Hopefully all of our RotoExperts readers (RotoReaders?) survived last week's vacation without our typical waiver wire recommendations. We're confident that you NL owners were able to pick up C.C. Sabathia and Rich Harden all by your little bitty selves. Waiver Wire Tips returns to unearth this week's fantasy free agent gems.

Is Josh Hamilton done hitting yet? I haven't viewed the Home Run Derby as anything more than background noise for years, but Hamilton turned it into a spectacle. The guy just has an unnatural ability to hit the ball hard with every swing. Like everyone else, I'm trying to decide what to make of his incredible story. The guy barely played baseball for three years. In the minor leagues, he had only 34 AB above Single-A. What he's doing now at the major league level is nothing short of phenomenal. Hamilton had 95 RBIs before the All-Star break. He is THE story of the season so far. But is he the hero that some are making him out to be? There are plenty of talented players who never had to battle back from self-inflicted problems. By celebrating Hamilton's success so much, are we selling other players short? Hamilton was blessed with incredible physical tools and almost threw it away. We should certainly marvel at his talents, but I'm not sure we need to celebrate the path he has taken. So while I'm stuck in limbo regarding Hamilton, I'll just hope that he has truly conquered his demons and can help show others the way. Are you listening, Jeff Allison?

Now that I've climbed down from my pulpit, it's time to dig deep for this week's waiver wire nuggets. With some MLB teams throwing in the towel and trading away useful players, new opportunities will be opening up in the coming weeks. Now is not the time to turn all of your attention to football (though if you do, RotoExperts Fantasy Football Draft Central is the place to go). A shrewd move in the next few weeks may be the difference between covering yourself in a frothy chocolate beverage (Old School Style) or <sarcasm> soaking in all the glamour of second place.</sarcasm>

[all statistics current through Friday, July 18].

NOW THAT SPELLS RELIEF
A look at the top prospects to deliver value as closers, setup men, and long relievers at this point of the season.

A freak that brings the Heat. Zumaya is the real deal. Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Joel Zumaya, RP, DET
Zumaya is back, is presumably healthy, and is throwing as hard as ever. Jim Leyland has publicly stated that Todd Jones will be used more sparingly for the remainder of the season. Zumaya is without a doubt the next in line for saves, and that is reason enough to grab him if he's available in your league. There are reasons to be a little cautious, however. Somehow, Zumaya has achieved a sparkling ERA of 1.59 with a WHIP of 2.12. How do you do that, you ask? By walking 12 hitters in 11-plus innings. If a few saves will make a difference for your team, then by all means give Zumaya a shot. If you are in a tight race in the WHIP category, you might not want to take the small risk. Keeper league owners should be all over him regardless of your situation.

Chad Gaudin, RP, CHC
Rich Harden has the name, but many experts think Gaudin may end up being the key to the recent trade. Gaudin started 34 games as recently as last year, but those came with inconsistent results. This year, he has done a nice job in middle relief and will be an important addition to the suddenly struggling Cubs bullpen. Gaudin has struggled with command throughout his career, but at age 25, he is young enough to have room for growth. He's probably not going to see any save opportunities in Chicago, but Chad could be a cheap source of Ks for your fantasy team. As always, a safe middle reliever is a much better pick-up than a Josh Fogg type starter.

Chad Durbin, RP, PHI
Living down here in Florida, I guess I have a thing for Chads (I know... lame). This Chad has not been dangling anything, however, and he has a nice 1.89 ERA. In mono-leagues, a reliever like Durbin can contribute to the counting categories in a productive way without hurting your ratios. Durbin probably won't get even a sniff at a save opportunity, but when if you have a starting pitcher hurting your team, Durbin could be the cure.

CALL TO ARMS
Get your starting pitchers here! … Maybe… Targeting starting pitchers on the waiver wire is a dangerous practice, but here are a few who might have something to offer.

Josh Johnson, SP, FLA
Johnson was all the rage in early 2006, when he burst onto the scene with electric stuff and solid results. 2007 was a different story, as Josh struggled early, and then went under the knife for Tommy John surgery. Reports have Johnson hitting the mid to high 90s with his fastball, which is actually faster than he threw before the surgery. He's likely to struggle with his command, as he's less than a year removed from surgery, but the prospect of a pitcher like Johnson working in a park like Dolphin Stadium is too much to pass up. In keeper leagues, getting a guy like Johnson cheap could be a huge headstart towards a 2009 title.

Gio Gonzalez, SP, OAK
As of this writing Gonzalez is still pitching in Sacramento, but with the trade of Joe Blanton, he will likely be on the mound in Oakland soon. Gonzalez has seen mixed results in the minors, but he has always averaged more than a strikeout an inning. He may be the rare pitcher whose stuff translates better at the major league level than it did in the minors. His curveball and fastball are major-league ready, and his change up has become a viable option. He's likely to be inconsistent, but this is one Gio (you knew it was coming) I want parked in my garage.

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES
Lacking home runs?  Stuck with a dearth of stolen bases?  Here are some ideas to better shore up your offense.

Matt Diaz, OF, ATL
Diaz could be off the DL within the week. He's recovering from a strained posterior cruciate ligament and is currently struggling with the adjustment to a brace, so there are concerns. This is still a player who has hit over .330 in his last 655 AB. He has moderate power, but if he's healthy enough, there are no huge roadblocks to his playing time. Diaz will not be the savior of your fantasy team, but if you have a hole to fill, he can help out in BA and contribute a little bit in all areas.

Jeff Keppinger, SS/3B, CIN
With Jerry Hairston once again on the DL, Keppinger returns to full-time duty. Keppinger was doing a fine job as the everyday shortstop before he went on the DL. He adds little power or speed, but if you need a versatile player who has hit better than .300 in the last two years combined, Keppinger is your man. He typically bats at the top of the line-up when he plays, so he will also score his fair share of runs.

Fernando Tatis, 3B/OF, NYM
Tatis is coming off a strong year that saw him hit 34 HR with 107 RBI ... Wait, no, that was 1999. Sure Tatis takes a year off here and there, but he is absolutely on fire right now. With the concussion issues that Ryan Church is facing, and with Moises Alou permanently stationed on the disabled list, there is no reason why Tatis won't see regular playing time for the foreseeable future. He's not an option in keeper leagues by any stretch of the imagination, but those of you in deeper leagues should ride Tatis until he cools off.

Joey Gathright, OF, KC
Listen, I absolutely hate Gathright. The man just cannot hit. In 1,100 major league at bats, he has exactly one HR, and that was probably an inside-the-park job. His BA is hovering around .250, and he doesn't see full time action...BUT, he has 19 SB. The 12-plus SB he will get the rest of the season could get your team three or four points. Can you afford to take the hit in the power categories?

Doug Anderson has been playing fantasy baseball for 31 years. When he's not playing fantasy baseball or thinking about playing fantasy baseball, he likes to,...Well, he does absolutely nothing else. If you have a question, comment, or just want to tell him how clueless he is, shoot an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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