CBRACKE
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The Cardinals were supposed to be one of the league’s worst teams, but through the first 16 games, they are tied for the league lead with 11 wins. While outfielder Ryan Ludwick began the year fourth on the outfield depth chart, he’s starting to turn heads. For baseball fans and fantasy owners who have overlooked Ludwick to this point, it will be much harder to do so following his 4-for-5 effort against the Brewers on Thursday.
Ludwick has struggled to earn his share of at bats, but it’s not because he lacks ability. He’s always been more of a fly ball hitter and that was a main reason he exploded for 29 homers in 2006 at Triple-A Toledo. His contact rate has shown modest improvement over the last couple season and that is why he’s connected on 16 hits in his first 41 at bats this season.
No matter how much potential he seemingly has, he won’t beat out Chris Duncan or Rick Ankiel as long as both players are healthy. His main competition for at bats is Skip Schumaker, who has gone 15-for-33 after starting the season 0-for-16. On the surface, Skippy appears to be a very reasonable threat to Ludwick for playing time, but he’s a ground ball hitter and the contact rate and batting eye aren’t enough reason to convince me he possesses enough batting average upside.
The bottom line is which player offers a skill that can benefit fantasy owners. Both Schumaker and Ludwick are close in their ability to hit for average and Skip’s role as a leadoff hitter suggests he probably has the edge in terms of scoring runs. That said, Ludwick has significantly more power potential and given the fact the difference between him and Skippy isn’t significant in the other categories, he seems to be the guy who could earn more at bats in this platoon situation. It’s probably too early for owners to claim him in mixed leagues, but he’s someone who should definitely be on their radar.
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