Mallex Smith (OF, TB) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 27% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Mallex Smith has had a bit of a roller coaster May, as he only has a .254 batting average, but has also stolen six bases and has six extra-base hits. He has hits in four of his last six games and has driven in one run and scored twice in that time period.

Smith has a high .340 BABIP this month, but a lot of that can be explained by his 54.5% ground ball rate and his blazing speed. He has a decent 15.9% line drive rate and his 19.2% soft hit ball rate is in line with his 17.9% soft hit ball rate this season. His line drive rate stands at 23.6% for the season, so this month's rate looks low, but that rate was also the best of his career. Look for him to approach a 20% or better line drive rate as the season continues.

In reality, fantasy owners are buying Smith for his speed, and the fact that he has eight stolen base attempts in the last month shows that he will continue to get the green line. If you are in need for speed, Smith is your guy, as he should be owned in all leagues.