Waiver Wire: Orlando Hudson, Alberto Callaspo, Jeff Francoeur

In today’s waiver wire, I give you two safe middle infield options, as well as an outfielder that may make you throw up in your mouth. Just a little bit.

Orlando Hudson | 9% Owned (Y!) | 6% Owned (ESPN)
Snagged off the free agent market this past offseason, Hudson has been a strange fit for the Padres. Hudson is many things, but he’s not much of a number three hitter, which is where the Friars have chosen to stash him on most days. However, Hudson has hit well and gotten on base right away for San Diego, but some of that is fueled by a .406 BABIP. What’s more exciting about Hudson is what he’s doing when he gets on base. Hudson has never stolen more than ten bases in one season, but he’s already swiped five bags in 2011. He’s a bit old to have a renaissance on the base paths, but with the Padres offense a bit light on, well, offense, Hudson may be forced to try to steal more bases then he’s used to. If he does, he’s a useful fantasy piece, and an underrated one at that. Picking up someone like O-Dog may feel like old hat, but there’s nothing wrong with the path you’ve been down before. Unless, of course, going down that path caused you serious bodily harm and psychological trauma. Then by all means, pick up someone other than Hudson.

Alberto Callaspo | 27% | 32%
Sort of like Hudson, Callaspo has never really been a sexy fantasy option, but he’s been a low risk option. Callaspo does a great job keeping the strikeouts to a minimum, and that allows him to hit above .300 without ridiculous BABIPs. This season has been no exception, as the infielder is hitting .317 with a BABIP of only .306. Callaspo isn’t second base eligible in ESPN leagues, and that curbs his value significantly, but that shouldn’t stop Yahoo! owners from taking advantage and adding him as a backup or middle infielder. Plus, with Erick Aybar out for the time being, you won’t have to worry about Callaspo being taken out of the Halos lineup any time soon.

Jeff Francoeur | 7% | 8%
Yes, that Jeff Francoeur. Before you close this tab (or window, for the over 50 crowd), hear me out. Frenchy may not be a great real life player, but he’s been serviceable for fantasy owners in the past. Oddly enough, he’s hit for a high batting average every other year, and this would be one of the those years. He’ll be playing everyday for the Royals, so he’ll be able to rack up some RBIs and Rs if you give him the chance. It may sting a little, but don’t be afraid to add Francoeur if you’re in need of an outfielder in slightly deeper leagues.





Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.

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Mat
12 years ago

Jeff Francoeur?

Adam D
12 years ago
Reply to  Mat

Sorry… I closed my tab. What was said about him?

Aaron
12 years ago
Reply to  Adam D

Tab?