DEEP League Waiver Wire

by
April 26, 2016

The biggest challenge writing for deep league managers is trying to cover the broad continuum of league depths in a limited space each week. In response to last week’s column, one commenter lamented that both of the players recommended had been rostered in his 20-team league since the start of the season. So for you masochists out there languishing in the bowels of waiver wire obscurity, I present you with this special Über Deep League Waiver Wire edition.

Hector Neris (5% Yahoo, 3.6% ESPN, 6% CBS) – do you know who leads all relievers in swinging strike rate this season? How cool would it be if the answer to this question wasn’t Hector Neris? Sorry, it’s Hector Neris. At the time of this writing, he also ranked 4th in K-rate and 7th in K-BB%, complementing elite swing-and-miss stuff with above average control. Neris is also inducing lots of soft contact, including pop-ups, that so far have helped keep his BABIP low.

His performance is even more notable when put in the context of the rest of Philadelphia’s bullpen. Phillies’ relievers are currently sporting a negative WAR, 5.33 FIP, 4.00 xFIP, and rank 28th in HR/9. Neris also compares favorably to the three pitchers currently ahead of him for save opportunities. Caveats here include the obvious small sample sizes, particularly for Andrew Bailey, and that it remains to be seen how Neris would fare in high leverage situations.

FIP K%-BB% SwStr%
Jeanmar Gomez 3.43 13.60% 9.60%
David Hernandez 4.27 26.30% 13.70%
Andrew Bailey (combined MiLB & MLB) 1.13 30.79% 4.70%*
Hector Neris 0.94 36.90% 23.50%

*No MiLB data; based of 2 IP of MLB work

 

If Neris continues to limit hard contact, keep the ball on the ground, and strike out over a batter and a half per inning, he may begin to force the Phillies’ hand. But even ignoring the long-term prospect of save opportunities, Neris is a valuable addition to anyone looking for help with rate stats and Ks. Think of saves as a potential reward for your faith in Neris or lack thereof in the Phillies.

*Overnight, since I started writing this article, Neris’ ownership rate has increased in all 3 formats. So get on it.

 

Jason Rogers (0% Yahoo, 0.1% ESPN, 0% CBS) – Disclaimer: this is a deeeeeep league recommendation. The Pirates called up Rogers over the weekend and inserted him into the lineup immediately. He started at first base against the Padres’ lefties on Friday and Sunday, batting 6th and 5th, respectively. Prior to being pinch hit for on Sunday, Rogers made the most of his five plate appearances, hitting a triple and walking twice.

Having played both corner infield and outfield spots in the minors, Rogers could possibly earn multi-position eligibility in formats with loose requirements. However, I wouldn’t count on the ability to plug him in at third anytime soon, especially considering he’s currently on the short side of a platoon.

I’d be far more reticent to use a roster spot on Rogers if he was in a platoon simply because he couldn’t hit righties. The fact is he’s actually hit both righties and lefties well in the minors and that it’s John Jaso’s inability to hit lefties that affords Rogers the opportunity. Therefore, a Jaso injury or slump could be all that stands in his way. At least until the arrival of Josh Bell.

Rogers has usually been a little old for the level he’s played at so discount his minor league production appropriately. Regardless, he’s an intriguing play in deep leagues with daily updates, especially those counting OBP.

The Pirates are scheduled to face Jorge de la Rosa at some point this week at Coors, a juicy matchup for those in daily leagues. If you don’t currently have a roster spot to spare, keep an eye on his playing time. If Rogers starts finding plate appearances against righties, pounce.





 

Rylan writes for Fangraphs and The Hardball Times. Look for his weekly Deep League Waiver Wire and The Chacon Zone columns this season.

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Peter
8 years ago

I would probably not count on Rogers getting much playing time. Once Jung-Ho Kang returns from the DL the pirates plan on using David Freese as the platoon with Jaso. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rogers goes back to AAA once Kang returns.

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bjef4844
8 years ago
Reply to  Peter

That’s why is a deep league recommendation. In a 20 team league you are looking for a lottery ticket. Having said that moving forward recommendations should come with a footnote around which size league this would apply to. Articles like don’t help the 10-12 team leagues but have potentially more value in 14-16 team leagues.

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