If you are a long time reader of the site you know how much I love the stats of ISO (Isolated Slugging Output) and RC/G (runs created per game). ISO is a true indication of whether or not a player is hitting for consistent power. Two players can have the same number of homeruns, yet have completely different ISO output. So if you are looking for a power bat from the waiver wire you may get mislead by traditional stats. The same is true for runs created. You may be looking at two players on the waiver wire with the same batting average, but their impact on their team, and yours, will vary greatly. Here are five offensive pickups that may be available on your waiver wire:

• Lyle Overbay, 1B TOR - Why is it that only 30% of ESPN leagues own this guy? He ranks 26th in ISO with a solid .228 and creates 5.5 runs per game. This is one of those players that shows that a .265 batting average is not a true indication of his production for his team. Over the last two weeks he has hit .321 with a .642 slugging percentage. If you are lagging in power stats, Overbay would be a helpful addition.
• Brad Hawpe, OF COL - Here is another player that has fallen under many radars. If you are in deep competitive leagues then Hawpe was most likely drafted. However, if he is available get him while you can. He is sporting a solid .293 batting average, 6.8 RC/G, and a .204 ISO. Those are solid numbers and when you add in a 21.1% line drive stat they look even better. You want hot? Hawpe has hit .361 over the past two weeks with 6 homeruns.
• Mike Lowell, 3B BOS - One of the larger flops from last year is trying his best to erase those memories. I am sure everyone looks at his .326 batting average and says; That won’t last. That may be true, but he is sporting a healthy .227 ISO and a RC/G 8.1 this year. That is solid production that you can not argue with. The power seems to be legit especially when you factor in that 11.3% of his fly-balls are homeruns.
• Adrian Beltre, 3B SEA - Seattle’s surprising powerful offense has been helped by Beltre’s .216 ISO. If he can get his batting average with runners in scoring position up from .178 he will be even more useful. He is hitting .291 over the last month with 59 total bases. Over the last two weeks Beltre is hitting .339 with 4 homeruns and 3 stolen bases.
• Ryan Garko, 1B CLE - This is the second week in a row that I am mentioning Ryan Garko. This kid can hit, and he has been extremely hot over the past few weeks. A .531 slugging percentage, 22.9 Line Drive Percentage, .203 ISO, and 7.1 RC/G for the season will do that. Over the last two weeks Garko has hit .381 with 3 homeruns, 7 runs scored, 9 RBI, and posted a killer .667 slugging percentage. Say it with me: “I need Ryan Garko.”

All five players are playing well, and will help any team that needs a bit of a power boost. If you have struggling players like Damon or Atkins, pick these guys up and stash your struggling players on the bench until they start to come around.