Erick Aybar

2013

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2012

Aybar set career highs last season in nearly every counting category, finishing with 10 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He posted just a .320 OBP from the top spot in the order, but without a prototypical leadoff hitter on the roster, he'll likely fill the same role again in 2012. If Aybar is able to get on base more often, he could be primed for an even better 2012 thanks to the addition of Albert Pujols to the lineup. With a bit more consistency, Aybar should be considered a sleeper at the shallow shortstop position.

2011

Aybar really struggled at the plate in 2010, as evidenced by the .130 drop in his OPS to .636. He hit from the leadoff spot a lot, but his .306 OBP did not do his fantasy owners, or the Angels, any favors. Aybar's 22 stolen bases in 30 attempts were a bonus, but not big enough to make up for his offensive ineptitude. It remains to be seen if the Angels will keep Aybar atop the order; but either way, he will have to do more with the bat to be a fantasy regular.

2010

Aybar's strong glove enabled him to separate from Brandon Wood and Maicer Izturis and become the No. 1 shortstop - he started 65 of 70 games between the All-Star break and the Angels' clinching of the AL West. That glove guarantees him playing time even when he slips back to the .275 batting average that is his level. He may inherit the leadoff spot, which would add runs to his total even with an OBP slip.

2009

Aybar batted .277 with three home runs and 39 RBI in his first season as the Angels' regular shortstop. Aybar was limited by injuries throughout the season and only played in 98 games. He didn't really stand out in any one category and will have to be more patient at the plate before he can be counted on as a consistent fantasy player. Once again, he'll have to beat out Maicer Izturis for the starting shortstop job, and perhaps Brandon Wood lurking around the corner in case Aybar gets off to a slow start.

2008

Aybar only played in 79 major league games last season, and though his offensive numbers weren't impressive, he showed his versatility by playing five different spots defensively. With Orlando Cabrera moving on to Chicago, Aybar should finally get a chance to be the Angels' everyday shortstop this season. Aybar is a good hitter for average and can fly around the bases, so he should be a good source of steals and runs if he bats near the top of the lineup.

2007

Off year--his first below a .300 BA--had more to do with being up and down between Salt Lake and L.A. as any change in skills. Aybar is a legitimate .300 hitter, comparable to a young Mark Grudzielanek, albeit with much more speed and defense than Grudz had. Opportunity is a huge problem, and will remain so for two years or until a trade.

2006

Aybar was the best known of the Angels stellar middle infielder prospect group coming into 2005. A Dominican signed in 2002, Aybar has a career batting average of .316, including a .303/.350/.445 mark in 2005 for Double-A Arkansas. He also has 147 career steals. Aybar's best tool is his pure quickness, which holds him in good stead both in the field and on the bases. He has gap power, and while he doesn't draw a lot of walks, he seldom strikes out, and should be able to maintain a good batting average and OBP at the major league level. Just 22, he should be ready to play in the majors by the end of 2006.

2005

Aybar had another great year in the Anaheim organization at High-A Rancho Cucamonga, posting a .855 OPS to go with his speed. He's showing gap power but still isn't taking many walks. At 5-11, 160 lbs., many scouts question whether he can hit for adequate power at higher levels, so he'll need to fill out significantly in the next couple of seasons.

2004

Aybar has a strong arm and batted .308 in Single-A ball last year.