Brendan Rodgers (SS, COL) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 33% of Leagues

ANALYSIS:  Drafted third in 2015, Brendan Rodgers was known as an all-around shortstop that could drive the ball to all fields with plenty of power. He hasn't lived up to his cohorts Alex Bregman (1st) and Dansby Swanson (2nd) yet, who have already proven themselves in the majors, but he hasn't been given the chance. Following up a rock solid .369 wOBA in AA last year, he's demolished the Pacific Coast League (grain of salt) with a .440 wOBA and nine home runs in just over 150 at-bats. His only real downfall has been his reliance on pulling the ball, though that concern has gone out the window this year with his walk rate higher, K-rate lower, and pull rate down. He's looked ready for major league pitching in his first few games (5-for-17) and will be in the lineup until further notice if he keeps it up. This team is going to be injured all year long and there will be spots everywhere.

With one of the best shortstops in the game already in Colorado, Rodgers is being played at 2B as well and we'll likely see some position flexibility very soon. Rodgers and the Rockies see Orioles pitching in Coors Field for the next 4 games, followed by the D-Backs and Blue Jays. 10 straight games in Coors Field, followed by a road trip to Chicago and New York. They then go right back and play another seven in Coors. Whether Rodgers plays out for the rest of this season is one thing, but he should be more than fine with 17 of his next 23 games coming in Coors Field. He's been hitting in the bottom half of the order and will have every opportunity to drive in a ton of runs. If you missed your chance with Rodgers last week and he's still sitting around, make it happen.