By Kevin Kleps, Fantasy Baseball Correspondent
A look at popular names on the fantasy waiver wire, and whether they’re worth the transaction fee that comes along with their hot start.
1. Rafael Betancourt, Indians
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Joe Borowski's recent flameout has given the closer's job to the right-hander who was brilliant as a setup man last season (1.47 ERA). Betancourt has struggled as a closer in the past (he's 12-for-29 in save opportunities in his career), but he should rack up some saves for a team that was expected to contend for the American League title. The Indians are saying Borowski will be the closer when he returns from his triceps injury, but if Betancourt dominates as he did in 2007, don't count on it. Verdict: Part-time fantasy starter.
2. Joe Crede, Chicago White Sox
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Phenom Josh Fields' big-league career has been put on hold by this 2006 fantasy standout's early resurgence. After driving in only 22 runs in 2007, a season that was cut short by a back injury, Crede hit four home runs and drove in 16 runs in his first 48 at-bats this year. He's looked like the guy who hit 30 homers with 94 RBI in 2006. Get him in your lineup and hope he keeps it up. Verdict: Fantasy starter.
3. Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds
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Cueto had 18 strikeouts and no walks in winning his first two starts before allowing five runs in six innings in a loss to the Pirates on April 13. Volquez enters his April 17 start against the Cubs with nine strikeouts and a 0.87 ERA in his first two starts. Cueto is 22 and Volquez 24. Both spent time in Class A in 2007. Of the two, I'd give Cueto a slight edge, but don't expect either guy to be a No. 1, 2 or 3 starter for you. Verdict: Part-time fantasy starters, depending on the matchups.
4. Gavin Floyd, Chicago White Sox
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Floyd no-hit the toothless Tigers for 7 1/3 innings in his second start, and he's 2-0 with a 2.02 ERA. The problem: He's not going to help you in the strikeout department (only six in his first 13 1/3 innings). Verdict: Part-time fantasy starter, but only with a favorable matchup.
5. Edwin Jackson, Tampa Bay Rays
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He won his first two starts, then returned to normal April 15, when he allowed five runs in as many innings in a loss to the Yankees. Yes, he had a 0.64 ERA in his first two starts, but don't forget he lost 15 games and had a 5.76 ERA last season. Verdict: Save your money.
6. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
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Tampa Bay finally came to its senses (unless you're among those who believe the Rays' top prospect was initially sent to the minors to delay his free agency by a year) and called up this future stud. Longoria, a third baseman, responded by getting four hits in his first three games and walking four times in his first four. This soon-to-be fantasy starter had 26 homers and 95 RBI in a combined 485 at-bats in Double- and Triple-A last season. Verdict: Fantasy backup, but should be a starter at some point this season.
