Paul DeJong (2B/3B/SS, STL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: The Cardinals have found a gem in rookie Paul DeJong. It wasn't expected that they would need a new shortstop, but the dismissal of Jhonny Peralta and disappointing season of Aledmys Diaz has resulted in regular playing time for DeJong. He is slashing .302/.319/.576 with nine home runs and 20 RBI in 135 at-bats. He may not know how to take a walk (four in 38 games), but that doesn't affect his value in most fantasy leagues. DeJong is pretty must replicating his numbers from earlier in the year with Triple-A Memphis and he popped 22 homers with a .200 ISO in Double-A last season, so his power isn't a complete surprise. DeJong is making hard contact 36.5% of the time and is clearly a pull hitter at this point, so he should continue to rack up extra-base hits. His relatively low contact rates could eventually catch up to him in the batting average department, but he still provides enough power at the middle infield positions to be worth a roster spot. Positional eligibility at three infield spots doesn't hurt either.