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

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues, Continue Scouting in Shallow Leagues

ANALYSIS: Did you know you can count the number of shortstops that have 20 or more home runs in 2012 and 2013 on only two fingers? No it's not Troy Tulowitzki (though he'd probably make the third finger if he wasn't hurt in 2012). The honor belongs to Ian Desmond and J.J. Hardy. Unfortunately, this has been a down year for Hardy power wise. He doesn't even rank among the top 20 shortstops in most league. In fact besides hit for average, Hardy has not done much in the way of hitting for counting stats.

Contrary to what you may think though, I'm going to recommend Hardy to those of you in deeper leagues, and add him to our list of waiver wire sleepers. Hardy hit his first home run of the year against the Yankees this past Saturday (unfortunately while I was at the game), and I don't doubt that in the 2nd half the homers will come in bunches. You can expect some regression with the .295 average as his BABIP suggest he is getting a little lucky on balls in play, but I'd expect the average to come back down anyway as he will probably sacrifice getting some hits for some more pop. Barring an injury sapping his power, I can't see any reason that Hardy shouldn't get at least to 10 homers by the end of the season.  And considering he had 30 in 2011, 22 in 2012, and 25 last year I'd be a little bit surprised if he didn't end up with more than that. With the power upside he's worth a look in most deep leagues, and at least a watch in shallow leagues.