Adam Eaton (OF, CHW) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: The potential has over shadowed the production of Adam Eaton and has unfortunately carried over into Chicago--- at least that has been the case in the short term. Eaton has the talent to be a lethal leadoff hitter. He simply has to just do it. The Sox probably still feel like they got the best part of the three team trade that landed them Eaton. The main reasoning for that would be the struggles of Hector Santiago in Orange County and the recent trade of Mark Trumbo to Seattle by the Dbacks after an injury plagued campaign in the desert.

Eaton has simply been pressing himself while trying to avoid the dreaded "injury-prone" tag. The 3:1 K/BB ratio should come down as soon as he stops pressing and starts settling in as the catalyst for the White Sox offense. The .233 BA should not be considered the norm for Eaton either as that should continue to rise as well. Perhaps he should take a page from the "Willy Mays Hayes" playbook and keep the ball on the ground and leg out base hits. Perhaps the push ups for fly balls wouldn't hurt either right?

Eaton's fantasy value rests upon getting on base, stealing bases and scoring runs. Over his latest stretch he has cut down on the strikeouts and is indeed legging out hits whenever he can. The walk rate being higher than it is would help out his cause. Manager Robin Ventura has threatened to take Eaton out of the leadoff spot but who would take his place? Melky Cabrera? Carlos Sanchez? The ghost of Christmas past? The point is that the White Sox don't have a clear cut answer so keeping Eaton where he is and hoping he figures it out will be the way to go.

Eaton has still contributed nearly 1/3 of his hit total as extra base hits which is a trend that should continue given his speed. He is on pace for the 90 run plateau again and should improve his average and steals as the year goes on.

Buying low is how fantasy owners gain the best value and scooping up Eaton while he is dirt cheap right now should be the ticket for owners looking for a boost.