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This past weekend, people celebrated a miracle. We're speaking of Austin Hedges actually getting some hits, including two homers. Easter was pretty cool, too. The San Diego catcher's bat came alive and possibly saved his starting job... for now. If you think that we're going to be suggesting that you pick up Hedges on the basis of a couple of strong games...
Seriously, it's going to take a lot more than that to make us even consider picking up someone who already seems to be sliding back into dormancy. The catcher position is HURTING. How bad is it? Travis d'Arnaud has already climbed to 51% Yahoo! ownership, which has him just missing this list. Don't fret, though. We're going to help you, promise.
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Here are some catcher waiver wire pickups for Week 3, to consider adding to your teams. We'll show you three players to snag in 10-12 player leagues and also three to look out for in two-catcher leagues. All of these players are just at or below 50% ownership in Yahoo! fantasy leagues.
10-12 Team League Catcher Pickups
Stephen Vogt (OAK) - 46% owned
OK, Stephen Vogt is struggling a bit. After he started the season hitting decently well, he's found himself sitting a bit. Here's hoping that that time off will help him bring that .244 average back up to more respectable levels. It'd be one thing if he was hitting with some power, but that's not the case with his lone homer so far. The A's will start a four-game series against Seattle, and he's hit well against Hisashi Iwakuma (.276), Yovani Gallardo (.500), and James Paxton (1.000). He'll be sad to miss Felix Hernandez, whom he's tattooed to the tune of a .433 batting average and two dingers. This will be a chance for him to redeem himself. Take a chance.
Jason Castro (MIN) - 17% owned
This is how the season has gone so far for the catching position. Jason Castro, with seven RBI, is in a four-way tie for third among all backstops. This is not an exciting position so far. If you have insomnia, feel free to scour the stats for catchers... you'll fall asleep very quickly. In fact, I needed a nap before I resumed writing this. Castro might be a good pickup for this week for one reason - he's going to be going up against the Detroit Tigers, his old team, this weekend. That would be worth taking a flyer on.
Francisco Cervelli (PIT) - 19% owned
Although Francisco Cervelli isn't exactly making opposing pitchers and catchers extend their strategy sessions before each series against the Pirates, he is doing fairly decently driving in runners. He's got six RBI and that's good for fourth among catchers. Sure, he's tied with three others, but beggars can't exactly be choosers, can they? Also, the Bucs are going to welcome the Yankees and he'd probably love to show his old team that he still has something. Add a following series against the Cubs and he could get back on track VERY quickly.
Two-Catcher League Pickups
Cameron Rupp (PHI) - 11% owned
Even though Cameron Rupp continues to struggle at the plate, he's still a viable option for the second catcher slot. He did score a run in Wednesday's loss to the Mets, so he did have a little fantasy value, for that day, at least. It's not like any of the catchers are setting the world on fire so far. Don't be quick to judge on a small sample size. If he's still struggling in, say, June or July, then think about dropping him. For now, have him as insurance.
Robinson Chirinos (TEX) - 1% owned
We may have accidentally jinxed Robinson Chirinos last year by touting him before he had a terrible injury. Not to be jerks, but we'll take that chance again. Chirinos is a back-up to Jonathan Lucroy, but the ironic thing is that he has two more RBI than the man he sits for. That pendulum will shift at some point, but right now, just take him as your second catcher. He could net you more runs if he keeps this up.
Sandy Leon (BOS) - 39% owned
Sandy Leon has a big target on his back now. It's the numbers that he posted when he came up last season. People think that he's going to be hovering around .400 again. That's not going to happen. The guy that has one homer and six RBI along with a .265 average? That's the hitter that he's going to be. He's not going to excel in one particular category, but he could give you a solid season across the board and that would be great for a second catcher. Take a shot there.
