RADIO
Five Undervalued Second Basemen for 2015
You've got the strongest pitching staff in your league. Your outfield is stacked. You make sure to pick up a catcher early, pick up a hard-hitting first baseman, and - oh no - all of the decent second basemen are gone.
It's common knowledge that one must focus on middle infielders in the early rounds of the draft or all the talent will vanish. Well, that's partly true. But it's also true that there is plenty of talent - and many potential breakout candidates - lurking in the later rounds of the draft. So have no fear, your sleepers are here.
Howie Kendrick, 2B - Los Angeles Dodgers
I'm not even sure why this guy is considered a sleeper. Going by the numbers, Howie Kendrick should be a top five 2B heading into 2015. I wrote a feature on Kendrick earlier, so I won't repeat myself. Here's the condensed version:
Kendrick has been one of the most consistent players at the 2B position (or any position for that matter), his .293 average was third in the league last year, and he is guaranteed to contribute a handful of HR, SB and other key stats in a potent Dodgers lineup. There's almost no downside here and there's a lot of less reliable options who are ranked above Kendrick.
Arismendy Alcantara, 2B / OF - Chicago Cubs
Call up your die-hard Cubs fan buddy right now. When he/she picks up, say the name Arismendy Alcantara into the phone, put the phone down, and see how long that buddy will excitedly blabber into the phone without realizing you're not listening anymore. Cubs fans are high on this guy and for good reason.
Versatility is the key. This guy can do it all, as the Cubs expect him to see time at 2B, 3B and OF. Plus, he is a legitimate 15 HR 15 SB threat heading into 2015 and is expected to bat for a good average. Alcantara's name was somewhat lost in the frenzy of Cubs prospects at the end of 2014.
As of right now, he is still a utility player and is not guaranteed any starting role. But expect Alcantara to find himself somewhere on the field most days and expect him to be a viable 2B (or bench) option heading into the late rounds of the draft.
Marcus Semien, 2B / 3B - Oakland Athletics
Similar to Alcantara, Semien will be featured in a utility infielder role this year for the A's after spending last season between the Sox and the minors. He's been absolutely crushing it this spring thus far. He put up great numbers in the minors.
He's got power and speed making him a legitimate threat for both double-digit HR and SB totals. All signs are pointing up for Semien heading into 2015. There is no guarantee that Semien will live up to the hype in 2015. But, with an ADP of 278.2, it would be wise to swipe him up in the dwindling rounds of the draft.
Joe Panik, 2B - San Francisco Giants
Panik was a key component of the Giants' Championship run in 2014. His clutch play down the stretch of the regular season and the playoffs made him a definite starter this year for San Francisco, eligible for both 2B and SS. In terms of counting stats, there's not much to say about Panik.
He won't steal a ton of bases and won't hit many home runs. Yet, for a guy who goes undrafted in most formats, Panik won't be a detriment to any roster. He hits for contact, maintains a steady average, gets on base often, and will have the opportunity to cross home plate a lot as a result of batting second in the order.
By no means should you splurge on this guy. But, for a late round pick, Panik will do less harm than many other guys ranked higher whom will hit 10 HR while dragging your squad's average into oblivion.
Rougned Odor, 2B - Texas Rangers
Rougned Odor is, potentially, one of the aforementioned guys who may hit a handful of homers, but at the cost of a low average and high strikeout rate. The 21 year-old prospect may have been called up too soon as a result of the Rangers' disastrous 2014 campaign. The inexperience showed in various aspects of his game last year.
These are all facts. It is also a fact that Odor showed signs of developing power, as well as glimpses of agility on the bases. He's been looking slick this spring. Some projections have Odor hitting 15 HR in 2015 along with 15 SB. If he manages anything close to that, while maintaining a tolerable average, he will be well worth his 267 ADP. There are guys with that slash line (ahem... Kolten Wong... ahem) getting drafted much higher.
