C.J. Cron (1B, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues

ANALYSIS: Since the release of Raul Ibanez, C.J. Cron has been lighting it up by going 9 for 21 with 5 home runs and 7 RBIs, including a pair of dingers last night. Cron has big time power as evidenced by his minor league numbers in which he reached 27 homers in 2012 and double digits every other year. The fact that he is hitting .294 on the season is a pleasant surprise, especially since his K rate is up from his career minor league norms. The one negative thing I have to say about Cron at the moment is that his walk rate is way down, but that could easily be attributed to rookie jitters or the fact that he is so consistently putting the ball in play. His .323 OBP on the season is acceptable, but I could see it going up as he gets better about pitch selection. The only reason I'm not currently suggesting Cron in shallow leagues is because first base is such a deep position. However, with mentors like Albert Pujols and Mike Trout to help him work on his swing mechanics C.J. could be the real deal in no time. He's worth an immediate add in deeper leagues if you need a power bat, and he is someone to continue scouting in shallow leagues. At 16 % owned, Cron's brawn deserves more attention.