Chris Denorfia and Trevor Plouffe: Deep League Waiver Wire

In today’s look at the deep league waiver wire, one of the players has a wicked sweet last name.

Chris Denorfia, OF, Padres | 2% Owned (Y!) | 1% Owned (ESPN)
While he wasn’t slated to be a full-time starter, Denorfia still fell into over 300 plate appearances last season, and he made the best of them. Denorfia almost posted a 10-10 season, and his batting average was above .270. Unfortunately, Denorfia was in his age-29 season, so his “breakout” came a little too late in his career. Luckily for the Padres, Denorfia is a very patient hitter with contact skills that are at least average, and usually above-average, so he could have a career that lasts awhile longer.

The Padres kept the outfielder around for 2011, thanks in part to his ability to play all three outfield spots. In fact, if you’re in a league that uses specific outfield slots, Denorfia is eligible in left, center and right, so he makes a great fill in and bench option, even if you don’t ever plan on letting him sniff the starting lineup.

With Will Venable failing to reach base at a reasonable rate and having a SLG lower than his OBP, the Padres seem to be willing to play Denorfia in more than just a platoon role. If Denorfia keeps playing four times a week, he’s a great addition in deep leagues.

Trevor Plouffe, SS, Twins | 2% | 0%
Thanks to Tsuyoshi Nishioka landing on the Disabled List and Alexi Casilla’s general incompetence, the Twins have given Plouffe a shot at being their everyday shortstop. In a small sample, Plouffe has been more than serviceable for Minnesota, walking at a high rate, hitting for some power, and posting a nice batting average. Sadly, this batting average will probably not last, as he isn’t hitting line drives and he’s never had high BABIPs in the minors.

Once Nishioka comes back, Plouffe could be in danger of losing a vast majority of his playing time, but this writer thinks he’ll keep playing if his batting average stays high. He’s not a great addition in any league at the moment, but if you’re looking for a stopgap, at least he’s playing right now.