Alberto Callaspo (2B/3B, Angels) – 27% owned.  In 2009, Callaspo was the darling of AL-only owners, when he came out of seemingly nowhere to hit .300 with an .813 OPS and 60 extra base hits.  2010, however, was tougher – traded midseason to the Angels, Albert-O! struggled mightily over the final 60 games, batting only .249 with two home runs and an OPS of .605 as a Halo.  But having been handed the starting 3B job in spring training this season, Callaspo is rapping to the tune of a .314 average, .792 OPS and double-digit runs and RBIs.  With all the injuries and inconsistency out there at 3B, I have no reason to think Callaspo isn’t a worthy investment.

Cameron Maybin (OF, Padres) – 25%.  This former highly touted prospect and top ten overall pick has finally found a home in San Diego, it seems.  For the first time in his career, Maybin is playing every day with success (with the emphasis on “success”) and sparked the Padres’ offense this past week with ten hits in his past four games.  Maybe it’s a flash in the pan, but with outfield as shallow as it is, he’s one to keep your eye on.

Joel Pineiro (SP, Angels) – 16%.  Somehow, Pineiro gets overlooked every year.  Maybe it’s that he’s begun two straight seasons with arm troubles, but for a guy that pitches for a good team, has won double-digit games with a sub-4.00 ERA in each of the last two seasons, and is off to a lights-out start in 2011, he should get more love.  And it’s not like he’s faced basement-dwellers – his first three starts of 2011 have been against the Rays, Red Sox and White Sox, shutting them each down.  He’s given up 3 runs in 20 innings so far, and holds a sparkling 1.03 WHIP.  Out of line with his career numbers? Sure.  But with two starts this week against mediocre offenses, he’s definitely worth a spot in your rotation.

Michael Brantley (OF, Indians) – 15%.  Grady Sizemore is a transcendent talent.  He’s also injury-prone and an uncertain bet to remain in the lineup, leaving the door wide open for Brantley.  Like Maybin, perhaps it took Brantley a little while to figure it out, but he certainly seems to know what he’s doing this year.  Hitting right around .300 with increased power, speed and a lower K/BB ratio, Brantley is igniting the Indians’ lineup, and belongs in yours (especially considering that guys like Sam Fuld, Dexter Fowler, Willie Bloomquist and Travis Snider are all owned on more rosters than he is).

Ramon Hernandez (C, Reds) – 14%.  Healthy for the first time in three years, Hernandez is back to being one of the better offensive catchers in the league.  Only six catchers have more homers than he does, and he is absolutely insane at home, batting .488 with four homers in Great American Ballpark.  If your roster size affords you the opportunity to hold two catchers, Hernandez is pretty good all around, but positively lights-out at home.

AL Only Special – Jesus Montero (C, Yankees) – 5%.  He’s the Yankees’ top hitting prospect, and he plays catcher, and he’s raking in AAA.  And frankly, he may or may not be closer to the majors than he was last week,  but with Jorge Posada recusing himself from hitting duty on Saturday night, the end may be nigh for Jorgie, his Sunday night standing O and pinch hitting appearance notwithstanding.  Montero still may not come up, but I’d put him in the category of guys like Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer – worth stashing, especially if you’re in a keeper league.

NL Only Special – Laynce Nix (OF, Nationals) – 3%.  He may already be gone, but those of us who live in the DC area have seen Nix begin the season on the bench but play his way into the lineup, taking playing time from both Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel.  Currently hitting .312 with 12 runs, 15 RBI, 5 homers and 2 steals, Nix should definitely be in your NL-only lineup.

P.S. There is no reason for David Aardsma, Ryan Franklin, John Lackey and Javy Vazquez to be owned in 46%, 33%, 30%, and 27% of leagues, respectively.  If you own any of these guys, cut them now!

And the weekly question – Submit a comment with some of YOUR top pickups for this week, and why?

Written by Jesse Mendelson exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com.  Find and follow Jesse on Facebook.

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire, Waiver Wire, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Advice, Fantasy Baseball Rankings, NL Only, AL Only, Jesse Mendelson