Carlos Guillen and Edward Mujica: Deep League Waiver Wire

For those deep league teams still in the hunt for the money, congratulations. Unfortunately, I cannot enjoy that same position in my own league. I do, however, have two exciting options that could potentially increase your chances of finishing in that coveted money spot.

Carlos Guillen, 2B DET | 5% Owned

He’s baaaack. Try to contain your excitement. Guillen has finally returned from knee surgery that ended his season prematurely in 2010. How much playing time he will receive in the early going is anyone’s guess, as he will certainly receive his share of days off. He has shown solid skills in the past, making good contact and walking at an above average clip. He still has some power and his good contact rate and .320 career BABIP should allow him to post a helpful batting average. Though we used to be able to count on him to steal a bunch of bases, he has swiped just two over his last two seasons, and coming off the knee surgery means that it is unlikely he contributes in that category. The Tigers rank fifth in baseball in wOBA and tenth in runs scored, so he is joining a pretty good lineup that should boost his RBI and run totals. Guillen makes a decent pickup in deeper leagues.

Edward Mujica, RP FLA | 2% Owned

With the trade deadline right around the corner, it is once again time to speculate on new closing opportunities. With Leo Nunez apparently on the block, my money is on Mujica as the next in line. Never a big strikeout guy, he possesses elite control and this year has turned some fly balls into grounders. With a 3.16 xFIP and even better 2.79 SIERA, he certainly has the skills to keep the job. Mujica also has the highest gmLI amongst non-Nunez relievers, aside from Randy Choate who is just a lefty specialist. Some may speculate that Michael Dunn would take over the role, but he is a lefty, has terrible control, is an extreme fly ball pitcher, and has never posted an xFIP- below 107. Said simply: he stinks. Take a flier on Mujica and the worst case scenario is you have a solid middle reliever on your squad until someone better comes along.