Erick Aybar plays shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. At age 25, 2009 represented his first season as a full time player, and Erick responded marvelously. He hit over .300 with a .353 OBP and a .423 slugging percentage. Aybar brought his OBP up every year since since cup of coffee in 2006, by about 30 points a year. He’s not a power hitter, but he is fast as he knocked out 16 triples and just nine home runs for his career.
Aybar’s offensive value should like in his ability to get on base. Right now, that comes from generating hits more than walks. I like to see players generate at least 10 walks per 100 at bats and Aybar generates six. That means his OBP is very much tied to his batting average, so a plunge in the latter may mean a plunge in the former.
Fangraphs rates Erick as a good fielder, third in the AL in Fielding Runs. Based on his 2009 season, Aybar is looking like a star. If he repeats or improves on the past year, he’ll be looking at very big money when he becomes a free agent in three years. I suspect he’ll get a nice arbitration boost this season.
Posted by David Pinto at 5:45 pm | Players, Players A to Z | Permalink | No Comments
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