phillies offense.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: Mr. Inconsistent has been pretty solid so far with two saves, as well as just one hit and one walk in 2.1 innings of work. He also has five Ks. Marmol just might eat the Brewers and Astros alive.

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: Mr. Wilson was quite good this past week. He saved two games in as many tries and he struck out four batters. The Giants pitchers will look to dominate that Pirates and Dodgers lineups this week.

Heath Bells | San Diego Padres
The Comments: Bell is 2-for-2 in save opportunities and he has yet to allow an earned run. He has walked two batters with two strikeouts.

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: If you were lucky enough to have Nunez, then you enjoyed a week of two saves and one win. He’s also tossed in three Ks for good measure. Watch out going forward, though, as he’s walked four batters and has a blown save. Nunez could be in tough this week against the Reds and Phillies.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: He has just one save to his credit, but Dotel allowed just one hit and one walk in 3.0 innings. He also added three Ks.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: It’s been a rough week in LA, which has resulted in zero saves for Broxton. He is, though, racking up the strikeouts so it’s probably only a matter of time before he gets hot.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: Cordero has two saves, five Ks and has yet to issue a walk – but he’s also allowed five hits and a home run. He’s getting the job done, but he’s also not fooling a lot of people.

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: He hasn’t had any save opportunities but Rodriguez has yet to allow an earned run in 3.0 innings. He also has three Ks, one walk and two hits allowed. After a disappointing start for the team, things do not get any easier with having to face Colorado and St. Louis.

Ryan Madson | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: So far, so… OK. Madson has one save in as many tries, but he’s allowed four hits in 2.1 innings. Injured incumbent Brad Lidge is inching closer to a return.

Franklin Morales | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Like Lidge, Huston Street is working his way back to health. Morales had an OK week with two saves in as many tries. He hasn’t walked or struck out anyone.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Health Report:
The Comments: He got the job done with one save in as many tries, but also gave up two hits (including a homer) in two innings. Qualls will face some struggling teams this week in the Padres and Dodgers.

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Yes, he has two saves, but he’s also allowed four hits and two runs in 3.0 innings of work. He also has yet to strike out a batter.

Trevor Hoffman | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: Two blown saves in four tries is pretty rough, and the 13.50 ERA is not going to help your fantasy team. Hoffman got hit pretty hard in the first week of baseball.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: Six Ks and no walks looks pretty good, but the 6.00 ERA and one blown save in two tries is not inspiring. The Padres and Rockies are up next.

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: The ugly first week for the Astros resulted in zero save opps for Lindstrom, who allowed two earned runs in as many innings. At least he didn’t walk anyone. Things do not get easier this week with the club facing St. Louis and Chicago.

None

There was a quick hook for one closer, who lost his job in Week 1 – and another stopper is not far from losing his gig, as well. Our Closer of the Week is a surprising name and someone who entered spring training without the title of closer.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: The Closer of the Week has Minnesota fans saying: “Joe Nathan, who?” Rauch was a perfect 4-for-4, but he allowed five hits in 4.0 innings of work. He’ll certainly be tested against the Red Sox before moving on to the Royals.

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: Mr. Automatic continues to delivery with two saves in as many tries. He allowed two hits and one walk in 3.0 innings. His ERA is still perfect. The Angels and Rangers teams will offer some stiff competition in the week ahead.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Aardsma was a perfect 2-for-2 and he did not allow a hit or a walk in 2.0 innings. He also struck out four batters.

Jason Frasor | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: There were so many save opportunities to be had for the Jays this past week that Frasor received three saves and back-up closer Kevin Gregg also recorded two. Frasor was not perfect, though, as he blew another opportunity (He took the loss) and allowed six hits and three walks in 3.1 innings of work.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: Soria was 1-for-2 in save opps but he did not allow a walk and struck out four batters. It was a ‘Meh’ week.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: Bailey made three appearances without allowing an earned run, but he gave up three hits and struck out just one batter. No save opportunities were to be had in the first week of the season. Tyson Ross ended up with a three-inning save on Sunday, but Bailey’s job is safe.

Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: Fuentes made just one appearance this week and saved the game without allowing a hit or a walk in one inning. The Angels are in tough this week against the Yankees and red-hot Blue Jays.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: Soriano got the job done with one save and a win in two appearances. However, he allowed four hits and one walk (and did not record a strikeout) in 2.0 innings.

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: Valverde went 1-for-2 in save opps, while also taking a loss. He allowed four hits and one walk in 3.0 innings. Ryan Perry also recorded a save during this past week. The club will face the Royals and Mariners this week, so it should mean a good number of save opportunities.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: Jenks saved the game during his only opportunity for the week and he also struck out five batters in 3.0 innings of work.

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: Papelbon had a bit of a rough week with a loss and an ERA of 5.40 in 3.1 innings. He gave up two runs, including a homer. As well, his control was off with two walks allowed. He did, though, still record two saves. Papelbon will face the Twins and Rays this week.

Chris Perez | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: The young closer, who is filling in for the injured Kerry Wood, was 2-for-3 in saves and allowed three runs in three innings on three hits and four walks. He struck out just one batter and took the loss on Sunday. The Rangers and White Sox are on tap, which means two pretty good offenses.

Frank Francisco | Texas Rangers
The Comments: It’s Neftali Feliz time already. Francisco was on a pretty short leash, although he did blow both of his save opportunities. The right-hander allowed eight hits and six runs in 2.0 innings. Don’t be too quick to jump on Feliz, though. The youngster could have some growing pains, but he’ll ease into his new position by facing the Royals… and then the Yankees.

Mike Gonzalez | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: Gonzalez isn’t officially unemployed quite yet but it was an ugly week for the O’s new closer. He has an 18.00 ERA after three games and has blown two saves (with one converted). Five hits and four walks in 2.0 innings is definitely not going to get the job done. Unless things improve quickly, Jim Johnson could be in line for some saves soon.