Streaming pitchers for K’s and Wins. It’s a bit of specialty among certain fantasy owners. Let’s face it, a lot of fantasy managers have done it. You may even do it yourself. Many fantasy leagues are now putting a cap on the number of weekly moves you can make in an attempt to cut down on this practice. However, there is usually room for several moves (if you are so inclined) to pick up spot starters in hopes of padding your numbers in the K category.

Unfortunately, when you stream pitchers in and out of your line up for the potential to your K totals (and possibly Wins as well), you often run the risk of taking on inflated ERA & WHIP in the process. Let’s face it, if these pitchers were that solid in 4 categories, they wouldn’t be available on the majority of waiver wires.

Let’s look at a few options. Remember, these waiver wire starters might be good for K’s, but little else. If you are already strong in ERA & WHIP but have a need for K’s, these guys are worth looking at. Don’t forget to keep a bottle of Pepto-Bismol close by as it could get ugly.

Luke Hochevar (KC) – Available in ~98% of leagues

That 1.21 WHIP looks pretty good but the 5.68 ERA will kill you. However, he provides a few K’s along the way.

Kyle Davies (KC) – Available in ~99% of leagues

The 7.11 K/9 is attractive. The 7.98 ERA and 1.81 WHIP not so much. Consider yourself forewarned.

Jonathan Niese (NYM) – Available in ~99% of leagues

The big lefty has proven he can deliver the Ks with 6.3/9 in 2011 and 7.69/9 in 2010. However, his ERA currently stands at 5.10. Although late season durability is a concern, it won’t matter much for early season spot starts.

Jason Vargas (SEA) – Available in ~99% of leagues

His 21 K in 27.2 IP so far in 2011 will help. His 5.53 ERA will hurt. Also, pitching for the Mariners will limit his ability to deliver in the W column as well.

Erik Bedard (SEA) – Available in ~98% of leagues

The poster boy for delivering strikeouts and little else.

Jo-Jo Reyes (TOR) – Available in ~99% of leagues

If he can get through 3 innings (a difficult task lately), he can get you a few Ks. Of course, he’ll also kill your other categories.

Let’s face it, these guys will get you your Ks if you can stand the hit in the other categories. After all, they are “Special” Ks.