Nick Markakis (OF, BAL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add In AL Only Leagues and Deeper Mixed Leagues

ANALYSIS: At only 57% owned in Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues, the Orioles most undervalued outfielder Nick Markakis lurks while having himself a career renaissance year thus far in 2014. Much of his success stems from the fact that he is batting leadoff, with some all-star power hitters protecting him in the lineup, and limiting the pitches he's going to see to a plethora of fastballs. That being the case, you still have to be a skilled and polished professional hitter to bat a smooth .309 with 5 HR, 24 RBI and 27 runs in the first 256 at bats of the season. Since the former 7th overall pick out of Glen Cove, NY (2003 draft) has a very long track record of being able to perform to the standards of the big show, we really like his chances to sustain the current career best pace he is on. Couple that with the fact that he's playing for a new contract after this season and we have ourselves a bonafide fantasy waiver wire stud. Just for the record, even though I have personally owned Markakis in a 10 team mixed league for the better part of this season (because I was fortunate to snag him early enough as a replacement for Bryce Harper), it does not necessarily mean he is the perfect fit for every 10 team 5x5 roto format (or head to head league). With that being said, who doesn't like a .300 batting average leadoff hitter, who plays for a super potent offense, and half his games in a known band box? Ultimately the choice is yours, but if it were our choice, you would be rostering the former Greek National team fireballer as one of your 5 outfielders for any mixed league over 10 teams, and certainly every single AL Only league known to mankind. Rush, rush get Markakis; before it's way too late.