We all know that chicks dig the long ball, but in today's day and age fantasy baseball owners want speed to go along with home run potential. It's crazy to think that you're going to find any hitters on the waiver wire with 20/20 potential for 2009. So, let's do Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine a favor and forget about the long ball and focus on five hitters who can help you rack up some stolen bases for your fantasy squad.
Nyjer Morgan, Pirates - In spring training Morgan was thought of as more of a platoon left fielder instead of a full-time player. Instead of going that route, Morgan decided that he wanted to play every day, and his bat is backing up that desire. He's second on the team in at-bats and is hitting .371 with seven RBI. He's owned in only 25.6% of ESPN leagues and he's already stolen three bases. You can definitely sign him in most formats.
Akinori Iwamura, Rays - With the return of B.J. Upton, Iwamura doesn't get that cherry spot at the top of the Rays lineup. It hasn't mattered much as he's still hitting and driving in runs in the eighth spot. Iwamura is batting .344 with four RBI and is only owned in 24% of Yahoo! leagues. His three stolen bases can be a great addition to a fantasy team that needs some speedy assistance.
Endy Chavez, Mariners - With a home run, six RBI and a .405 batting average, Chavez has made the most of everyday playing time with Ichiro absent. You can expect his at-bats to drop a bit with Ichiro back in the mix, but if Chavez keeps producing like this, the Mariners will find ways to get him in the lineup. He has three stolen bases and is only owned in 10% of Yahoo! leagues.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians - Cabrera has never really been known for any kind of stolen base aptitude. But to this point he's stolen two bases in nine games, with three multi-hit games over that span. He has eligibility at both middle infield positions and he's only owned in about 3% of Yahoo! leagues. This may be more of a hot streak than a new-and-improved Cabrera, so if you have space on your roster take a flier. But don't stay on this ride if it starts to slow down.
Brett Gardner, Yankees - The new Yankees center fielder only has three extra-base hits in this young 2009 season, but he is the everyday center fielder. His .258 batting average isn't going to help you in that category, but it may be worth it to get his stolen base potential. He has two stolen bases and is owned in 8% of Yahoo! leagues. You can safely grab him in AL-only leagues. If he finds a way to bring up his on-base percentage then he may become rosterable in mixed leagues too.
