Waiver Spotlight: Maicer Izturis

Maicer Izturis has played in 68 games this season for the Los Angeles Angels. 32 times, the switch hitter has started as a two bagger, 19 times as a shortstop. If you happen to be in a Yahoo league, dude is also eligible at third base as well, but why do you care? Surely you do not need a guy who is batting .311 with an OPS of .800. Power is not Maicer's thing, that is for sure, as he only has four homers this season, but he does have eight stolen bases and 45 runs scored, in just 254 plate appearances. Problem is, he is not a full time player, as Howie Kendrick is their starting two bagger, despite Izturis having better numbers no matter what side of the bump the pitcher is throwing from.

The good news is that Izturis has those 19 starts at short and has played in more games than Kendrick this year as it is. Playing time may be an issue, but Mike Scioscia seems to recognize that he may have something special developing with Izturis and is going to get him at-bats. With Erick Aybar showing signs of promise himself, the Angels are going to have to make a decision on a two bagger before too long. Maybe Kendrick could be part of a deal this week, as that would open up second for Izturis fulltime. A move that would give the Angels switch hitters and solid gloves at both middle infield spots.

So if you need some batting average help, which can be one of the most difficult categories to move up in, give Izturis a look. He is currently owned in just 13% of Yahoo leagues and 2.7% of ESPN.com leagues. While you are at it, you should look at Aybar as well, since he is rostered in only 10.8% of ESPN.com leagues and 13% of Yahoo slates. Both can help you in batting average, runs and steals.

See other articles by Michael Bohn at thesportsidiot.com.