Chris Davis and Justin Turner: Deep League Waiver Wire

Maybe I should have scrapped the deep league waiver wire and started a new weekly, nay, daily, series entitled “I need a @$%^&*# third baseman!!!!” Unfortunately, since I am one of those poor owners who screams that every morning, I am afraid I cannot offer other owners any help. So instead I will once again point to some meh players who might be available in deeper leagues and might generate some value.

Chris Davis 1B | 5% Owned

Who else remembers Bill James‘ outrageous 2009 projection for Davis? While he showed good power with a .205 ISO and 19.6% HR/FB ratio, it is difficult to succeed at the plate when you choose not to take a walk and strike out in nearly 40% of your at-bats. After suffering through several injuries, the Rangers were forced to welcome back Davis, allowing him to rack up 43 at-bats since mid-April. So far, it’s the same old Chris Davis though: striking out a ton, while showing good power. This recommendation may be a little late as Davis could very well be sent back down as soon as Nelson Cruz returns, but there’s always the chance this does not happen or Cruz has a setback. In addition, Davis’ power might make him an attractive target for other teams trying to catch lightning in a bottle. So in deep leagues where the pickings are slim, he may be worth the cheap gamble.

Justin Turner 2B | 6% Owned

Turner is the latest horse on the Mets second base carousel. Some solid hitting has enabled him to draw regular starts over the last week and as any deep league owner knows, accumulate the most at-bats and you will almost guarantee yourself a top offense. Turner has shown some pop in the minors, despite that power not yet translating to the Majors, and he makes pretty good contact. He has a bit of speed as well, so would probably steal 10 bases or so in a full season of at-bats. With David Wright having been placed on the DL, he will receive full time at-bats at the hot corner for the time being. While he does not excel at any one skill, he is decent enough everywhere to generate some deep league value, even if his starting gig, whether at second or third, ends up not lasting too much longer.