Last year was a career season for Aybar as he put up highs in runs (71), home runs (10), runs batted in (59) and steals (30). However, he is only a career .274 hitter, which limits his fantasy potential because he doesn’t “wow” in any category. It remains to be seen what kind of effect Albert Pujols is going to have on the Angels’ lineup, but let me bold for a second — they will score more runs. This is good news for Aybar, who spent the majority of his 2011 season at the top of the order. As long as he stays there he should find himself among the 10 best shortstops by the end of 2012.
Best case scenario: Starlin Castro (CHC)
Similar players: Alcides Escobar (KC), Jason Bartlett (SD), Maicer Izturis (LAA)
Worst case scenario: Ryan Theriot (FA)
Strengths
Position eligibility, speed. Aybar has totaled 66 steals over his last three seasons (418 games) and qualifies at both middle infield positions.
Weaknesses
Power. When hitting 10 home runs is a “br...
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