J.J. Hardy (SS, BAL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Pick him up in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 10% of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: Power from a middle infielder is often hard to come by. If you're not rostering the double-play combo on the Houston Astros or Robinson Cano, you're likely not receiving much consistency in the production department. J.J. Hardy is capable of being that guy, but is off to a slow start, and hasn't put up big numbers since 2013.

Hitting over 20 home runs five times in his career, Hardy hit only 17 combined over his past two seasons. Now early on in 2016, Hardy has two home runs, both of which came in one game. He's also posted six ribbies, five coming in that same game. If it wasn't for that performance, Hardy would be hitting in the low .200's with only one RBI. Also, his BABIP is over 20 points lower than his career average. However, there aren't likely too many better options at shortstop left on the waiver wire, so this in need of relief could do worse than Hardy. He hasn't shown his value yet, but definitely has upside, just as long as he revisits his home run consistency from years prior. Hardy is certainly worth a look in leagues with 14 or more teams. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's batting in an explosive lineup behind a bunch of guys that can get on base.