2018 Fantasy Second Base Preview Or Take Another Scoop – It’s Good for You

Going out for lunch at work is a terrible idea. It takes more of your free time away as you try to find a place to eat. The cost of eating out as opposed to bringing in lunch is exponentially higher. You also have no idea what is really in the food you eat from a restaurant, and you could be putting harmful things in your body. It’s one of the worst decisions you can make.

Boy it sure tastes better than anything in a brown paper bag. It’s probably all those tasty little toxins.

There is a place right by my office that serves just about everything. You can get salads, hot and cold sandwiches, soups, stir fry, noddle dishes and power bowls. All these choices are fine, but it takes away from the star of the show, the buffet.

Now, this isn’t like your normal, all you can eat buffet. I mean, technically it is an all you can eat buffet. You just have to pay for it by the pound. You’d be surprised how much vegetables weight. Technically, they are the heaviest food per calorie. I guess that’s why people fill up on vegetables. You can eat like eight pounds of Broccoli for only 200 calories. But, you’re not here to get Broccoli. If you go for the buffet, you’re going for the real food.

The buffet had a large selection of hot and cold food. You can get standard fare, like chicken, noodles and pastas, or you can get some more exotic options, like lamb, pork belly and a weird fried fish that will stink up your office if you get it. The decisions are up to you. Just remember a few pointers:

1). Never get anything with bones in it. Sure, those ribs look good, but the weight of inedible bone is wasted potential.

2). Get expensive things whenever possible. Since the cost of your meal is based on weight, you should load up on things you like that you can’t afford. While Lobster or Filet Mignon won’t be at your local buffet, shrimp is plentiful. I fill up entire plastic tins of shrimp and pay the same as the jackass with his eight pounds of broccoli. I mean, did you even read what I wrote four paragraphs ago, homie?

3). Be wary of the container. This will weigh something and you will pay for it. Some people claim the contain is half a pound. That seems absurd. To counteract this, request for your food to be placed in a bread bowl. Not only do you get extra carbs, you’re eating the profits of your craftiness.

Sure you might get banned for making the suggestion, but if you’re successful, you might be the Einstein of buffets.

If you follow my advice, you’ll probably pay $35 for lunch, but you’ll be full as hell. I recommend using whatever remains in your wallet on a gym membership.

You know, buffets kind of remind me of Second Baseman. I mean, the title of the article really reminded me of them, but there are similarities.. if you squint.

Much like the precious buffets, second baseman have everything you could want, and usually at a slightly inflated price. If you want average, it’s available. Need some speed? There’s a few players for you. Looking for power? There’s even plenty of that. You may have to pad a tad of inflation get what you want, but on the positive, you’ll get a player that fits your team need.

That’s the beauty of second base. At a lot of different positions, you have to either accept what the position is (like we saw with first base) or use prime draft capital on a player that’s fit your team construct. At second, there’s several tiers of players for each need. You can get power, average and even speed late. They might not be elite options, but they’ll chip in at the categories you need help in. Plus, they aren’t crappy catchers, so they’re way better.

If you wait at second, even past the talent dip, fear not, as there’s still plenty of decent options available. This isn’t a position you need to prioritize to be successful. I do recommend to use 2B for any middle infielder needs. The average second baseman will be better than the average short stop. You won’t be using second base for any of your utility needs, but there’s no shame in that.

Before we get to the questions, I want to bring special attention to Jose Altuve. One of the true five category stars, Altuve gives an advantage in average and should steal somewhere around 30 bases. He has plus power for second, and his counting stats are elite. You can’t do much better than him. There is some push in the industry to rank Altuve over Trout in fantasy. Per these analysts, Altuve’s positional advantage, plus high average and steals make him more valuable than Trout’s performance at a more loaded position. Does that mean you should take Altuve with the #1 pick?

No. No you should not. Unless I have the second pick in a league with you. Then take all the Altuve you want.

Altuve is the sure-fire #2 pick. But don’t second guess who the number one player is.

Heh heh. See what I did there? We better start moving on before I get even worse with puns.

Where is the talent drop off?

While there is plenty of useable talent at second, I think DJ LeMehieu is the last, safe option I feel comfortable with starting at 2^nd. After that, you’re playing with the unproven youngsters, potential one time wonders, and players with limited ceilings. Again, if you’re loading up elsewhere, I don’t see any harm in using one of these guys as your starting second baseman. It’s just easier to win when you’re using a player with either one elite contribution, or having pure safety.

Who is the pivot player at second?

Roughned Odor hit for the second lowest batting average among qualifiers at .204. The only person he beat was Jose Bautista, which is an incredibly apt sentence. He has the plate discipline of a child told in July he needs to wait for the toy he wants until Christmas. His walk rate is only above 0% because it’s mathematically impossible to be negative, though it’s not from a lack of trying. At the same time, Odor had an incredible low BABIP. Despite his average struggles, he still hit 30 home runs and stole 15 bases. That’s a very useful player. His batting average could easily turn around assisted by a BABIP in line with his career rates. Then again, maybe he’s doomed to struggling with average because of his non-existent patience. Personally, I’m targeted Odor all day, because I think he’ll hit for a better average. He hasn’t reached his prime yet.

I’ll throw in a second one, for minimal charge. Daniel Murphy shouldn’t be on this list on talent alone, as he has proven to be one of the most consistent sluggers since his breakout in the second half of 2015. However, his recovery from micro fracture knee surgery still lingers. This may keep him out for the first month of the season, or maybe longer. The Nationals are trying to win a championship, or at least choke during another first round playoff series, and Murphy is a big part of that. I expect him to be elite when he plays, but I’m not sure how any games it’ll be. Or the record, I had him ranked 4^th, only after Altuve, Rizzo (Gah!) and Ramirez, but the injury made me lower him a bit. He may be a huge value and you can DL him and use a fill in until he returns.

What should I look at for in my second baseman?

I think the biggest key is finding a value. You don’t need to pull the trigger and reach to cover the position like at short. There’s nothing wrong with taking a second baseman early as some of them are truly elite. Just be sure not to go in too early on the middle options like Jonathon Schoop. Schoop himself is fine, but he’s not elite anywhere and hates walking. If you get him below his ADP, that’s a win for your team. But if you’re reaching on a guy like him, with so much value available, you’re hurting yourself. Let the bargain come to you, because somebody good will slip.

Which Second Baseman should surprise?

Cesar Hernandez – With the improvements in the Philly lineup, Hernandez could score 100 runs this year. He already has a high base average and could easily hit .300. He’s also a contributor in stolen bases. Three category players aren’t all the rage, but when you’re getting this type of contribution late, it’s worth it. If you’re in an OBP league, Hernandez is a late round Godsend. He’s one of the reasons you can wait for value at second as a fail safe option.

Ian Kinsler – It’s tough for a 35 year old to do much surprising, but hear me out. Kinsler leaves a dying Tigers team to go to the Angels, who retooled with a bunch of solid acquisitions. The lineup is significantly better and Kinsler is due for some positive regression. He’s a year removed from a 28 homer, .288 season. I doubt he gets to those levels again, but even 80% of that is useful enough to be a startable asset.

Which Second Baseman will disappoint?

Dee Gordon – This is a personal bias, but Gordon isn’t the type of player I go after. He’s good enough at stealing bases to win a category by himself, but he’s not contributing much else. The runs are good, but we don’t know how he’ll react to the American League. The average tends to be .300, but he doesn’t really walk, so if he has an unlucky year, even that won’t be great. Couple with the fact that he’s playing CF for an American league team, and Gordon might struggle with all the adjustments. I’m not saying he’ll be terrible, but I don’t want to pay the 3^rd round draft price for it.

Whit Merrifield – My main concern with Merrifield is who is he? No really, who is he? I don’t understand where he came from, and he had his breakout year at age 28. That’s very late for someone who never did it before. Merrifield can hit for a decent average and may still 30 bases, but that’s it I don’t see a lot of runs, or power. Plus, this assumes he matches his performance last year. I might miss on a good player here, but I’ll let somebody else invest. I’ll probably draft a different, safer 2^nd baseman.

Any Valuable Prospects?

Ozzie Albies – Finally, another use for Ozzie Ozie Ozzie OY OY OY! Albies should hit toward the top of a Braves lineup that could get extremely good fast. He should be sandwiched between some combination of Ender Inciarte, Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna. That’s a very potent foursome with near limitless potential. Albies is a three category contributer but he’s so young, there could be a power growth as well. Don’t reach too much, but he’s a top level prospect that could break out as soon as this year.

Raul Mondesi – More of a name to remember on draft day, Mondesi has a great chance to make the major league roster outright, but hasn’t done much in his time at that level. He’s still very young, and he’s got speed, so there’s a chance he can be fantasy relevant for just his base stealing alone.

Scott Kingery – With his torrid spring, and the signing of Jake Arrieta, it seems the Phillies might play their prospect sooner than later. Kingery is a five tool player, who will provide plus power at second base as well as plus speed. He doesn’t have a spot to play though, which is a problem. The Phillies are pretty set at 2nd, 3rd, and SS. Perhaps Cesar Hernandez can move to the Outfield. My guess, in June, if Maikel Franco is struggling, look for Kingery to play third. You don’t need to draft Kingery, but you should watch out for him. I don’t have him ranked, but consider him with your last pick in a keeper league.

Player’s guide:

A – An Average of .290 or above

OB – On Base Percentage of over .350 or an OBP significantly improving on the batter’s average.

HR – More than 25 Homeruns, or a slugging percentage above .475.

S – More than 20 stolen bases

D – The potential to have an average below .255 or an .OBP below .325

IR – The player is likely to miss time due to injury.

In addition, I will list players who have additional eligibility based on Yahoo’s rankings. These players have slightly increased value, but don’t get carried away. Players ranked will have the same write up on multiple list. Their outlook doesn’t change based on defensive flexibility.

All by Myself Tier

Jose Altuve HOU (A, OB, HR, S) – There’s a case to make for Altuve to be the #1 pick, especially when you consider he’s a middle infielder. Of course, this case is immediately countered by “Mike Trout” but in an MLB where aliens were not allowed, Altuve would likely go first. He’s a threat to win the batting title, has an outside shot at a 30-30 year with some luck in HRs and provides safe steals in an era where they are tough to come by. A true 5 category star with no downside. The lineup is stacked so he should reach 200 RBIs+Runs easily.

Multi Eligibility Tier

Anthony Rizzo CHC (OB, HR) – The only flaw in Rizzo’s game, and we’re really nitpicking here, is that he usually levels off with a .270 average. While it’s not bad, it’s not elite. Eventually, he’ll have a lucky BABIP season and he’ll probably hit .300, but even if he doesn’t he’s very elite. Rizzo is a mortal lock for 30-100 with 90 runs. He usually steals close to 10 bases too. He’s an elite contributor in 3 categories, chips in at a fourth and at worst, doesn’t hurt you in average. In OBP leagues, his walk rate put him in the .39% class, which is elite. Oh, and did we mention he’ll likely have 2B eligibility on most sites. It’s the dumbest rule baseball has, but if you can use Rizzo at second and pair him with another 1B masher, do it. He’s in one of the best lineups in baseball. (1B)

Jose Ramirez CLE (A, OB, S) – I hope people don’t realize how good this guy is. Over the past two seasons he has hit .315, he provides 20-20 potential and improved every year. He’s very similar to his teammate Fransisco Lindor, except nobody wants to believe Ramirez. I’m not sure the power is real (29 HRs last year, 11 the year before), but if he can provide 20 with steals and that average? Sign me up. I wanted to move him higher but I couldn’t justify it because of the unpredictability of the power. Oh, and he has multiple position eligibility if you’re into that sort of thing (you should be). (3B)

Mashing 2B Tier

Brian Dozier MIN (HR, D) – While the end numbers look good, Dozier is really a second half player. If you play in a Roto league, you can plug him in and let the numbers tally. In a head to head or points league though, should be drafted as high as he is? You can argue the second half will carry you, but maybe it’s best to draft a backup as insurance for his slow starts. Dozier provides ample power at 2B and has leveled off his average to a respectable .270, though I still see the potential for a .240 season. His OBP has increased in each of the last three seasons, so if the patience continues to improve, the average can be safe. He’ll even give you double-digit steals. Just don’t expect to love him till June.

Robinson Cano SEA – I think the hate has swung too far on Cano again. No, the past season didn’t live up to his 2016 renaissance, but he still hit .280 and had 97 RBIs. .280 is a positive in this day and age. I don’t know how far the power will regress but he’s a good bet to drive in 100 runs, score 80 and still hits the ball hard. If he gets to 25 HRs, you’ll make a profit on him.

Daniel Murphy WAS (A, OB, HR, IR) – He only has the IR tag because he’s recovery from Micro fracture knee surgery. That sounds painful. If he proves to be healthy in spring training, Murphy is one of the safety sources of average in baseball, and combines it with 25+ HRs. He also rarely strikeouts, though walks aren’t really his thing. The power he unlocked since the 2015 playoffs is real, though it’s still more gap power than homers. If you don’t need speed, he’s the perfect 2B to draft after Altuve and Ramirez. Just check up on the knee. If he remains injured through Spring Training, it’s a problem.

 

Roughned Odor TEX (HR, D) – If ratios were somehow not factored into your league, Odor would have been a top 5 2B last year. He hit 30 HRs to go along with 15 steals, showing his 2016 wasn’t a fluke. The probably was he hit .204 and had an OBP of .252. The scary thing is that walk rate was an improvement on his career aveage. Odor had a pathetically low BABIP, so I expect the average to rebound. But with his impatience, I’m not sure how high in can go. If you can withstand a .230 average, he’s a great player. At 24, you can hope he learns some patience. That would take him to a whole new level. He can easily be 5 spots higher or lower in next year’s ranking.

The Buffer tier

Dee Gordon SEA (A, S) – Yes, I know, this ranking is kind of a joke, but I just don’t want to own Gordon. He’s a three category player you need to draft in the third round. He does give excellent production in those three categories – average, runs and his calling card, steals. Gordon can win any roster steals with minimal assistance, but at the complete sacrifice of power. If he doesn’t score 100 runs and hit .300, I don’t think you can justify a pick that high. He also rarely walks, so any bad luck hitting season will tank his value. I’d rather take a four category player and punt steals. I recognize the value, and I’m sure many will disagree, but Gordon won’t be one of my building blocks.

Jonathan Schoop BAL (HR) – There is a chance that we’re paying for Schoop’s ceiling with this ranking, but we may also have a playing who is still improving. Schoop’s numbers all increased from 2016 in just sever more at bats, and while the ball may or may not be juiced, they were also juiced in 2016 too. There are gains here. I just wish he would walk more, but otherwise, all his stats seem legit. He’s a good, solid hitter that you have to pay a lot for. If people don’t believe in the breakout, pounce on him. Not literally. That would be weird. But considering the depth of the position, I wouldn’t pay his current price.

Runs for Days tier

Matt Carpenter STL (OB) – Carpenter’s two selling points was his positional versatility and his on base skills. Both of those were still on display last year, but his average fell off a cliff. Hitting only .241 hurt his overall game. But that doesn’t take away from all his did – 91 runs, a .384 OPB in line with his career, and 23 homers. If his average rebounds to .270, there’s a .400 OBP season in play, and that will lead to more runs. Don’t forget Carpenter on draft day, especially considering his versatility. He is dealing with back tightness, but Carpenter doesn’t seem to worry about it. He’s also expected ot bat 3rd, which might make him even better. (1B, 3B)

DJ LeMahieu COL (A, OB) – I’m not sure we’d know who LeMahieu was if he played in a pitcher’s park. Fortunately, he gets 81 games at Coors, so we can use him to boost our average to respectable levels. This isn’t a player for every team – he’s idea; in category leagues where you’re building around averages, point leagues, or leagues were you have a lot of high power low average players. He’s really just good at getting on base and scoring runs. Just remember, that’s a valuable skill set that most don’t appreciate. You can get him at a reasonable price too.

Ozzie Albies ATL (S) – One of the highest ranking prospects in baseball last year, Albies held his own after initial struggles in 2017 and offers plenty of upside. He doesn’t provide too much in the power department, but should be a safe source of steals, which could top out at 30. The average should be decent, but I don’t see it as a strength just yet. This will likely be more of a learning curve season, though he will be useful in stretches. The upside for more is there, but that’ll be more for 2019-2020.

All Upside Tier

Javier Baez CHC (HR, D) – With a few more at bats, Baez might fully break out and be a top five option at the position. As it stands, with slightly less than 500 At Bats, he is a threat for 30 HRs with his raw power. He also contributes double digit steals and his otherworldly defense keeps him in the lineup, even if Joe Madden plays Ben Zobrist over Baez way too often. His one downside is his strikeouts. Baez strikes out a lot and that caps his average potential. Despite this, and his reluctance to walk, he still hit .273 the past few years so this might not be an issue. The positional flexibility he offers makes him a great add. (SS)

Whit Merrifield KC (S) – Consider me a doubter. Merrifield’s first useful season came at age 28 where he hit .288 and stole 34 bases. His value will be tied to those two categories since there’s nobody left in Kansas City to drive him in. Late age breakouts like this always scare me, especially when a player revolves around speed. I wouldn’t want to rely on him, but the 30+ steals will entice a lot of GMs. The average looks legit but everything else is suspect.

Ian Happ CHC (HR, D) – Happ’s Flexibility allows him to play both 2B and the OF giving him more at bats. This allowed him to consistently stay in the lineup from May om. The Cubs are filled with talent but it seems like Happ will play 130+ games and provide pretty good power. The average isn’t elite, but his counting stats are what makes him who he is. The positional flexibility helps in daily leagues, but let’s face it, you’ll play him as a 2B. A good power play who may see growth overall, but if he hits as he did last year, he’d a tad overrated. (OF)

Paul De Jong STL – De Jong’s underlying stats make him look like a potential superstar, but there’s a few red flags to consider. Firstly, he was not a major prospect, and without injuries and underperformance, he wouldn’t have played much at all. Secondly, he has a terrible walk rate, preferring to hack away at junk than take a pitch. There’s regression coming, and a .285 average will be nearly impossible to repeat. It’s not the first time a player surprised though, and prospect status doesn’t mean anything at the major league level. If you draft for the upside, that’s fine, but don’t draft assuming he’ll match his stats. He’s a player to pair with a safe 2B or make your MI. He should not be the lone 2B on your roster. (SS)

Underrated tier

Cesar Hernandez PHI (A, OB) – An underrated player for fantasy, especially in OBP leagues, Hernandez provides a near .300 average and is always on base. If the Phillies offense is improved, and they should be, he could score 100 runs easily. If he stole 30 bases, he’d be much more valuable, but alas, he only swipes about 15. For the draft cost, he’s a great average booster with the potential for more. Hernandez is DJ LeMahieu minus Coors Field.

Ian Kinsler LAA (HR, D) – I think we’re writing Kinsler off a bit too quick. If 2016, he slashed .288/.348/.484 with 117 runs scored. I know he’s 35, but he’ll be in a decent Angels lineup and you have to expect him to hit toward the top. If he does so, he has value. He could be cooked, but it won’t cost much to find out. Saying there’s upside to a 35-year-old is a stretch, but I think it fits this situation.

Chris Taylor LAD – There’s a great chance we’ve already seen Chris Taylor’s best season. A player who’s ever been known for any power hit 21 home runs last season. He has 23 CAREER minor league homeruns is over 2,000 plate appearances. That’s what we in the industry call a fluke. His .288 average and .354 OBP came out of left field as well. The production looks great, and he’s worth a draft pick just in case, but I woudn’t count on anything but his name floating on the free agent list for months on end. Don’t bank on it. (SS, OF)

Run, Run, Run Tier

Eduardo Nunez BOS (A, S) – The biggest problem for Nunez is I’m not sure he’ll have a job post April. Currently, he is penciled in to start at 2B as Dustin Pedroia recovers from injury. Nunez will provide some solid averages and great speed, especially for the position. He’d likely steal 30 bases with regular playing time, but that’s going to be an issue come May. He’s not a bad draft pick for a month of production, but don’t draft him without another 2B. Nunez does offer nice positional eligibility so maybe he’ll be a super sub and have use all year. (SS, 3B, OF)

Jose Peraza CIN (S) – Here’s a little post hype sleeper gamesmanship. Last year Peraza was on everybody’s love list. He was supposed to provide average and steals in a game starved for those stats. Then, other than 23 steals, Peraza didn’t do a thing. In fact, even his steals total was only two higher than 2016, and he had double the At Bats. Peraza is only 23, so it’s too early to give up on him. This was his first extended major league season, and he still hit .259. That’s not awful. With some growth, he can be the player we hoped he was last year. Could be a good source for steals, average and runs late. (SS)

What if?

Marwin Gonzales HOU – The Astros’ Swiss army knife earned five positions of eligibility and a career year in 2017. He hit .303, popped 23 homers and drove in 90 runs. He even stole a few bases to boot. I don’t think we’ll see the same production. Even with this versatility, he still seems like a super sub at best. He might claw his way to 400 at bats, but that’s not guaranteed. Secondly, and probably most importantly, it’s unlikely he repeats his performance. The breakout at 29 years old seems questionable. If he hits like last year, he’ll force himself into an everyday role, but this is a team too deep to assume that he’ll have regular at bats if he regresses at all. Let someone else draft based on last year’s numbers and eligibility. (1B, SS, 3B, OF)

Devon Travis TOR (IR) – Every year, the hype builds for Travis, but other than hitting for average, what has he really done but get hurt? All of Travis’ sample sizes are small, and while his slash lines are tantalizing, he doesn’t steal, nor hit for power. He also doesn’t really walk much. I think part of his allure is that we assume there’s more to Travis, but I think this is it, an oft injured but solid table setter. Don’t reach for him.

Dustin Pedroia BOS (A, OB, IR) – Pedroia is still a solid source of average and runs, but that’s about it. The power is all but gone, and that’s an issue in today’s game. He also can’t stay on the field, missing significant time in two of the last three seasons. He’s built more to a fill in when you’re main second baseman is hurt. Pedroia is tied to a good lineup, but his days as an elite option are over.

Yuan Moncada CWS (S, D)  – This is a pure upside play since Moncada’s major league performance hasn’t been that great thus far. Still only 22, he strikes out a ton and hasn’t shown much of a hitting tool. However, I’m not giving up on the former #1 prospect in baseball. I can see a 20-20 type of season, but with an abysmal average. If you need category juice, he’s a nice upside play, especially in keeper formats. If you need to steady ratios, look elsewhere.

Scooter Gennett CIN – I really hope Scooter is on his birth certificate.

I don’t know what to make of him. Seemingly a role player, Gennett broke out with legit power all season. He offers position flexibility and his average has always been at least passable, but I don’t see the repeat. Playing in Cincinnati has help power totals, but he was previously in Milwaukee and didn’t come close to this. Gennett is the poster child for the juiced ball era. Draft him late but don’t make him your starting 2B. A middle infield option at best. (3B, OF)

Jonathan Villar MIL (S, D) – This is the fear of drafting a speed guy. Sure, Villar has a good average and chipped in 19 home runs, but he was ranked in the top 30 because he stole 62 bags. It was inconsistent with his career in both the majors and minors and 2017 was a disaster. He stole 23 bases, but with a .241 average and 11 homers. He ended up losing playing time due to his struggles. He’s still young, and if you believe in a bounce back, he’ll be cheap, but not as cheap as he should be because of his speed. Keep him in mind on draft day but don’t spend too high of pick. (OF)

Tim Beckham BAL – At 28, Beckham finally lived up to his #1 overall pick status with career high statistics all across the board. I have trouble believe this was anything more than a product of the juiced ball though. He’s never shown this kind of potential at the major league level and while not impossible, 28 is a rare time to breakout. Beckham does have some positives going for him. He plays in Baltimore, a notorious hitter’s park. He also has SS and 2B eligibility, and should earn 3B early into the season. That flexibility is worth a late round flier, but nothing more. I’d want to see a hot April before I buy in. (SS)

Raul Mondesi KC (S, D) – Yes, he is the son of the Raul Mondesi you probably remember. It’s scary how many sons of athletes we’re seeing pop up in sports now. It’s also crazy how much of an ego these athletes have to name their kids after themselves. Mondesi has looked over matched in his time in the majors, but is only 22 and has destroyed the high minors. If he can stick in the show this year, he should steal about 20 bags, assuming he can find first base. This is really more for keeper leagues. If you play in a season long format, I wouldn’t worry about him until next season.

Old School Tier

Starlin Castro MIA – Castro leave the friendly confines of Yankee stadium and goes to the barren wasteland that is Miami. There isn’t a lot of help in the lineup, but at least it means Castro won’t have competition for playing time. It’s doubtful he’ll have usable counting numbers, and he’s probably a .270 hitter, but if you need a middle infielder, there’s been worse late fliers. Just don’t except his Yankee numbers.

Wilmer Flores NYM – You shouldn’t draft Flores, at least not yet. I think he’s be a decent everyday 2B with 3B 1B and maybe even SS flexibility. But the Mets only see him as a bit utility player. I list him in the preview for one reason – if you play in a daily transaction league, where you can pick up and plug guy’s in, Flores makes a great play against lefties. He mashes lefties with reckless abandon. If, by some miracle, the Mets did the right thing and played Flores at 2^nd every day, he’ll put up a borderline useful line. He’s no superstar, but he’s a solid bat. Daily players, take notice. (1B, 3B)

Brandon Phillips Free Agent– Phillips is still providing quality years despite being 36 years old. His average always seems to settle in around .280-.295 and he’ll hit 10+ HRs and steal 10+ bases. He’s also extremely good at showing up to play, participating in at least 140 games for the past three season despite the advanced age. In deep leagues this is nice but in shallow leagues, there’s not enough here other than a slight average boost and attendance.

Ben Zobrist CHC (OB) – The biggest problem with Zobrist is that he prevents Ian Happ and Javier Baez from getting the time they deserve. Zobrist still has great OBP, but he no longer does much of anything at this point. The best thing for fantasy players would be for Zobrist not to play at all. (OF)

Jason Kipnis CLE (IR) – I’m done trying to figure out who Kipnis is. Baseball is all about drafting to fit team needs and it’s impossible to figure out what Kipnis will excel at year to year. Sometimes he’s a .300 hitter. Other times, he’s hitting 25+ HRs. Or, sometimes he gets hurt and contributes nothing. Kipnis always seems to have some sort of nagging injury and when you combine that with unpredictability, he’s not worth the headache. Even being in a good lineup doesn’t save him because he could hit at the bottom of the order.

 

Josh Harrison PIT – Harrison’s versatility makes him a better real life player than fantasy option. He’s just ho-hum. You’ll get a .275 average with no walks, 10 HRs, 15 Steals and middling counting stats? Go for more upside than this. You deserve it. (3B, OF)

Jed Lowrie OAK (IR) – Lowrie actually put together a decent season where he hit .270 and had 14 homeruns… and like nothing else. Hmm. A lot of his real life value was tied to hitting 49 doubles, a stat that rarely is rewarded in fantasy. He’s also hurt every year. Please try to shoot higher than this.

Logan Foresythe LA (OB, D) – Forsythe brings a good eye and little else. His teens HR total don’t play much anymore and he doesn’t steal. Even his safe-ish average of .260 fell all the way to .224 last season. He’s decent in .OBP leagues, but even then, if his base average is low, there’s no real point to picking him over guys with upside and speed.