Gil Meche had his best season ever in 2007, but was a victim of poor run support.

After getting some insightful feedback, and requests from readers, the editors at Sports Grumblings have decided to tweak the format of our weekly column on the waiver wire, and christen it with a new name.  Going forward, this column will be called Waiver Wire Wonders.  The new setup divides the column into two sections; one that looks at potential pick ups for your average 12 team, mixed league format, and a second section that examines players for deeper mixed, and mono league formats. 

Since we are still in the preseason, Red Sox vs. A’s in Japan notwithstanding, we are primarily looking at players that are largely going un-drafted, or perhaps being undervalued in drafts.  So, let us wade into the shallower end of the player pool to find some mixed league gems.

Mixed League Options

Gil Meche – Starting Pitcher – Kansas City Royals – It’s very easy to overlook Meche’s 2007 effort because he only came away with nine wins for his troubles.  However, Meche was a victim of terrible run support from his team, which was 27^th among the 30 ML teams in runs scored.  The Royals averaged just 3.8 runs in Meche’s starts last season, only one other pitcher in MLB got less help from his team.  He posted a career low 3.67 ERA and struck out 156 batters in 216 innings, and also had a career best WHIP of 1.29.  The Royals offense should be greatly improved this season with the addition of Jose Guillen, and better second year efforts from Alex Gordon and Billy Butler.  If Meche can continue to induce ground balls at last year’s 47% rate, and maintain his K:BB ratio and command of the strike zone, he could rack up 12-15 wins this season.  He’s a fine draft pick for the back end of your fantasy rotation, especially if attention is paid to his match ups during the season.

Matt Diaz – Outfielder – Atlanta Braves – Diaz is a prototype line drive hitter that puts the ball in play more often than not.  For the past four seasons, the Braves have used him in a platoon in left field with Willie Harris, which could leave Diaz overlooked in fantasy drafts.  Well, Harris is gone, and the Braves are poised to hand Diaz the job in left full-time, which creates a unique opportunity for fantasy managers.  Some analysts look at the high BAPIP Diaz had last season (.378) and worry that he cannot possibly sustain that kind of luck.  The amazing thing is, Diaz’s BABIP has actually averaged .410 for the last four years, which means he is either incredibly lucky, or a highly skilled line drive hitter.  I believe it is the latter.  With the opportunity that a full-time job brings, Diaz should post higher HR and RBI totals than in years past, but it is possible that his lofty batting average of the last few years comes down a tad.  Still, he should be good for something close to .300, with 20 home runs, 70 RBI, and 60 runs well within his reach.  

Brian Giles – Outfielder – San Diego Padres – Giles had microfracture surgery on his knee last November to correct an injury that has hampered his performance the last two seasons.  Reportedly, he came to camp this spring in the best shape of his career, and is looking to return to his former production.  Now 36 years old, his goal is probably going to be tough to reach, but there is no reason to believe he cannot put up decent numbers for a fourth or fifth fantasy squad outfielder.  His home ball park does not help much, as his splits indicate; he had 12 home runs on the road last year as opposed to only one in Petco, and his road average was .299 but only .241 at home.  Given that he will play 81 games in Petco, look for Giles to put up an average around .280 with about 18 home runs and 70 RBI if he plays 150 games this season.

Travis Buck – Outfielder – Oakland Athletics – Buck played roughly a half season of baseball last year, compiling an average of .288 with seven home runs and 34 RBI in 82 games before an elbow injury ended his season in late August.  Buck showed excellent patience at the plate and solid hitting skills across the board.  His OBP of .377 makes him a great lead off candidate, and it appears the A’s will again use him in that role this season.  In addition to developing power, Buck has some speed that will also get put to good use as the leadoff hitter.  Some touts point to his many injuries last season (hamstrings, elbow, and thumb) and warn of his fragility, but this 24-year-old outfielder should be past those injuries now, and could be poised to break out this season.  Buck will likely hit for high average, post 15-20 home runs, and could steal a dozen or more bases for the savvy fantasy manager who drafts him.