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Around the League: 2nd Base
Further than an analyst has ever gone before
By Listen DePleyohs / Baseball Tri-Weekly
I made it to second base.
Eastern Division
6. Rickie Weeks, LV One of four question marks in the Las Vegas lineup, Weeks has the ability to replicate Giles’ numbers, but it is doubtful he can do so this season. If the Doggs wait on his talent, he will be a good ball player for them. Unfortunately, this season he may just be a streaky pain. Look for them to either trade or draft someone to cover second until Weeks is ready to go.
5. Robinson Cano/Jose Vidro, PEO While Cano doesn’t show the speed of his peers, it is not as big of a drop seen in previous years. He is another young fellow who had an above-average year, and how he repeats will be very telling. He has a chance to put up Jose Vidro-like numbers, but unfortunately, Jose Vidro can’t anymore. The veteran may have another good season in him, but it probably won’t be in Peoria. Expect him to make it through spring training, but he will probably be cut come opening day.
4. Placido Polanco, HAV Coming off one of his best hitting seasons, Polanco seems to fit into the Swingers plans for the next few seasons. If he can start stealing bases again his value could jump even if his average falls back to normalcy. He will be a rock in the Haverhill infield this year.
3. Chase Utley, RAK A breakout season was enough for Utley to earn a spot in Rakeville lineup, but with a huge jump in average over the previous season, there are questions on whether he can repeat. Either way, Reed Field is an excellent park for lefties which should guarantee him decent production. If he can hit .275, he will cement is spot near the top.
2. Marcus Giles, BRW Acquired in a great trade last season, Giles is an all-around good player at a position lacking depth. He can steal, hit for some power and hit for average, which is perfect for the Weasels’ balanced attack. Bridgewater may have the quickest overall team, and if Giles moves to leadoff, his stolen bases could rise.
1. Alfonso Soriano, WEY His average dropped last season, and you can expect it to remain low playing in Brotherhood, but the power, production and speed is still unmatched at the position. If he also gains outfield eligibility, it makes him a very valuable player.
Editor's note: Soriano was traded to Golden in a 3-team deal after the writing of this story.
Western Division
6. None, BIZ The strength of last year’s Markie team was the infield, but this year it looks like a disorganized mess. Bill Hall has eligibility at second base, third base and shortstop. Besides B.J. Upton, the Markies don’t have any other middle infielders so look for second base to be one of their first three picks in the draft.
5. Jose Lopez, TKO More impressive than his 7 homeruns in two season and four stole bases, is Lopez’s ability to hit below .250 and still have a job. Tokyo is taking a gamble on this guy and hope that a starting job and his youth will be enough to take to the bank. With no one in the minor league system on the way, Lopez may, through sheer luck, have a job the entire season.
4. Ronnie Belliard, GLD Belliard's numbers have improved over the last three seasons, netting a better average and producing more than anyone expected. He’ll never be a 30/100 guy, but then again how many second basemen will? If he repeats his 2005 numbers (.284, 71R, 17HR, 78RBI) he will fit in well in a Golden lineup loaded with above-average hitters.
3. Jorge Cantu, WS It was a jaw dropping year for the 24-year-old Cantu. He showed unexpected power and racked up a ton of RBIs even without much batting in front of him. He should take a more prominent role in the Green Monster’s lineup this season, but his lack of speed and his poor plate discipline will come back to haunt him this year. He may be a great player some day, but this season will be one of adjustments for him.
2. Brian Roberts, TIJ Many feel Brian Roberts' breakout season was a fluke. He certainly has enough talent to put up another big season, but the pressure for him to perform in Tijuana may be a little overwhelming. As long as he continues to steal bases, he’ll have a home below the border. Any power would be a happy bonus.
1. Jeff Kent/ Josh Barfield, QC One of the most consistent bats in the game, Kent’s age doesn’t seem to affect him. He should continue to put up decent to great numbers this season. The question is, with Josh Barfield waiting in the wings and the Piglets set on rebuilding, could Kent become a trade deadline casualty? He would certainly garner a lot of attention if that was the case, but there is no way the young Barfield could ever replicate the old man’s production.
Players who could be available in the draft:
Tadahito Iguchi – Surprisingly absent from EHCC rosters, he is a five-category contributor that should be considered in the first round.
Ryan Freel – Multi-position eligible, Freel could be this year’s Chone Figgins.
Mark Loretta – His better years may be behind him, but someone will take a shot on him late.
Listen DePleyohs writes a column for Baseball Tri-Weekly. He's been too occupied lately killing things to finish his articles himself.
