Killer K's: Fantasy Baseball Strikeout Pitchers on the Waiver Wire and Trading Block

If your fantasy baseball team is in dire need of help in the category of strikeouts, a quick trip to the waiver wire or trading block may be just what the doctor ordered. However, there may be some side effects from the medication the fantasy doctor prescribes. In other words, you may be able to pick up a pitcher or two to help out with some much-needed K's but these same pitchers also come with some pretty nasty ERA and WHIP numbers, so be prepared. If you are firmed up in the ratio categories, then feel free to acquire some of the following pitchers to deliver some valuable strikeouts to your fantasy baseball squad:

Rich Harden (OAK) –

If it's strikeouts you need, then look no further than Harden. With 9.5 K/9 in 2011 (and a career mark of 9.1), Harden will deliver the K's. However, his 4.63 ERA in 2011 won't help much in that category and a career 4.12 BB/9 means you can expect a poor WHIP as well. Considering the Athletics' inability to deal him at the deadline to a better offensive team and he simply can't be relied upon to deliver many wins either.

Jonathan Sanchez (SF) –

With 9.2 K/9 in 2011, Sanchez can be counted upon for strikeouts. However, with a 5.8 BB/9 this season (and a league-leading 96 walks in 2010), he can also be expected to hurt your fantasy team in the WHIP category (1.44 so far in 2011). With career marks of 4.24 and 1.39 in ERA and WHIP respectively, expect more of the same for the rest of this season.

Felipe Paulino (KC) –

Since moving from the Rockies bullpen to the Royals' starting rotation, Paulino has maintained a constant strikeout rate of 8.6 K/9. Although his 4.19 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 2011 are due in large part to his time at Coors Field, Paulino offers your fantasy team some cheap K's and little else.

Tom Gorzelanny (WAS) –

Having been recently demoted to the bullpen by the Nationals, Gorzelanny is worth keeping an eye on. If he returns to the starting rotation (a real possibility considering Ross Detwiler's career statistics as a starter and the fact that Jordan Zimmermann is on an innings limit), he may be able to deliver some key strikeout totals down the stretch. His rate in 2011 is an impressive 8.2 K/9. His 1.33 WHIP and 4.52 ERA are less impressive so far this season. Also of note is the fact that Gorzelanny has walked batters at a 2.85 BB/9 clip this season after posting a 4.5 BB/9 in 2010. Look for some K's and nothing else of value.

Danny Duffy (KC) –

Another Royals' starter who delivers strikeouts and little else of value to your fantasy team, the rookie has struck out batters to the tune of 7.9 K/9 in 2011 but it has come at a price. He has also delivered fantasy team-killing totals of 5.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in a 2011 season which has seen Duffy bounce up-and-down between the big club and the minors. He should stick in the Royals' rotation for now and give you some strikeouts (and inflated ratios).

A.J. Burnett (NYY) –

Long a poster boy for empty strikeout totals, Burnett can be a frustrating player for fantasy owners and pitching coaches alike. Whether his problem is related to mechanics, pitch sequencing or mental state is unknown. What is known is that Burnett always seems to be pitching out of a jam but delivers strikeouts consistently. As long as you are willing to accept the high K totals and bear the brunt of his peripheral stats, Burnett will not disappoint. Be forewarned that he is not for the faint of heart.

James McDonald (PIT) –

After bouncing between the Dodgers' bullpen and starting rotation in 2010, J-Mac was dealt to the Pirates and delivered some nice results late last season. The early going in 2011 was not kind to McDonald as he was battered around in several outings early on. That being said, he has evened out his ERA somewhat at 4.23 but his WHIP still stands at an ugly 1.52. Take the strikeouts to the bank (7.57 K/9) and live with the rest.

If it's strikeouts you need, then rest assured, there are options available on the waiver wire and trading block. As long as your ERA and WHIP categories are solid, these pitchers can help you out down the stretch. Proceed with caution and you might just get the statistical push you need to pull ahead of the pack.