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Second base: Mining the mighty mites

 

By Brendan Roberts - SportingNews.com

 

 

The latest in a series of position-by-position fantasy analyses previewing the 2004 season.

 

 

Second base rankings

 

 

The NFL has its prototypes for a certain position. You won't see a 280-pound left tackle anytime soon. Baseball has its own prototypes, and the prototype of the big-league second baseman is small, fast and sure-handed. Let's just say we won't see a player such as the 6-foot-8 Richie Sexson playing there anytime soon.

 

Obviously, this sets limitations for fantasy owners at this position.

 

Although there are exceptions to the prototype (Jeff Kent) and a handful of mighty mites (Alfonso Soriano, Jose Vidro, Bret Boone), you likely won't find production in the power categories here. But if it's steals you're looking for, have we got a deal for you.

 

If you don't get one of the four- or five-category performers early, wait several rounds and look for a one- or two-category specialist (such as Luis Castillo). If that doesn't work, you're still fine. Sleepers arise in this category as often as any other, and there are a number of reliable old codgers who can suffice.

 

HIT LIKE MAYS, RUN LIKE HAYES

 

Power is not in abundance at this position -- only four regular second basemen topped the 20-homer mark in 2003. However, Alfonso Soriano, Marcus Giles, Jeff Kent and Bret Boone don't hit like second basemen. All four have shown their production can equal that of an upper-tier outfielder.

 

Soriano is a freak of nature. He can wallop anything inside, is one of the fastest runners in the majors, is remarkably consistent ... and he is only 28. Too much is made of his high strikeout numbers in fantasy circles. If he produces like he has, we don't care if he fans 200 times.

 

That was some full season for Marcus Giles, huh? His bat control is remarkable, and his plate production was no fluke. But will his nagging injuries and extended slumps catch up with him?

 

It's almost unfair that a guy who had 35 homers, 117 RBIs and 111 runs also set a career high with 16 steals. Yet that's what Boone did. He'll slow down eventually, but he hasn't given any indication it'll be this season.

 

Kent's 2003 numbers weren't quite what we figured -- we thought a great season with the Giants at Pac Bell would become a monstrous one with the Astros at Minute Maid. That didn't happen. But let's chalk that up to the wrist injury that sidelined him a month. Watch him return to superstardom in 2004.

 

NICE CONSOLATION PRIZES

 

Speaking of staying healthy, Jose Vidro had another painful season (knee, back, shoulder). He is one of the best when healthy, but we're not sure he can make it through another season playing his home games at Olympic Stadium.

 

Luis Castillo has improved his average each of the last two seasons, although his steals dropped from 48 to 21 in 2003. As long as he still is running, he belongs here. Meanwhile, Michael Young has a perfect swing for his home ballpark. That's how scouts describe the gap hitter, who batted .353 at The Ballpark vs. .262 on the road last season.

 

ON THE CUSP

 

Jerry Hairston Jr. is definitely among those ready to break out. Yes, we've said that before and he is hurt again (broken finger), but we'll try it again. D'Angelo Jimenez hopes a different offseason workout program will better prepare him mentally and physically to deal with the rigors a middle infielder must play through.

 

Our money is on Ray Durham to have a fine bounce-back season. He had been extremely durable and consistent before a strained hamstring derailed his 2003 season.

 

The term "breakout" is relative when discussing light-hitting Mark Ellis and Orlando Hudson, but an uptick across the board makes them solid options.

 

DEPENDABLE AS MICHELINS

 

OK, so you'd rather take your chances elsewhere. Understood. Well, why don't you take some of these vets for a spin?

 

When you watch Todd Walker play, you wonder why he isn't considered one of the best offensive second basemen in the majors. Then you see him meekly ground out on a hanging curveball or face any lefthander, and you understand why. He'll platoon with Mark Grudzielanek, another dependable option, but will help NL-only owners.

 

A moment of silence for Roberto Alomar's once-elite status ... now go grab him in the middle rounds.

 

Mark Loretta hardly has a track record of big-league production, but his breakout 2003 season was his first real shot at starting. Near the top of an improved Padres lineup, we don't see him slipping.

 

It became obvious last season that Adam Kennedy has too many holes in his swing to become the elite option he looked like at times in 2002. That's OK because 10 homers, 20 steals and a .280 average are good enough for us.

 

Placido Polanco had a career season in 2003, moving his status from "hits like a fast-pitch softball hitter" to surprisingly reliable.

 

SHHH ... HERE ARE A FEW STEALS ON THE DOWN-LOW

 

Brian Roberts might not have a full-time job to himself in 2004, but he still should approach last season's 23 steals. Say what you will about Eric Young's age and declining average, but the guy usually manages to swipe his share of bags.

 

Just two seasons ago, fantasy owners were giddy about Luis Rivas' 31 steals. Two subpar seasons later, we shouldn't forget he still has steal potential. He is still only 24.

 

Desi Relaford and Marlon Anderson seem to have shaken the "platoon player" label, and, in this case, more playing time also has meant more steals.

 

Fan favorite Bo Hart doesn't exactly possess lightning speed, but the kid nearly wets his pants every time he reaches base. We don't see how the Cards could keep him from attempting more steals.

 

Other stolen-base options: Luis Castillo, Ray Durham, Jerry Hairston Jr., Damian Jackson, D'Angelo Jimenez, Adam Kennedy.

 

NEXT!

 

We'd love to report there is a new dawn of major league second baseman on the way. But, hey, prototypes are prototypes, right? There aren't any can't-miss prospects you'll need to flag, but here are a few possibilities for you to track:

 

There's not much left for Chase Utley to prove after batting .323 with 18 homers in Triple-A last season. However, that doesn't mean a starting job is his to lose in Philly, nor does it mean he is ready to carry over his minor league success to the bigs. But there's always that chance.

 

The Pirates' dynamic duo of Freddy Sanchez and Bobby Hill will vie for the 2B job all season. Right now, it's Hill's job because of Sanchez's ankle troubles. But Sanchez, who has more upside, probably will get more ABs when he returns.

 

The Brewers have vowed patience with 2003 first-round pick Rickie Weeks. But if the kid starts tearing up the minors, that plan could change.

 

Others to watch: Omar Infante, Rainer Olmedo, Antonio Perez, Wilson Valdez.

 

THE SMART MONEY

 

Top power hitter:Alfonso Soriano

On the rise: Marcus Giles

On the decline: Roberto Alomar

Primed for a career year: D'Angelo Jimenez, Michael Young

Primed for a comeback: Ray Durham, Junior Spivey

Sleepers: Orlando Hudson, Chase Utley

Heats up after All-Star break: Adam Kennedy

Cools down after All-Star break: Jose Vidro

Most promising youngster: Aaron Miles

Most overrated youngster: Bobby Hill

 

Senior Editor Brendan Roberts is a fantasy baseball expert for Sporting News.

 

 

So neither our 2nd baseman with speed (Harris) or power (Uribe) make the cut, but they do manage to put on this list our 2nd baseman from 2 yrs ago (Durham), last year (Jimenez/Alomar), and one of our former prospects (Miles).

 

 

I'm beginning to hate the Sporting News the way I hate ESPN. :banghead

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Going in 2nd, CF, SP, Closer are all ?. I do not have a problem leaving our guys out. Jimenez poised for a career year? Repeat that eveery Spring and you'll be right at least once. What the hell is a "career year"? For E-lo, he had a "career year" at the AS Break.

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Jimenez ready for a career year huh?? Does he plan to not get thrown out as many times on the bases?? This bozo is about the dumbest person in baseball. He can't even figure out when to run and when not to run. He sucks. NEXT

If he wasnt that lazy( no life guy) i would take him over Willie.

 

IMO, in 2B we are f***ed up...

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If he wasnt that lazy( no life guy) i would take him over Willie.

 

IMO, in 2B we are f***ed up...

Giv Willie sum time there rafa. I think the most likely scenario is that Harris will start out slow, but once he gets used to major league pitching, his .OBP and AVG. will increase in the 2nd half of the season. I just hope KW and da fans don't go for a quick fix, if Harris doesn't start out the season like a house on fire. It'll be his 1st major season in the big leagues, giv him time.

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Giv Willie sum time there rafa. I think the most likely scenario is that Harris will start out slow, but once he gets used to major league pitching, his .OBP and AVG. will increase in the 2nd half of the season. I just hope KW and da fans don't go for a quick fix, if Harris doesn't start out the season like a house on fire. It'll be his 1st major season in the big leagues, giv him time.

I am willing to give him a month and then I want him optioned to AAA immediately if he stinks it up.

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Giv Willie sum time there rafa. I think the most likely scenario is that Harris will start out slow, but once he gets used to major league pitching, his .OBP and AVG. will increase in the 2nd half of the season. I just hope KW and da fans don't go for a quick fix, if Harris doesn't start out the season like a house on fire. It'll be his 1st major season in the big leagues, giv him time.

I want him to show i´m wrong. But i think he will begin hitting .200 AVG and for a leadoff hitter that sucks, he will end up as the number 9 hitter, like a sure out.

If we want to win this division, we give him a chance but, like Boz said, after a month, Harris with .200 AVG and .290 OBP, get a another 2B. GET ANOTHER! (Uribe wont resolve).

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Jimenez ready for a career year huh?? Does he plan to not get thrown out as many times on the bases?? This bozo is about the dumbest person in baseball. He can't even figure out when to run and when not to run. He sucks. NEXT

Its hard not to. You can see how much ability the guy has, and it makes you drool. The guy just doesn't have it together upstairs...

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So neither our 2nd baseman with speed (Harris) or power (Uribe) make the cut, but they do manage to put on this list our 2nd baseman from 2 yrs ago (Durham), last year (Jimenez/Alomar), and one of our former prospects (Miles).

 

 

I'm beginning to hate the Sporting News the way I hate ESPN.  :banghead

you forgot former 1st round draft pick on the list - Bobby Hill

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Here's a good way to figure out that the Sporting News is full of fecal matter;

 

In this week's issue they rank the Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball purposes. They have all five (5) sCrUBS starters in their Top 30, but not Mark Buehrle!

 

Incredible.

 

:fthecubs

2001 3.29 ERA 1.07 WHIP .230 BAA

2002 3.58 ERA 1.24 WHIP .260 BAA

2003 4.14 ERA 1.35 WHIP .278 BAA

 

Notice a trend?

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Here's a good way to figure out that the Sporting News is full of fecal matter;

 

In this week's issue they rank the Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball purposes. They have all five (5) sCrUBS starters in their Top 30, but not Mark Buehrle!

 

Incredible.

 

:fthecubs

I would take all of them over Buehrle but Clement

 

Not saying Clement is a bad option, just saying that's how good I think the Cubs rotation actually is.

 

Of course, Dusty Baker will figure out someway to mess it up again this year

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I would take all of them over Buehrle but Clement

 

Not saying Clement is a bad option, just saying that's how good I think the Cubs rotation actually is.

 

Of course, Dusty Baker will figure out someway to mess it up again this year

I wouldn't take any of them over Buehrle except Prior.

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I wouldn't take any of them over Buehrle except Prior.

You are one of the few.

 

Maddux is good for an ERA under 4.00 every year along with 15 wins, Wood is always putting up good K numbers and usually good ERA numbers(and if he can get some consistency and get some run support, he could win 15-18 games this year too), and Zambrano is a horse and should probably be good for 15 wins or so along with several K's. Buehrle doesn't strike people out and he can have a time or two where he cannot control his pitches, and walks a lot. He'll win 15 a year(unless he has a good year where he might win 18-20), but his ERA is not great, his WHIP is not great, and point blank, he is not a good fantasy pitcher.

 

Now, if you are talking about the actual game itself, I still take Prior, Wood, and Maddux over Buehrle. Prior for obvious reason, Wood because he wicked nasty stuff and could be a top 10 pitcher in the league someday, and Maddux just because of all the knowledge he could bring to a staff, let alone the fact that he still puts up real good numbers. Also, I'd consider long and hard about taking Zambrano over Buehrle, though I probably would not do it.

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Also, I'd consider long and hard about taking Zambrano over Buehrle, though I probably would not do it.

I would, cause of his youth, and has more upside. Zambrano, believe it or not, actually pitched better than Wood and Prior during the second half (I believe or the first) of the season. His SO and # of wins will stagger throughout this season and his career. He can be very nasty dispite having a "temper." Even though he ran out of gas during the playoff run, his season #'s were very good. That will only make his arm, and consistantsy stronger. I'd expect another stellar season from him, but I'm still on my word that Buehrle will have an outstanding season this year.

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I would, cause of his youth, and has more upside. Zambrano, believe it or not, actually pitched better than Wood and Prior during the second half (I believe or the first) of the season. His SO and # of wins will stagger throughout this season and his career. He can be very nasty dispite having a "temper." Even though he ran out of gas during the playoff run, his season #'s were very good. That will only make his arm, and consistantsy stronger. I'd expect another stellar season from him, but I'm still on my word that Buehrle will have an outstanding season this year.

Had to of been the first half. Prior was like 10-2 1.90 or something like that in the second half of the year, because everyone over at the Yankee-Red Sox surplus store, err, ESPN, has made a huge deal about how big Prior's second half was. Chimp did as well on the one broadcast I saw of Chimp this spring too.

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In this week's issue they rank the Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball purposes. They have all five (5) sCrUBS starters in their Top 30, but not Mark Buehrle!

I'll take the position of the cubs "apologists"

 

 

 

I also dont recall buerhle posting a strikeout total above 134... And since the article which you determined the Sporting news was "full of Fecal matter" was in reference to fantasy stats, I WOULD take all of the starters over Buerhle, who has steadily declined in all fantasy numbers the past 3 years.

 

2001 3.29 ERA 1.07 WHIP .230 BAA 126K

2002 3.58 ERA 1.24 WHIP .260 BAA 134K

2003 4.14 ERA 1.35 WHIP .278 BAA 119K

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