Billy Butler (1B/DH, OAK) - Waiver Wire Analysis

BALLER MOVE: Target for 12+ Team Leagues / FAAB Bid: $5-8

OWNED IN: 56% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Billy Butler already has a strong ownership level at this point but there’s room for growth. Yes, his numbers have tailed off across the board since his monster 2012 campaign (.313/72/29/107), but there’s still value to be found off the waiver wire for fantasy baseball owners in deeper leagues.

Country Breakfast is currently slotted in the cleanup spot in Oakland and will serve as protection for Ben Zobrist. Oakland is going to be sneaky good on offense, with no superstars but a lot of solid contributors. This will result in numerous run-scoring opportunities, and with Butler’s career .312 AVG with RISP this should be a recipe for success. Not to mention Butler may have found his power stroke again after a 5 HR Spring. There’s likely a plethora options in shallow leagues, but anyone in deeper leagues looking for a hitter who won’t kill you in any category (except SB) should give Butler a spin.