Reilly
02-20-2005, 05:12 AM
Once again, the talent level is pretty scarce at second base. Michael Young is no longer at the position, Jeff Kent is starting to fade, Bret Boone has already faded, and Roberto Alomar is essentially done. Pay attention to Jose Reyes' health this spring – among those that qualify at second base, he has one of the higher upsides. Looking for a cheap alternative that could pay off in a big way? Take a look at Chris Burke at the Astros. He's not guaranteed the starting job, but he has the potential to be a cheap source of speed.
1. Alfonso Soriano, TEX
Despite moving to a better hitter's park in 2004, Soriano disappointed after back-to-back flirts with a 40-40 season. He never really got on track, failing to post an OPS over .851 in any single month, and spent most of the season hitting third in the order, which kept his stolen base totals in check. His 2004 was still a very good season from a roto standpoint, but it pales in comparison to his 2002 and 2003.
2. Marcus Giles, ATL
After a breakout season in 2003, Giles was hitting .339 through May before being sidelined for two months by a broken collarbone. He finished the season strong, slugging .521 in September and still posted a great .378 OBP, but his power was down slightly due to the injury. He should be back to full strength in 2005 and remains a budding superstar.
3. Mark Loretta, SD
Following in the footsteps of many journeyman middle infielders such as Mike Bordick and Jay Bell, Loretta found his stroke late in life and posted career totals across the board in 2004 including a third-in-league .335 batting average, a .495 slugging percentage, and a Padres record 108 runs scored. While it's a terrific feat, you should be wary coming into this season. A 33-year-old is a dinosaur at the position that has the quickest mortality rate. A fade or injury is more likely than a complete fall off so don't be caught unaware.
4. Jeff Kent, LA
Kent bounced back form a slight dip in his stats in 2003 and had another solid season in 2004. His numbers should take a hit moving to Dodger Stadium from Houston's Minute Maid Park, but he'll still be a good source of power at second base. He could also play other positions around the infield with the Dodgers.
5. Michael Young, TEX
Last season Young cut down the strikeouts, boosted the walks and continued to murder pitching at home (.346 in 2004, .353 in 2003). His road numbers improved a good bit and the season totals reflect that. The power spike was accompanied by attaining a better batting eye, so there's good reason to think it will stick. He split time hitting in each of the top three spots in the order, so watch his value in 4 x 4 leagues if it looks like he'll hit leadoff more often in 2005 (those 99 RBI would disappear pretty quickly).
6. Chone Figgins, ANA
Figgins is a question mark in 2005. He's a better roto asset (good average, 34 SB) than he is a real player (.769 OPS). Still, it's looking increasingly likely he'll get playing time nearly every day somewhere for the Angels, which he has value for stolen bases, if nothing else.
7. Jose Reyes, NY-N
Leg woes once again plagued Reyes, limiting him to just 53 games last season after a strained right hamstring and compensatory sore lower back. The team taught him a new running style to take pressure off his weak hamstrings and back, but he abandoned it and had a big July with 11 SB. In August, after playing nearly a month with a stress fracture in his left fibula, the pain proved too great and Reyes was once again placed on the DL. He returned to the lineup, moving from second base back to shortstop, for the final nine games of the season and enters 2005 as a huge question mark at the top of the order. Mackie Shilstone, a sports performance expert, has designed a program for Reyes to follow. He's high-risk, highreward.
8. Jose Vidro, WAS
Vidro battled through a knee injury most of the second half before shutting it down in September, but still put up numbers close to his previous few years performance. Hopefully, better health will help him regain that 850+ OPS level, or even get back to the promise of his monster 2000.
9. Luis Castillo, FLA
Castillo has been a very consistent player over the last six years. While his steals have dwindled, he'll been a safe bet to hit .290 or better, get on base at a solid rate, and score some runs. Still only 29, he's still probably got a couple of years left at that level – just make sure you don't overpay for stolen bases that likely aren't coming back.
10. Juan Uribe, CHI-A
Toss out a .123 July and Uribe had a fantastic year -- then again, toss out his .393 April and his 2004 still looks pretty darn good. Consistency will never be a Uribe strength as long as he strikes out three times as often as he walks, but just so long as he flashes good leather at shortstop and provides some fireworks at the plate, the White Sox aren't going to complain. With Jose Valentin's departure, Uribe is set to start at shortstop.
11. Placido Polanco, PHI
Polanco had another good year for the Phillies, playing mostly second base. His 31 home runs from 2003-2004 are more than he hit in his entire professional career to that point (25). This shows he has progressed as a hitter, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him duplicate those numbers. A free agent, Polanco might land a good contract, and he is a quality, versatile defender who hits for average. Just don't expect much power or speed out of him.
12. Brian Roberts, BAL
Roberts is the poster child for making the most of an opportunity. After impressing in 2003 when he took over for the injured Jerry Hairston at second base, Roberts expected to start 2004 on the bench until Hairston broke a finger in spring training. He hit .305 with eight doubles in April and instead of yielding the second base job when Hairston returned, forced Hairston to assume a utility role the rest of the season. Though he was ineffective in stretches, Roberts' strong August (team-leading 29 SB) and franchise-record 50 doubles have entrenched him as the Orioles starting second baseman and leadoff hitter. With the team looking to add another big bat behind Roberts in an already formidable lineup, he could finish with similar numbers in 2005.
13. Aaron Miles, COL
Miles solidified his role as the Rockies' starting second baseman with a good rookie campaign, but he'll need to improve his on-base skills. His .324 OBP in 2004 puts him in the lower half among leadoff hitters, and his 12 steals leave something to be desired, especially from a little guy with no power. With big bats and a little Coors magic behind him, if Miles can get on base, 100 runs are not out of the question in 2005.
14. Chase Utley, PHI
Utley graduated to the majors in 2004 with style, showing good contact, power and defense at the hot corner. He struggled against lefthanders (.200) and could stand to draw more walks. He might be pushed to third base down the road by a prospect, or if his defense becomes a problem. Barring injury or a spring-training meltdown, he will be the Phillies' second baseman, and will be a good one.
15. D'Angelo Jimenez, CIN
Jimenez is a perfectly useful alternative for a small payroll team (let's dispense with the phrase "small market" - market size rarely correlates perfectly with payroll size, as there are other factors in play which help determine how much a team invests in its product). However, the moment he becomes a pricey option via arbitration is the moment that a team like the Reds should look for cheaper alternatives, like Ryan Freel. Jimenez offers a little everything, but rarely will he stand out in a category.
16. Ray Durham, SF
Last year was an improvement for Durham, but he hasn't played more that 120 games the last two seasons. He's battled several injuries that cost him significant playing time and speed, which was once his most valuable fantasy contribution. He led the Giants in stolen bases last year, but his days of swiping 30 bags are gone. He's a decent second-tier second baseman with his good average and decent ability to get on base as a leadoff man, but whether he can remain healthy this season is the question.
17. Bret Boone, SEA
Boone had an all-round off year in 2004. His OBP slipped to .317 and his power numbers fell as well. Even his fielding was down, with as many errors (14) as he had in the previous two seasons combined. Theories abound to explain Boone's miserable year, including vision problems, which required laser eye surgery in the offseason. A better lineup, such as with the signings of Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre, should help Boone this season. And hopefully his vision stays top-notch. He'll come cheaper than in recent years in auction leagues.
18. Orlando Hudson, TOR
Hudson improved greatly against left-handed pitching (.793 OPS in 2004 versus .412 in 2003) which helped boost his overall numbers last season. A hamstring injury sidelined him for a few weeks, but there's some upside here as he enters his prime.
19. Todd Walker, CHI-N
Walker brings good hitting skills to the table, combining decent plate discipline with a fair amount of pop for a middle infielder. His average-at-best work with the glove often relegates him to a parttime role, but he heads into the season the Cubs full-time second baseman.
20. Junior Spivey, MIL
Spivey hit .272 with seven HR before a dislocated shoulder ended his season. The Brewers will bring him back for one more season and give him the starting job at 2B. His job security is not high though, because the Brewers have a capable backup in Keith Ginter and a top prospect in Rickie Weeks who are right behind him. Depending on the progress of Weeks, Spivey could be traded before season's end.
21. Mark Bellhorn, BOS
Bellhorn had enough big hits for the World Champions last season to deserve a second go-round as the Red Sox' starting second baseman. Don't let his strikeouts scare you, this organization will stick with Bellhorn because he knows how to take a walk. In this lineup, Bellhorn will get plenty of RBI opportunities and should score his fair share of runs. He spent the majority of the season hitting second in the batting order, but was moved down at the end of the season. Either way, he'll get plenty of at-bats in 2005.
22. Ronnie Belliard, CLE
Belliard had a good comeback year for the Indians, setting career highs in most major categories. He stayed healthy and hit well leading off (.303), with runners in scoring position (.284) and on the road (.299). He did commit 14 errors, tying for second in the AL, and will start the spring as the starter at second base but will need to hold off Brandon Phillips and Jose Hernandez. Belliard could be a good bargain in 2005 for those fantasy owners who don't expect too much power or speed out of him, or in leagues where he's viewed as a bum.
23. Omar Infante, DET
After Fernando Vina went down early in the 2004 season with a knee injury, Infante was thrust into the role of starting second baseman and he exceeded all expectations. In fact, he'll enter 2005 as Detroit's everyday second baseman regardless of Vina's health status. Infante also saw significant time at shortstop last year after Carlos Guillen got injured, giving him invaluable positional flexibility. He's still not a household name, so you may be able to steal him in the later rounds on draft day.
24. Luis Gonzalez, COL
Gonzalez can fill in at any infield position and also has a shot at Colorado's final starting outfield spot should the team look within the organization to replace Jeromy Burnitz. Gonzalez put up solid numbers in 2004 and Coors Field is certainly a formidable ally for any batter, so if he does end up earning a starting role he's worth a late-round flier, especially in deep NL-only leagues.
25. Michael Cuddyer, MIN
Cuddyer finally found consistent playing time in the major leagues last season and enters 2004 as the favorite to win a starting job at either second or third base with the Twins. After being touted as a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2002, Cuddyer struggled in his first regular major league playing time that season and then missed most of 2003 with injuries. Finally healthy in 2004, he switched to second base and took over the position in the second half. The job security did wonders for his mental approach at the plate as he hit .287/.378/.487 in the final three months. The Twins saw enough to commit to him as an everyday player in 2005 and spring competition in the infield will determine where he plays. Since he'll qualify at second base, he'll be a valuable fantasy player there with solid power and a good eye at the plate. He could hit 20+ HRs in astarting role with a decent batting average.
26. Tony Womack, NY-A
Womack had a career year and finally became a strength to a team rather than a glaring weakness. After spending far too many seasons as a sub-par shortstop and even worse leadoff hitter, the Cardinals traded for him in the spring and inserted him as their second baseman. Rebounding nicely from Tommy John surgery, Womack hit better, walked more and struck out less than in the past. He was a disappointment in the post-season, hitting just .214 with a paltry .509 OPS. But the Cardinals would like to have him back, mostly because he's relatively inexpensive and, if he falls back to his lack-luster ways, there are still GMs in baseball who are delighted by his base stealing and ability to play many positions.
27. Keith Ginter, OAK
Ginter will battle Mark Ellis this spring for the starting second base job in Oakland after being traded from Milwaukee. Ginter showed good power last season and has the plate discipline the A's love, but he'll have to field well to keep the job.
28. Mark Grudzielanek, STL
For the second season in a row, Grudzielanek put up passable numbers for a middle infielder, but an inflamed Achilles' tendon limited him to just 257 AB. He'll open as the starter at second base for St. Louis this spring.
29. Jose Castillo, PIT
Castillo, who saw plenty of action at second base last season after making the jump directly from Double-A to the big leagues, made positive adjustments throughout the 2004 campaign and would figure to have a leg up on the competition this spring, but he could be challenged by Freddy Sanchez and to a lesser extent, Bobby Hill. Chances are, Castillo, who has outstanding range and a shortstop's arm, he will keep the job and if he does, look for him to produce enough to be useful to those in NL leagues.
30. Desi Relaford, COL
Unsuccessful, uncomfortable and finally unwanted, Relaford struggled through a 2004 season in which only a late surge brought him above .200. Injuries and ineffectiveness lost him the starting second-base job and forced him back into a super-sub role, one he hates. He runs well, can passably play seven positions and has a little pop in his bat. His starting days at second are probably over, but if he gets playing time in a utility role in Colorado he could have value in Coors Field.
31. Eric Young, SD
Young turned in a typical season for him in 2004, although he saw fewer steal signs in Texas. The 15 HR in Milwaukee in 2003 were a fluke, but we all knew that. He saw increased time in the outfield last season, something that could continue with in a utility job with the Padres. He'll be a valuable source of stolen bases no matter what his role.
32. Chris Burke, HOU
Burke was named the 2004 Pacific Coast League Rookie of the Year, hitting .315 with 16 home runs, 52 RBI and 37 stolen bases in 123 games for Triple-A New Orleans. He's expected to audition, alongside Craig Biggio, Jose Vizcaino and Eric Bruntlett for the starting second base job.
33. Luis Rivas, MIN
Rivas' days as an everyday player may be over after another season where he disappointed in a starting role. His ability to get on base has been on a downward decline since his rookie season and last year he posted a career-worst .283 OBA. He also missed about a third of the season with toe and elbow injuries. He lost his starting job as a result and shared playing time at second base with Michael Cuddyer during the second half of the season. He could win the starting second base job again this spring if Cuddyer is moved to third base and there has even been talk of moving him to shortstop, where he played in the minors. Even if he has a starting job, Rivas is no sure bet to steal more than 10 bases given his inability to get on base. The days where it seemed he could be a 20 HR/20 SB player are a thing of the past and we think it's more likely he'll end up in a utility role.
34. Tony Graffanino, KC
Signed as a utility infielder, Graffanino's emotional play earned him a starting job at second base and shoved Desi Relaford to the bench. A selective hitter, Graffanino has virtually no power in his bat but walks a fair amount and even with a troublesome knee stole 10 bases. That knee ended his season early in 2004, but will be fully healed by spring. His contract is up at the end of 2005 so he could be pushed by Ruben Gotay, Andres Blanco and Donnie Murphy who are all capable of playing major-league defense. That may inspire Graffanino even more this season.
35. Ruben Gotay, KC
With the Royals out of the race and Tony Graffanino out with a knee injury, Kansas City used the final couple of months to try out Gotay and Donnie Murphy. Early returns on Gotay are positive. He showed nice glove work and hit reasonably well for not really being ready. He'll enter the spring behind Graffanino and could wind up as the starter in Triple-A Omaha or as a fill-in in the majors.
36. Brandon Phillips, CLE
Phillips, once one of the top 10 prospects in baseball, failed miserably at the plate in his chance with the big league club in 2003 and has since spent most of his time in Triple-A Buffalo. Compared to Barry Larkin, the shortstop/second baseman has a lot of confidence and is still hoping for a shot at the starting job come this spring after putting together some decent numbers at Buffalo.
37. Mark Ellis, OAK
Ellis missed the entire season after injuring his shoulder in spring training and should be healthy by the time February rolls around. He'll compete with Keith Ginter for playing time at second base this spring, but will need to improve his 2003 numbers (.684 OPS in 553 AB) if he wants to have much value in leagues that use categories other than the traditional counting stats.
38. Craig Counsell, AZ
The Brewers did not offer Counsell salary arbitration, making him a free agent. He'll spend the winter looking for a team that will give him the most playing time for the most money. No matter where he signs, he's probably not someone you want on your fantasy team.
39. Marlon Anderson, NY-N
Anderson hit .333 as a PH, including three pinch-hit HR in 2004. His defense at second base, which used to be a strength, is average and declining. That leaves him in a utility role, which isn't exactly a perfect fit. He'll try to win a bench spot with the Mets this spring.
40. Roberto Alomar, TB
For a guy who seemed to be hurt all year, Alomar's numbers with the D-backs (.309/.382/.473 in 38 games) were shockingly good… almost as good as his numbers with the White Sox were shockingly bad. Both sample sizes were too small to tell us much of anything, though. Alomar in 2005 is pretty much what he was in 2004 -- someone looking for a chance to prove he's not done, in spite of the best available evidence.
1. Alfonso Soriano, TEX
Despite moving to a better hitter's park in 2004, Soriano disappointed after back-to-back flirts with a 40-40 season. He never really got on track, failing to post an OPS over .851 in any single month, and spent most of the season hitting third in the order, which kept his stolen base totals in check. His 2004 was still a very good season from a roto standpoint, but it pales in comparison to his 2002 and 2003.
2. Marcus Giles, ATL
After a breakout season in 2003, Giles was hitting .339 through May before being sidelined for two months by a broken collarbone. He finished the season strong, slugging .521 in September and still posted a great .378 OBP, but his power was down slightly due to the injury. He should be back to full strength in 2005 and remains a budding superstar.
3. Mark Loretta, SD
Following in the footsteps of many journeyman middle infielders such as Mike Bordick and Jay Bell, Loretta found his stroke late in life and posted career totals across the board in 2004 including a third-in-league .335 batting average, a .495 slugging percentage, and a Padres record 108 runs scored. While it's a terrific feat, you should be wary coming into this season. A 33-year-old is a dinosaur at the position that has the quickest mortality rate. A fade or injury is more likely than a complete fall off so don't be caught unaware.
4. Jeff Kent, LA
Kent bounced back form a slight dip in his stats in 2003 and had another solid season in 2004. His numbers should take a hit moving to Dodger Stadium from Houston's Minute Maid Park, but he'll still be a good source of power at second base. He could also play other positions around the infield with the Dodgers.
5. Michael Young, TEX
Last season Young cut down the strikeouts, boosted the walks and continued to murder pitching at home (.346 in 2004, .353 in 2003). His road numbers improved a good bit and the season totals reflect that. The power spike was accompanied by attaining a better batting eye, so there's good reason to think it will stick. He split time hitting in each of the top three spots in the order, so watch his value in 4 x 4 leagues if it looks like he'll hit leadoff more often in 2005 (those 99 RBI would disappear pretty quickly).
6. Chone Figgins, ANA
Figgins is a question mark in 2005. He's a better roto asset (good average, 34 SB) than he is a real player (.769 OPS). Still, it's looking increasingly likely he'll get playing time nearly every day somewhere for the Angels, which he has value for stolen bases, if nothing else.
7. Jose Reyes, NY-N
Leg woes once again plagued Reyes, limiting him to just 53 games last season after a strained right hamstring and compensatory sore lower back. The team taught him a new running style to take pressure off his weak hamstrings and back, but he abandoned it and had a big July with 11 SB. In August, after playing nearly a month with a stress fracture in his left fibula, the pain proved too great and Reyes was once again placed on the DL. He returned to the lineup, moving from second base back to shortstop, for the final nine games of the season and enters 2005 as a huge question mark at the top of the order. Mackie Shilstone, a sports performance expert, has designed a program for Reyes to follow. He's high-risk, highreward.
8. Jose Vidro, WAS
Vidro battled through a knee injury most of the second half before shutting it down in September, but still put up numbers close to his previous few years performance. Hopefully, better health will help him regain that 850+ OPS level, or even get back to the promise of his monster 2000.
9. Luis Castillo, FLA
Castillo has been a very consistent player over the last six years. While his steals have dwindled, he'll been a safe bet to hit .290 or better, get on base at a solid rate, and score some runs. Still only 29, he's still probably got a couple of years left at that level – just make sure you don't overpay for stolen bases that likely aren't coming back.
10. Juan Uribe, CHI-A
Toss out a .123 July and Uribe had a fantastic year -- then again, toss out his .393 April and his 2004 still looks pretty darn good. Consistency will never be a Uribe strength as long as he strikes out three times as often as he walks, but just so long as he flashes good leather at shortstop and provides some fireworks at the plate, the White Sox aren't going to complain. With Jose Valentin's departure, Uribe is set to start at shortstop.
11. Placido Polanco, PHI
Polanco had another good year for the Phillies, playing mostly second base. His 31 home runs from 2003-2004 are more than he hit in his entire professional career to that point (25). This shows he has progressed as a hitter, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him duplicate those numbers. A free agent, Polanco might land a good contract, and he is a quality, versatile defender who hits for average. Just don't expect much power or speed out of him.
12. Brian Roberts, BAL
Roberts is the poster child for making the most of an opportunity. After impressing in 2003 when he took over for the injured Jerry Hairston at second base, Roberts expected to start 2004 on the bench until Hairston broke a finger in spring training. He hit .305 with eight doubles in April and instead of yielding the second base job when Hairston returned, forced Hairston to assume a utility role the rest of the season. Though he was ineffective in stretches, Roberts' strong August (team-leading 29 SB) and franchise-record 50 doubles have entrenched him as the Orioles starting second baseman and leadoff hitter. With the team looking to add another big bat behind Roberts in an already formidable lineup, he could finish with similar numbers in 2005.
13. Aaron Miles, COL
Miles solidified his role as the Rockies' starting second baseman with a good rookie campaign, but he'll need to improve his on-base skills. His .324 OBP in 2004 puts him in the lower half among leadoff hitters, and his 12 steals leave something to be desired, especially from a little guy with no power. With big bats and a little Coors magic behind him, if Miles can get on base, 100 runs are not out of the question in 2005.
14. Chase Utley, PHI
Utley graduated to the majors in 2004 with style, showing good contact, power and defense at the hot corner. He struggled against lefthanders (.200) and could stand to draw more walks. He might be pushed to third base down the road by a prospect, or if his defense becomes a problem. Barring injury or a spring-training meltdown, he will be the Phillies' second baseman, and will be a good one.
15. D'Angelo Jimenez, CIN
Jimenez is a perfectly useful alternative for a small payroll team (let's dispense with the phrase "small market" - market size rarely correlates perfectly with payroll size, as there are other factors in play which help determine how much a team invests in its product). However, the moment he becomes a pricey option via arbitration is the moment that a team like the Reds should look for cheaper alternatives, like Ryan Freel. Jimenez offers a little everything, but rarely will he stand out in a category.
16. Ray Durham, SF
Last year was an improvement for Durham, but he hasn't played more that 120 games the last two seasons. He's battled several injuries that cost him significant playing time and speed, which was once his most valuable fantasy contribution. He led the Giants in stolen bases last year, but his days of swiping 30 bags are gone. He's a decent second-tier second baseman with his good average and decent ability to get on base as a leadoff man, but whether he can remain healthy this season is the question.
17. Bret Boone, SEA
Boone had an all-round off year in 2004. His OBP slipped to .317 and his power numbers fell as well. Even his fielding was down, with as many errors (14) as he had in the previous two seasons combined. Theories abound to explain Boone's miserable year, including vision problems, which required laser eye surgery in the offseason. A better lineup, such as with the signings of Richie Sexson and Adrian Beltre, should help Boone this season. And hopefully his vision stays top-notch. He'll come cheaper than in recent years in auction leagues.
18. Orlando Hudson, TOR
Hudson improved greatly against left-handed pitching (.793 OPS in 2004 versus .412 in 2003) which helped boost his overall numbers last season. A hamstring injury sidelined him for a few weeks, but there's some upside here as he enters his prime.
19. Todd Walker, CHI-N
Walker brings good hitting skills to the table, combining decent plate discipline with a fair amount of pop for a middle infielder. His average-at-best work with the glove often relegates him to a parttime role, but he heads into the season the Cubs full-time second baseman.
20. Junior Spivey, MIL
Spivey hit .272 with seven HR before a dislocated shoulder ended his season. The Brewers will bring him back for one more season and give him the starting job at 2B. His job security is not high though, because the Brewers have a capable backup in Keith Ginter and a top prospect in Rickie Weeks who are right behind him. Depending on the progress of Weeks, Spivey could be traded before season's end.
21. Mark Bellhorn, BOS
Bellhorn had enough big hits for the World Champions last season to deserve a second go-round as the Red Sox' starting second baseman. Don't let his strikeouts scare you, this organization will stick with Bellhorn because he knows how to take a walk. In this lineup, Bellhorn will get plenty of RBI opportunities and should score his fair share of runs. He spent the majority of the season hitting second in the batting order, but was moved down at the end of the season. Either way, he'll get plenty of at-bats in 2005.
22. Ronnie Belliard, CLE
Belliard had a good comeback year for the Indians, setting career highs in most major categories. He stayed healthy and hit well leading off (.303), with runners in scoring position (.284) and on the road (.299). He did commit 14 errors, tying for second in the AL, and will start the spring as the starter at second base but will need to hold off Brandon Phillips and Jose Hernandez. Belliard could be a good bargain in 2005 for those fantasy owners who don't expect too much power or speed out of him, or in leagues where he's viewed as a bum.
23. Omar Infante, DET
After Fernando Vina went down early in the 2004 season with a knee injury, Infante was thrust into the role of starting second baseman and he exceeded all expectations. In fact, he'll enter 2005 as Detroit's everyday second baseman regardless of Vina's health status. Infante also saw significant time at shortstop last year after Carlos Guillen got injured, giving him invaluable positional flexibility. He's still not a household name, so you may be able to steal him in the later rounds on draft day.
24. Luis Gonzalez, COL
Gonzalez can fill in at any infield position and also has a shot at Colorado's final starting outfield spot should the team look within the organization to replace Jeromy Burnitz. Gonzalez put up solid numbers in 2004 and Coors Field is certainly a formidable ally for any batter, so if he does end up earning a starting role he's worth a late-round flier, especially in deep NL-only leagues.
25. Michael Cuddyer, MIN
Cuddyer finally found consistent playing time in the major leagues last season and enters 2004 as the favorite to win a starting job at either second or third base with the Twins. After being touted as a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2002, Cuddyer struggled in his first regular major league playing time that season and then missed most of 2003 with injuries. Finally healthy in 2004, he switched to second base and took over the position in the second half. The job security did wonders for his mental approach at the plate as he hit .287/.378/.487 in the final three months. The Twins saw enough to commit to him as an everyday player in 2005 and spring competition in the infield will determine where he plays. Since he'll qualify at second base, he'll be a valuable fantasy player there with solid power and a good eye at the plate. He could hit 20+ HRs in astarting role with a decent batting average.
26. Tony Womack, NY-A
Womack had a career year and finally became a strength to a team rather than a glaring weakness. After spending far too many seasons as a sub-par shortstop and even worse leadoff hitter, the Cardinals traded for him in the spring and inserted him as their second baseman. Rebounding nicely from Tommy John surgery, Womack hit better, walked more and struck out less than in the past. He was a disappointment in the post-season, hitting just .214 with a paltry .509 OPS. But the Cardinals would like to have him back, mostly because he's relatively inexpensive and, if he falls back to his lack-luster ways, there are still GMs in baseball who are delighted by his base stealing and ability to play many positions.
27. Keith Ginter, OAK
Ginter will battle Mark Ellis this spring for the starting second base job in Oakland after being traded from Milwaukee. Ginter showed good power last season and has the plate discipline the A's love, but he'll have to field well to keep the job.
28. Mark Grudzielanek, STL
For the second season in a row, Grudzielanek put up passable numbers for a middle infielder, but an inflamed Achilles' tendon limited him to just 257 AB. He'll open as the starter at second base for St. Louis this spring.
29. Jose Castillo, PIT
Castillo, who saw plenty of action at second base last season after making the jump directly from Double-A to the big leagues, made positive adjustments throughout the 2004 campaign and would figure to have a leg up on the competition this spring, but he could be challenged by Freddy Sanchez and to a lesser extent, Bobby Hill. Chances are, Castillo, who has outstanding range and a shortstop's arm, he will keep the job and if he does, look for him to produce enough to be useful to those in NL leagues.
30. Desi Relaford, COL
Unsuccessful, uncomfortable and finally unwanted, Relaford struggled through a 2004 season in which only a late surge brought him above .200. Injuries and ineffectiveness lost him the starting second-base job and forced him back into a super-sub role, one he hates. He runs well, can passably play seven positions and has a little pop in his bat. His starting days at second are probably over, but if he gets playing time in a utility role in Colorado he could have value in Coors Field.
31. Eric Young, SD
Young turned in a typical season for him in 2004, although he saw fewer steal signs in Texas. The 15 HR in Milwaukee in 2003 were a fluke, but we all knew that. He saw increased time in the outfield last season, something that could continue with in a utility job with the Padres. He'll be a valuable source of stolen bases no matter what his role.
32. Chris Burke, HOU
Burke was named the 2004 Pacific Coast League Rookie of the Year, hitting .315 with 16 home runs, 52 RBI and 37 stolen bases in 123 games for Triple-A New Orleans. He's expected to audition, alongside Craig Biggio, Jose Vizcaino and Eric Bruntlett for the starting second base job.
33. Luis Rivas, MIN
Rivas' days as an everyday player may be over after another season where he disappointed in a starting role. His ability to get on base has been on a downward decline since his rookie season and last year he posted a career-worst .283 OBA. He also missed about a third of the season with toe and elbow injuries. He lost his starting job as a result and shared playing time at second base with Michael Cuddyer during the second half of the season. He could win the starting second base job again this spring if Cuddyer is moved to third base and there has even been talk of moving him to shortstop, where he played in the minors. Even if he has a starting job, Rivas is no sure bet to steal more than 10 bases given his inability to get on base. The days where it seemed he could be a 20 HR/20 SB player are a thing of the past and we think it's more likely he'll end up in a utility role.
34. Tony Graffanino, KC
Signed as a utility infielder, Graffanino's emotional play earned him a starting job at second base and shoved Desi Relaford to the bench. A selective hitter, Graffanino has virtually no power in his bat but walks a fair amount and even with a troublesome knee stole 10 bases. That knee ended his season early in 2004, but will be fully healed by spring. His contract is up at the end of 2005 so he could be pushed by Ruben Gotay, Andres Blanco and Donnie Murphy who are all capable of playing major-league defense. That may inspire Graffanino even more this season.
35. Ruben Gotay, KC
With the Royals out of the race and Tony Graffanino out with a knee injury, Kansas City used the final couple of months to try out Gotay and Donnie Murphy. Early returns on Gotay are positive. He showed nice glove work and hit reasonably well for not really being ready. He'll enter the spring behind Graffanino and could wind up as the starter in Triple-A Omaha or as a fill-in in the majors.
36. Brandon Phillips, CLE
Phillips, once one of the top 10 prospects in baseball, failed miserably at the plate in his chance with the big league club in 2003 and has since spent most of his time in Triple-A Buffalo. Compared to Barry Larkin, the shortstop/second baseman has a lot of confidence and is still hoping for a shot at the starting job come this spring after putting together some decent numbers at Buffalo.
37. Mark Ellis, OAK
Ellis missed the entire season after injuring his shoulder in spring training and should be healthy by the time February rolls around. He'll compete with Keith Ginter for playing time at second base this spring, but will need to improve his 2003 numbers (.684 OPS in 553 AB) if he wants to have much value in leagues that use categories other than the traditional counting stats.
38. Craig Counsell, AZ
The Brewers did not offer Counsell salary arbitration, making him a free agent. He'll spend the winter looking for a team that will give him the most playing time for the most money. No matter where he signs, he's probably not someone you want on your fantasy team.
39. Marlon Anderson, NY-N
Anderson hit .333 as a PH, including three pinch-hit HR in 2004. His defense at second base, which used to be a strength, is average and declining. That leaves him in a utility role, which isn't exactly a perfect fit. He'll try to win a bench spot with the Mets this spring.
40. Roberto Alomar, TB
For a guy who seemed to be hurt all year, Alomar's numbers with the D-backs (.309/.382/.473 in 38 games) were shockingly good… almost as good as his numbers with the White Sox were shockingly bad. Both sample sizes were too small to tell us much of anything, though. Alomar in 2005 is pretty much what he was in 2004 -- someone looking for a chance to prove he's not done, in spite of the best available evidence.