Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Saves and Steals in Week 9

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It's once again time to speculate on the best options for saves and steals this week in fantasy baseball.

As MLB bullpens continue to be in flux and league-wide steals remain sparse, it's important to strike while the iron is hot in order to maximize the two most pesky stats in the fantasy baseball game.

Here are three saves or steals options available in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball leagues.

Steals: Mallex Smith, OF, Seattle Mariners

With a crowded outfield in Seattle, a slumping Mallex Smith was sent down to the Minors on April 30 for some fine tuning. It seems like he got his bat right, hitting .332 at Triple-A Tacoma, and was promoted back to the big leagues on May 16. After struggling upon his return while batting from the Mariners' nine hole, Smith broke out in a big way on May 27, when he went for the stolen-base cycle (stealing first, second, third and home in a single game). He was rewarded with the leadoff spot in his next start, going 3-for-5 with two RBI yesterday. Smith, who is available in 33 percent of Yahoo! leagues, should now be one of the league's premier stolen base threats again. That proved to be the case as he stole a base in Wednesday afternoon's contest, putting his season steals total at 13 in 37 contests.

Saves: Marcus Walden, RP, Boston Red Sox

Up until this point in the season, the Boston Red Sox have yet to name a closer with Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier splitting the load. Brasier leads the pack with six saves, but he blew up in spectacular fashion recently against the Indians – giving up three runs, while failing to record an out, en route to a blown save. This may open the door again for Barnes, who has pitched great this season to the tune of a 2.08 ERA and 39 Ks in 21 2/3 innings pitched. However, Walden, who is owned in 32 percent of Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball leagues, is another name to consider now, after recording his first save on May 26.

Steals: JaCoby Jones, OF, Detroit Tigers

For those in need of a stolen bases, JaCoby Jones could be a viable option, after going on a recent swipe surge – three in his last four games coming into Wednesday night's contest. That could become a trend if he continues to get the green light for the Tigers. The fourth-year pro (owned in just two percent of Yahoo! leagues) now has four steals in May, and perhaps his .391 OBP over his last 42 at-bats will lead to a more steal opportunities for the speedy outfielder.

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