Dixon’s Picks: Waiver Wire Additions for the Week of September 2

Photo courtesy of Mike LaChance.

If you’re looking to stream this week, remember one thing. All three of the guys I’m recommending pitch on Monday, and most of the league is playing day games, since it’s Labor Day. So, if you’re going to sign these guys, act fast.

Before we get into some picks, take a look at my total numbers after last week’s contributions of Tyson Ross, Jon Niese, and Jarred Cosart.

Now, Cosart got bumped back, so he didn’t go twice last week. That does mean that he’s scheduled for two outings this week and while he’s normally be a candidate, I don’t like his outing against the A’s over the weekend. If you took my advice last week, you got decent production from him in the ERA department, but a terrible WHIP. Five walks in six outings will do that. If he’s walking five against the free-swinging White Sox, I don’t want to take my chances against the ultimate Moneyball team in Oakland.

But, let’s take a look at some guys who are good picks this week.

• Paul Maholm, Atlanta Braves — Probable Starts: Monday vs. New York Mets, Sunday at Philadelphia Phillies

Paul Maholm hasn’t had a fantastic season, but does come into the week moderately hot, with a strong outing against the Indians in his last start, and an okay one against the Cardinals before that. Before that, he was on the DL for a month with an injury.

The other advantage with Maholm is that the Mets and Phillies are two offenses that come in at the bottom half of the league in pretty much every category. That, combined with roster expansion and possible untested Major League hitters taking some at-bats, and you have a pretty good matchup. Streaming can be a little rough in September, as deeper bullpens mean starters have a shorter leash to work with. But, it’s also got its advantages, as the pitchers could well be facing hitters not quite ready for the Major League level. It’s a double-edged sword.

This week, I think you’ll get the right end of that double-edged sword with Maholm. He’s had decent outings since returning against far more dangerous offenses and while Maholm isn’t what you’d call a great pitcher, he’s a pretty good bet for the week.

Maholm’s Projections for the Week

• Andrew Albers, Minnesota Twins — Probable Starts: Monday at Houston Astros, Sunday at Toronto Blue Jays

There’s no doubt that Andrew Albers had a few rough outings against the Tigers and White Sox. But I’m looking at it a little differently for a few reasons.

1. The Kansas City Royals offense has been very effective, and Albers’ outing against them in his last start was very strong, even though he did take a loss.
2. In those two outings, he allowed 10 combined earned runs on 17 hits and two walks in only 12.2 innings. That works out to an ERA over 7 and a WHIP at 1.50. Still, although he’s made only five starts this season, his ERA is 2.92 while his WHIP is 0.86.

I don’t worry much about the Astros. While the Blue Jays are a little more lethal, they have been terribly inconsistent all year. Also, while Jose Bautista could technically be back by then, it’s highly unlikely. The Blue Jays would be quite stupid to rush him back. Throw in other injuries (Melky Cabrera, Colby Rasmus), an expanded roster of Minor League players, and you’re looking at an offense that’s a shell of its former self. On top of that, Target Field is far better on pitchers than Rogers Centre, and this is a pretty good bet.

Albers’ Projections for the Week

• Travis Wood, Chicago Cubs — Probable Starts: Monday vs. Miami Marlins, Sunday vs. Milwaukee Brewers

A quick note on Travis Wood. When I wrote this, he barely had enough availability to be on this list. By the time you read this, he may well have over 50 percent ownership, especially with a start against the Marlins on Monday.

Now, you have to love this week. The Marlins speak for themselves. They have a lot of talent in the organization, but not much on the Major League roster. Although it has gotten better with the calling up over players like Christian Yelich, they’re still one of the best streaming options in baseball.

The Brewers have a lot of talent on offense, but they’re still a highly inconsistent offense. A pitcher who’s having a season like Wood is should do well against them. Well, at least it’s worth a bet, especially if you’re in need of some help at the end of the week.

Wood’s Projections for the Week