Brandon Crawford (SS, SF) - Waiver Wire Analysis

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OWNED IN: 31% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Never underestimate the power of a athlete in a contract year! Brandon Crawford had not hit over .250 for a season and suddenly he pops up with an early .300 BA with huge jumps in his power numbers. Exciting news for fantasy owners galore!

Crawford needs to be under serious consideration as an early candidate for most improved player for a multitude of reasons. His HR, RBI, BA, OBP, SLG%, OPS and BABIP have all jumped at least 25% with only a 1/4 of the season in the books. Having a few of these categories take positive leaps shows a sign of not only patience but discipline as a hitter.

The San Francisco Giants have stumbled a bit of out the box and they could really use Crawford in a more suitable place in the lineup than what he is currently being deployed in. Crawford has only hit higher than 7th in 10 games this season which is a shame given his breakout 2015 campaign. When the Giants finally figure out that his bat needs to be in the upper half of the lineup his value will skyrocket.

A big key in fantasy baseball is riding hot streaks and knowing when players will keep up their breakout seasons. Crawford is in the middle of both of those scenarios which makes him an absolute must have for deeper leagues.