Baller Move: Add In All Leagues
Owned In: 36% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Analysis: If you bet on Aledmys Diaz being St. Louis’ best hitter through the first month of the season, you’re going to be significantly wealthier shortly. An early favorite to win Rookie of the Year, he’s recorded an astounding 24 hits in 50 at-bats, slashing an insane .480/.509/.860. This wasn’t supposed to happen for the Cardinals, who were forced to field a new starting shortstop after Jhonny Peralta went out with an injury. They’ve been vastly rewarded by Diaz and so have the fantasy baseball managers who were quick to add him. Still, he isn’t owned in an absurd 64% of Fleaflicker leagues. When Peralta returns, it'd be inconceivable to bench Diaz with the way he's hitting. Therefore, play time shouldn’t be a concern. The one factor that should worry prospective owners is Diaz’s defensive ability, as he’s committed five errors. This is the second most in the league and he’s played three games less than the two players ahead of him. While this doesn’t affect his plate appearances, more sloppy defending will jeopardize his starts. For the time being however, that doesn’t seem to be the case. If you’re fortunate enough to be in a league where he’s available, the logical decision is to add him.
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