Wilin Rosario (C/1B, COL) - Waiver Wire Analysis

BALLER MOVE: Add in NL only leagues / 12-14 Team Two-Catcher Leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Through 23 games and only 67 plate appearances, Wilin Rosario has batted .318/.328/.515 with 2 HR, 8 R, 8 RBI, and a stolen base. Rosario has gotten consistent playing time in the last two weeks since starting first baseman Justin Morneau went on the DL with a concussion. In that time Rosario has gotten a prime lineup spot batting fifth behind Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki.

There are two reasons to consider Rosario long term. First, the last time Morneau had a concussion, it ended up taking him years to really recover. So far we have seen that Morneau will not be called back up when his DL stint is over as a precaution for his medical history. That gives reason to believe that Rosario can stick around for a while.

The other reason is that the two of them form a great platoon. Rosario has been mashing lefties since he has been called up to the tune of .417/.440/.667 with a .250 ISO. He has been drawing a few walks and his 8% whiff rate means that he is really making the most of his PA against lefties.

Morneau so far on the year has a line of .290/.317/.450 with 3 HR, 10 R, and  9 RBI in 104 PA. Against righties, however, Morneau has batted .275/.310/.425 and hit all three of his homers.

These two stat lines together would make an impressive platoon. The Rockies can keep Morneau healthy and fresh and  utilize the bat of Rosario. Even as the short side of the platoon, Rosario's catcher eligibility is a boost to his value. Playing in a little less than half the games, he should have compile better stats than many backstops.