Curtis Granderson (OF, NYM) - Waiver Wire Analysis

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 39% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: Old dogs can learn new tricks even if they have been prone to make similar mistakes of the past. Over the last seven days, Granderson is batting .281 with 2 HR, 1 SB, 4 Runs and 3 RBI. Curtis Granderson has been an important part of what has made the New York Mets a legitimate contender in the NL East. As the leadoff hitter for the Mets this season Granderson is still posting a dismal .245 BA. However he has 23 BB compared to his 34 K and is still getting on base at least once a game. A solid top of the order hitter has to do whatever it takes to be productive for the team. The low K totals are a sign of increased patience as time has gone on. Granderson averaged 160 K per season between 2009 and 2012. He has not topped that mark of 160 since that stretch.

Granderson is on pace for 30 doubles and 20 HR with a full season. Add in a more patient approach at the plate, and he should even out as a .270 hitter by season's end. His RC27 rating is in the top 40 with a 5.24 which is very respectable as a leadoff hitter. The most likable thing about Granderson right now is that he is finally hitting his stride for a winning team that does not have a ton of quality options to displace him.

For those fantasy owners that live and die by a players BABIP rating, Granderson might not be right fit for you at a .295 clip. But he can provide a spark once or twice a week and help put a team over the edge in a few categories. The Mets look to be sticking around for a change, and Granderson is going to be at or near the top of the order as long as he wants to be with Juan Lagares faltering as a top-of-the-order player. Even at 39% owned he is probably sitting on someone's bench that you can grab as a buy low candidate. If you are lucky enough for him to be on the wire you could do a lot worse in your OF or in a UTIL spot.