Josh Outman and Nolan Reimold: Deep League Waiver Wire

It is time for some more deep league fun. While injuries in mixed leagues do not usually lead to new sources of significant value, it is actually a huge supplier of value in Only leagues. Which is why sometimes I wish I was playing in an Only league this year so I could have an excuse to analyze such players as in the post title. But then I remember how much more your team gets killed when your guy is the one who goes down and I don’t miss playing in Only leagues any more. For those poor souls dealing with a smattering of strained obliques, quads and hamstrings, I have one option for ya. And the others in need of pitching help, I am here for you as well.

Josh Outman, OAK, SP | 6% Owned

Seriously, with that name, he was born to be a Major League pitcher. Just don’t round out that staff with names like Grant Balfour, Bob Walk or Homer Bailey. Outman was once a pretty solid prospect in the Phillies organization, but was traded in 2008 (along with several other pieces) to the Athletics for Joe Blanton. Before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing all of 2010, he posted pretty good strikeout rates, but his control needed some improvement. Though he has not pitched as well as his ERA suggests during his limited Major League innings so far, he has certainly shown the potential to earn some AL-Only value. There are two concerns, however, that should be addressed. First, he is a fly ball pitcher, having allowed 43% of his career balls in play to be lifted into the air. Next, and possibly most importantly, is that his control clearly has not returned just yet. He walked 27 batters in 37.2 innings in Triple-A this year and another 8 in 13 innings since being called up by the A’s. This is no surprise as control is typically last to return to TJ survivors. If you are in desperate need of a flier, might as well take a shot on his control returning sooner rather than later.

Nolan Reimold, BAL, OF | 9% Owned

Reimold was once a pretty strong prospect as well, but at 27 years old already, he could no longer be considered one. After following up several strong stints in the minors, Reimold had a strong debut with the Orioles in 2009, posting a .365 wOBA, which included 15 home runs in 358 at-bats. Unfortunately, his season ended rather prematurely due to an Achilles injury. Opening 2010 as the team’s starting left fielder, he got off to a slow start and never had the chance to recover before being sent down to Triple-A, where he continued to disappoint. Whether this was caused by the residual effects of the foot injury or just a random down season, it caused Reimold to nearly be forgotten. This year, his power has rebounded a bit, but still remains below his previous peak levels. He was striking out more than ever before, though, in Triple-A, which is an added concern. Despite these red flags, he is getting the chance at playing time again and has shown the skills in the past to continue earning at-bats. Though old for a prospect, he is still young enough not to give up on.