Time to re-evaluate C.J. Cron
When the Angels first promoted C.J. Cron to the big leagues in early May, I suggested he might not be worth the trouble in mixed leagues, pointing to his low walk rate as a way for pitchers to exploit him in the majors.
It was a logical enough stance and one I'd probably take again if presented with the same information for a different player. But with Cron homering for the second straight game Monday, I'm beginning to think it was the wrong one.
While it's true Cron didn't walk much during his time in the minors, he made contact at an exceptionally high rate for a power hitter. Compared to George Springer's one strikeout every three at-bats over his minor-league career, Cron had one every six -- or less than that, actually. More contact can only help a player's batting average.
Again, power is the main draw for Cron, and true to form, he has yet to walk in eight big-league games. But if he makes up for it by making consistent contact, he may have the upper hand on pitchers after all.
Of course, he'll have to play every day for any of this to matter, but as things stand now, I'm willing to take a flier on him as a corner infielder in Rotisserie leagues.
