Nearly ever kid dreams of growing up and becoming a professional athlete. However, this dream does not come true for over 99.9% of children. However, in the MLB, there are numerous players that look like they have no business being a professional. Regardless of their looks or size, these players have proved with their skills that they are deserving of their jobs.
Tag: Dustin Pedroia
AL East Positional Analysis And Ranking: Second Base
During my current series, I will be examining the relative strengths and weaknesses of the teams in the American League East, on a position-by-position basis.
The players at each position will be ranked in relation to their peers within the division, with each team being assigned points based on where their player ranks in comparison to the other players.
Today, the series continues with a look at the second basemen.
The best player will earn 10 points for his team, with the remaining players being assigned points as follows: 7-5-3-1.
At the end of the process, I will accumulate all of the points for each team and create a divisional power ranking.
MLB Fantasy Baseball Draft Day Debate: Dustin Pedroia vs. Dan Uggla
In The Fantasy Fix’s newest series, 2011 Fantasy Baseball Great Debate, our writers discuss two positional players and try to convince you which player to pick first on draft day. In this article we compare the two second basemen, Dustin Pedroia and Dan Uggla.
Why to go with Uggla:
It’s difficult to find a player at any position who has been more consistent in the power department from year to year than Dan Uggla. In five full seasons, Uggla has averaged nearly 31 HR and 93 RBI. He put up these numbers playing half of his games in front of fans dressed as empty seats and hitting in a lineup with little to no protection. In fact, Uggla was the protection for the Marlins’ star player, Hanley Ramirez.
In addition to his impressive power numbers, Uggla managed to post career highs in batting average (.287), on-base percentage (.369) and OPS (.877). This was all accomplished while playing in 159 games last season. In fact, he’s only missed a total of 34 games in five full seasons, proving to be quite durable.
As for Pedroia, he missed 87 games last year and another 36 in his three previous full seasons. His highest power output was in ’08 when he hit 17 HR with 83 RBI. Furthermore, Pedroia’s averages for the previous four seasons are 13 HR and 61 RBI.
Pedroia does hold an edge over Uggla in the stolen bases category. Of course, at 5’ 11’ and 207 lbs., Uggla certainly is no threat on the base paths, posting a high of six stolen bases back in ’06. But then again, neither are most power hitters who bat in the middle of the lineup.
In addition, Pedroia’s career batting average sits at .305 versus Uggla’s .263. However, last season they hit .288 and .287, respectively. Uggla’s increasing walk rate and OBP over the past few seasons suggest that he should be able to maintain a higher batting average.
Also, the move to Turner Field, where Uggla owns a career .354 average and a ridiculous OPS of 1.051 can only benefit him. As will hitting in a lineup with some “real” protection (McCann, Jones, Prado, Heyward and Freeman).
In summary, among all major league second basemen, Uggla was the leader in home runs, was second to only Robinson Cano (by four) in RBI, was sixth in BA, fourth in OBP and second in SLG% as well as OPS. This performance, on top of his impressive career track record, his durability and upside potential with the move to Turner Field, makes him the clear choice over Dustin Pedroia.
Written exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com by Rosti Satanovsky
Why to go with Pedroia
Click To Continue Reading The Debate
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The Clutch Factor of an MLB Player: Is It Real in Baseball?
Michael Lewis, author of Moneyball, highlighted key insights while presenting revolutionary and progressive baseball knowledge.
However, I disagreed with him in two areas.
No. 1: Speed
Lewis understood from Billy Beane (Oakland A’s GM) that steals are an unnecessary risk to take, presenting high risk and relatively low reward. Transitionally, Lewis argued that since steals are not important, neither is speed.
That is where I disagree.
Although steals may be an overrated statistic, speed itself is not. Pitchers often unravel with quicker base runners on base, knowing that if their delivery is not perfect, they can let a runner move 90 feet closer to home.
Further, it changes the pitches the pitcher will throw. Take the Red Sox, for instance.
When Jacoby Ellsbury gets on base, pitchers are more likely to throw fastballs to the next hitter (Dustin Pedroia), to give Ells as little time as possible to complete a steal.
Pedroia, however, is a fastball hitting machine, and regularly deposits fastballs into right field.
Ellsbury’s speed not only makes the pitcher change his delivery and pitching style, but it also makes the pitcher change his mentality.
2. Clutch
I believe that “clutch”, or hitting in timely situations, is something which a player either has, or doesn’t. Sure, a guy like Mark Bellhorn can hit a home run in a big situation during the World Series, but that doesn’t make him clutch if he strikes out nine out of the other 10 at bats he has!
The bottom line is, clutch is something that can be measured, and I am working on building up a statistic which relies on hitters’ stats with two outs and runners on base.
That situation is when a hitter feels pressure similar to that of a 9th inning at-bat with the game on the line since a scoring opportunity is possible, as is letting down a full dugout of teammates.
This statistic can determine how “clutch” a player is.
For those of you who want it in simple words:
Singles, doubles and triples all help a players clutch factor equally.
A single is equivalent to a triple since speed is already taken into account with steals, and sometimes balls hit with little power can find their way into the corner for extra bases, dependent upon ballparks and factors external to the hitter.
Home runs are the most valuable hit, since they automatically produce runs, and stealing in clutch situations can be game changing, while getting caught hurts a teams chances of winning.
On-base percentage is another large factor in determining a player’s clutch factor, since the single most important thing a player can do is to get on base to prolong an inning.
Read Full Story at New England Sports Online: Is Clutch Real? Follow me on twitter @neso17
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Fantasy Baseball Top 15 Second Basemen for 2011: Keeper Leagues
Second base is a position that has numerous youngsters who could make their presence felt as soon as 2011. Jason Kipnis, Dustin Ackley and Brett Lawrie could all eventually join the elite at the position, but first they need to make their MLB debuts. How should they be ranked by fantasy owners in keeper leagues? Let’s take a look:
- Robinson Cano – New York Yankees
- Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
- Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies
- Ian Kinsler – Texas Rangers
- Dan Uggla – Atlanta Braves
- Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds
- Ben Zobrist – Tampa Bay Rays
- Rickie Weeks – Milwaukee Brewers
- Gordon Beckham – Chicago White Sox
- Aaron Hill – Toronto Blue Jays
- Kelly Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Danny Espinosa – Washington Nationals
- Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians
- Dustin Ackley – Seattle Mariners
- Brett Lawrie – Toronto Blue Jays
Thoughts:
- Dustin Pedroia over Chase Utley? I know it may seem a bit odd, but Pedroia is five years younger than Utley, who many people believe could be on the decline. It’s hard to read too much into his 2010 struggles (.275, 16 HR, 65 RBI in 425 AB) as they easily could have been due to hip problems. Of course, Pedroia and Ian Kinsler also have had injury concerns, but at his age you have to wonder how long Utley will be able to hold up. His tremendous upside keeps him in the top three, but there is cause for concern.
- Martin Prado belongs on this list, but with Dan Uggla in town now it appears unlikely that he maintains 2B eligibility after 2011. If you draft him keep in mind that he could regain the eligibility down the line at some point, but it’s hard to depend on it.
- Looking for Brian Roberts? Considering his recent decline and age (33 years old), he falls just short for me.
- Unlike many other positions, there is a potential influx of talent coming to 2B. We got a taste of what Danny Espinosa can bring to the table in 2010, and he is just the tip of the iceberg. Jason Kipnis, Dustin Ackley and Brett Lawrie are a few of the names who could make their presence felt as soon as 2011 (though you don’t want to be drafting them as your starting option). I may be in the minority, but I love the potential that Kipnis brings to the table. Between Double- and Triple-A in 2010 he had 32 doubles, eight triples and 16 HR to go along with a .307 average and nine SB. He has the potential to overtake Jason Donald quickly and brings tremendous upside.
- At this point Howie Kendrick has become a tremendous disappointment for fantasy owners. Since he really doesn’t bring power or speed to the table, I ultimately decided to drop him out of the top 15. At this point, I’d rather the upside of one of the up-and-coming options over a disappointing player we already know.
- Will Gordon Beckham finally realize his potential? You have to love the power he could bring to the table from a position that you can’t always find it.
**** Make sure to order your copy of the Rotoprofessor 2011 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, selling for just $5, by clicking here. ****
Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:
- Top 15 Catchers
- Top 15 First Basemen
- Top 15 Second Basemen
- Top 15 Shortstops
- Top 15 Third Basemen
- Top 30 Outfielders
- Top 30 Starting Pitchers
- Top 15 Closers
- 2011 Fantasy Draft First-Round Breakdown
THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM.
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Boston Red Sox’s Youth Movement and the Future of the Team
Before I get started, a tip of the cap from all of us in Red Sox nation to Theo Epstein, our maverick genius, our watchful protector, our Dark Kni-…never mind. But I stand in awe of what the 37 year old son of Brookline, MA has accomplished.
For the services of Adrian Gonzalez, he still managed to keep Jose Iglesias and our draft picks. Under the cover of darkness, he locked up one of the most complete outfielders in the game and disrupted the Yankee-Lee negotiations with his free hand.
For his next trick, he avoided any long, bloated contracts for relievers and secured the services of two solid bullpen arms, one from a division rival. Bruce Wayne he is not, but it wouldn’t surprise me to find a cape and mask in his secret lair.
Lost in the frenzy over the immediate impact the new additions will make, I’m equally amazed at how well Epstein & Co. has set up the Red Sox to remain successful over the next several seasons. As much excitement as the 2011 campaign holds, I am equally looking forward to the team’s potential 2, 3, and as much as 5 years down the line. Here are a few reasons why…
Early 2011 Fantasy Baseball Second Basemen Rankings With Analysis
Once upon a time in fantasy baseball, second base was shallower than Paris Hilton at a Larry the Cable Guy event. It was as epic as Mariah Carey’s movie, “Glitter.”
Now, the position has morphed into so much more. It has drama, glitz, and glamor. It’s a regular Oscar contender. I’ll call it “The Good, The Bad and The Uggla.”
As in Dan Uggla? The guy that everyone overlooks on draft day, yet continues to put up some of the most under-appreciated stats in the sport? Yeah, that guy.
1. Robinson Cano, NYY. We’ll get to Uggla in a moment. Cano broke out in a big way last season. He had 29 homers, 109 RBI, and hit .319. He bats in one of the most feared lineups in baseball. The only thing Cano doesn’t do is steal bases. You learn fast at this position that different second basemen give you different things. First base is typically a power position, shortstop, a speed position; second base has both, and Cano’s patience at the plate is something very valuable in a league filled with guys who spend more time swinging for the fences on every pitch instead of patiently waiting for some fresh meat.
2. Chase Utley, PHI. Man, I remember when ranking this guy high at the second base position was much easier. Now, I waffled numerous time between him and any of the next several guys on the list. Utley has tons of potential. He can hit for power. He can steal bases. But he’s also had four consecutive seasons of declining batting average. His homers and steals and batting average were all similar to Brandon Phillips’ last year. Except, look closer at the numbers and realize that Utley had 200 less at-bats than Phillips. And Utley plays for a much better team. The whole Phillies offense is due to rebound.
3. Dan Uggla, ATL. Here he is. The guy who will be drafted much lower than here in most leagues, but will again produce stats that buoy him to the top of the second base pool. Few second basemen have hit 30 homers in a season or two. Uggla had his fourth-consecutive 30-plus home run season in 2010. His batting average was concerning, but he improved his plate discipline to the tune of .287 in 2010. He had 105 RBI and 100 runs scored for the Florida Marlins last year. That’s like a guy who can build a Ford Mustang at a golf cart factory. The kicker? Uggla now plays for the Atlanta Braves and their retooled offensive lineup. Don’t miss the boat.
4. Brandon Phillips, CIN. Not as high of ceiling for Phillips as there is for Ian Kinsler, who is coming next, but Philips’ consistency is definitely worth something. He hits double digit homers, has double-digit steals for the past five seasons. He has hit around .270 for quite some time now. If you can get him at the right spot in drafts this year, as others grab more flashy options, than you’ll do just fine with Phillips.
Check out the rest of my fantasy baseball 2011 early second base rankings here.
Also, be sure to catch my other early 2011 fantasy baseball rankings: C | 1B
And, our current Top 10 overall fantasy baseball players per ADP.
For all your hard-hitting fantasy baseball and football content, go to www.chinstrapninjas.com
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MLB Power Rankings: Rating the 10 Most Important Boston Red Sox in 2011
The 2010 season for the Boston Red Sox was riddled with injuries and inconsistency. The club struggled to an 89-73 record and a third place finish in the competitive American League East.
The Sox front office looked to revamp their rosters, and create a buzz around Boston, with an offseason spending spree. With the additions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford the Red Sox will enter 2011 with the highest payroll in all of Major League Baseball.
It is only natural that a payroll of that magnitude comes with serious expectations. By many peoples count the Sox are the pre-season favorite to with the American League pennant. But pennants aren’t won on paper and they certainly arent won in the off-season.
If the Red Sox expect to make a run at a World Series in 2011 then they will need a lot of production and even more luck. However, if they are able to mesh everything together then they could stand to be the most dangerous team in the entire league.
This list is not to say these players are the best players on the Red Sox. Rather it is a realization that if the Sox are to win the World Series then these players are going to have to play a prominent role.
Without further delay here are the ten most important Boston Red Sox for the 2011 World Championship run.
MLB Power Rankings: The 10 Most Clutch Hitters in Baseball
Baseball purists and new-age sabermetricians have argued about the existence of “clutch” hitting ever since statistical evaluation became possible. But whether you believe in the advanced metrics or not, you can’t deny that certain players have a penchant for coming through when it matters the most.
Here are the 10 last hitters than an opposing pitcher wants to see in the bottom of the ninth inning with the winning run on base.
Major League Baseball 2011: Best Players To Build a Franchise Around
The saying goes, “There is no ‘I’ in team”, and it is certainly true that no team can succeed relying on one superstar. However, there are players who act like glue for many MLB teams; these players are the foundation of their team from which everything else builds.
These are not necessarily the best hitters in the game nor the power pitchers, but the players who are truly the most valuable to their team. These players are the guys who steal bases at just the right time, make crucial plays in the field, and thrive under pressure. Foundation players are the ones who win games and produce championships for franchises.
Indispensable players are the ones who you can tell when their presence is missing. When this player is out of the lineup, his team just doesn’t play with the same fire. For example, the Cardinals’ lineup looks a lot less daunting without Albert Pujols.
When building an MLB team, general managers look for these types of players as a starting point. So, in this article, I will list the top players, by position, who I would look to first if I were building a Major League Baseball team from scratch. Age, health, talent, and both offensive and defensive statistics are the major categories I will examine.