Each year there are players who exceed expectations, leap off the waiver wire and become quality fantasy baseball players. Here are four players experiencing early season success, that are definite candidates to make a difference in fantasy leagues, but are owned in less than 70 percent of ESPN.com Fantasy Leagues.
Akinori Iwamura, 3B, Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Iwamura was the least heralded player heading over from Japan this off season, which is why he ended up with the Devil Rays. His defensive prowess means he will remain in the lineup for the entire season and so far this season he has shown he can hit Major League pitching with a .389 batting average. He also has three stolen bases. He is only owned in 67.9 percent of ESPN Fantasy Baseball leagues, but owners are catching on, he's experienced a 12 percent jump this week.
Chuck James, SP, Atlanta Braves
The Braves always seem to find pitching and James is just the latest revelation. In two early games this season he has pitched well allowing, zero runs in six innings against the Nationals and one in five innings against the Phillies. He also has 10 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched. In a division that includes the Marlins and Nationals James should get the chance to pitch a lot against less impressive lineups. James is only owned in 23.6 percent of ESPN leagues and is definitely worth checking out if your staff has struggled early.
Juan Uribe, SS, Chicago White Sox
Uribe was not drafted in many fantasy leagues even after hitting 21 homeruns last season. He has started off hot this season in the power department as well belting three long balls. His average will continue to hover around .260, but if you need some pop in your lineup or your shortstop is struggling, he’s someone to look at it. He is only owned in 8.4 percent of ESPN leagues.
Derrick Turnbow, RP, Milwaukee Brewers
Middle relievers are not popular draft picks during fantasy drafts, but they can prove invaluable during a season. They keep down a fantasy team’s WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) and ERA. They can also provide the occasional vulture win, when a reliever gets a victory thanks to his team's late comeback. Turnbow is a particularly good addition because he is the set-up man for the Brewers, so if Francisco Cordero struggles he may get a chance to close again. Otherwise, Turnbow will provide strikeouts and a low ERA. He is only owned in 13.1 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.
