Second base is one of the most hit-and-miss positions in the fantasy game. Everyone knows about the big names: Chase Utley, Robinson Cano and even Dan Uggla most years.
Last year saw an increase in production from second base that most people didn’t see coming. If you saw Rickie Weeks, Kelley Johnson and Martin Prado being in the top five of second baseman, more power to you and you probably don’t need my advice. If you were one of the many who didn’t, here are some late round sleepers to watch and consider and some players to avoid at second base:
Sleepers
Marco Scutaro – Boston Red Sox
After a solid 2009 season, there was a lot of hype around Scutaro going into 2010. Unfortunately, he did not live up to most owners’ expectations, hitting only .275 with five stolen bases and less than 100 runs scored.
But with new additions to the Red Sox including Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, there is the potential for Scutaro to have a big year for fantasy owners in runs scored and RBIs. Also, look for Scutaro to have a higher average as more people on base will open more holes for him.
Chone Figgins – Seattle Mariners
While Figgins is eligible at second base in most fantasy leagues, he will end up being the Mariners’ third baseman this season, making room for prospect Dustin Ackley to take over at second base.
Figgins has been a better hitter in his career when he starts at third than when he starts at second, which should increase his average from the disappointing .259 last season. Figgins will still get the steals you want, but look for an offensive increase and a late-round steal.
Brian Roberts – Baltimore Orioles
Roberts is probably one of the most underrated and overlooked players in the game. When you are drafting, most managers will avoid Roberts because of his low numbers last season.
But remember, Roberts missed more than half of the season with an injury and with new additions like Derek Lee, Mark Reynolds and Vladamir Guerrero, the potential is there for Roberts to score a ton of runs if he can stay healthy. Also, the American League East does not have any solid defensive catchers, so Roberts could easily end up with 35 or 40 stolen bases.
Avoid
Kelly Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
Kelly Johnson came out of nowhere last season, but look for a major drop-off this year. Part of Johnson’s success came from the surprise factor, but look for National League West pitchers to give him more attention this season.
Also, Justin Upton is really the only other offensive threat in a weak Arizona lineup, and Upton could be traded around the deadline. If Johnson gets moved midseason to a hitter-friendly park, or a team with more offensive weapons, look at picking him up then, but avoid him in your draft. Someone will take him about four rounds too early and you don’t want to waste a pick.
Ian Kinsler – Texas Rangers
Ian Kinsler in past years was one of the top second baseman in the game before getting injured last season and only playing in 103 games. When you look at the Rangers’ lineup, a couple things jump out that could limit Kinsler’s production.
Hamilton and Beltre could have good seasons and provide opportunities, but Beltre is just as likely to tank this year just like his time in Seattle and Hamilton has had some injury problems that could still bother him.
Aside from those two, there really is not a lot of RBI or run scoring chances for Kinsler. Young is most likely going to get moved soon, Andrus has had his share of offensive problems, and Mooreland has potential, but is still a rookie who’s developing. If Kinsler can stay healthy, he has the talent and a hitter-friendly park, but there are too many factors working against him.
Juan Uribe – Los Angeles Dodgers
Similar to the hype around Aubrey Huff, there was a lot of buzz about Uribe during the offseason coming off his playoff success last season. However, most people around baseball had seriously questions about Uribe’s durability and if he could play a full season and be an everyday player.
Also, Dodger manager Don Mattingly has not yet figured out where Uribe would hit in the lineup or if he will win the starting spot outright, as the Dodgers signed veteran infielder Aaron Miles last week and their top prospect, Dee Brown, is a middle infielder who they could try and get some at-bats during the season.
Pair those factors with a Dodger lineup that had problems scoring runs last season, and Uribe could have a real letdown season for fantasy owners.
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