Casper Wells and Jimmy Paredes: Deep League Waiver Wire

If you are still in the hunt for the cash, congratulations. If not, treat these waiver wire considerations as auditioners (not a word, but it should be) for your 2012 fantasy team. Unfortunately, these two hitters play on crappy teams, but hey, we cannot be picky with our pick ups at this point.

Casper Wells, SEA OF | 3% Owned

I had been a fan of Wells in the past as he has shown a nice power/speed combination, but has never been given the opportunity to win an everyday job. Now with the move to Seattle, he has gotten just that and taken full advantage. Since 2007, he has never posted an ISO below .207 at any stop, and his contact rates, although below average from an absolute standpoint, are acceptable given his power. He has also been a fly ball hitter, which should help boost his home run total. He has shown decent speed, posting respectable triples totals and stealing bags in the high single digits, though sometimes at poor success rates. Seattle’s offense stinks of course, and the park is no joy to hit in, but he is hitting fifth now and should garner plenty of at-bats. The batting average may not be great, but he has potential to contribute nicely in all the other categories.

Jimmy Paredes, HOU 3B | 5% Owned

Paredes took over third base for the Astros after the demotion of Chris Johnson and has apparently done enough in his professional career to warrant hitting fifth in the order. Normally, that should be all you need to hear to add a player in a deep league, as lineup position is crucial to a player’s value. Paredes though has just average power, makes average contact and is jumping from Double-A. He does have some speed, as he swiped 29 bases with the Double-A club, but he hasn’t exactly been the best basestealer. His lineup spot and playing time situation makes him a worthy acquisition, but I don’t expect much and would be more confident in Wells above.