When looking at the National League second base options you almost feel like you are deprived of the best talent, don’t you? It’s a running trend (we felt the same way when looking at the NL first baseman, which you can view by clicking here). This time it is three best options who reside in the AL, as well as the most promising youngsters. What is there actually to draft in the NL? Let’s take a look:
- Dan Uggla – Atlanta Braves
- Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds
- Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies
- Rickie Weeks – Milwaukee Brewers
- Neil Walker – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Aaron Hill – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Danny Espinosa – Washington Nationals
- Jose Altuve – Houston Astros
- Ryan Roberts – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Daniel Murphy – New York Mets
- Orlando Hudson – San Diego Padres
- Mark Ellis – Los Angeles Dodgers
Thoughts:
- I am already on record about not being very high on Neil Walker (click here for my thoughts on him). However, when you are talking about an NL-only format, those thoughts have to be thrown completely out the window. The position is relatively weak, especially when you throw in the injury risk of Rickie Weeks and the knee troubles of Chase Utley. Considering what else is available, Walker suddenly looks like one of the better options.
- Speaking of Utley, we recently looked at him as well (click here to view). The knee injury could be a consistent issue for the rest of his career and, at 33-years old, he already is showing that he’s not the player that he once was. He’s got to be viewed as an incredible risk, though one that does come with a potentially great reward.
- It remains to be seen if Daniel Murphy can both stay healthy and show the baseball IQ required to be the Mets regular second baseman for 2012. While he’ll open the year with the job (at least it appears that way), Justin Turner could easily step in, as could the two youngsters in the minor leagues (Jordany Valdespin or Reese Havens). I wouldn’t invest too heavily in Murphy, as there’s a good chance he doesn’t finish the year as a starter.
- Danny Espinosa offers speed, power and a propensity to strikeout. It’s the latter that is a huge issue, as it destroys his ability to hit for a viable average. In 676 Major League AB he’s hit a paltry .232, and there unfortunately isn’t much reason for optimism that he can rectify the situation. Barring a dramatic turnaround, he’s not going to be anything but a mid-level option.
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Make sure to check out all of our 2012 rankings:
- Catchers
- First Basemen
- Second Basemen
- Third Basemen
- Shortstops
- Outfielders: 1-20 | 21-40
- Starting Pitchers: 1-20 | 21-40 | 41-60
- Closers
I think Espinosa still has the potential to be a BA-neutral 2B, which makes his speed/power combo pretty attractive. It’s not a strong bet, but it’s not out of the question. He has to find a way to increase his line-drive rate, which isn’t impossible with more major league hitting coaching.
I agree that there is some upside and his power/speed make him worth looking at in NL-only formats.
In mixed leagues, however, he’s a very low-end option. There are just too many safer bets, or ones that have similar (or even better) upside.
Confused. If utley is a definite injury risk why would he be so high? You’ve gone on record with walker but isn’t 150 games of walker or espinosa better than 110-130 from utley?
I would still rather have Utley, honestly. My projections for him are all close to Walker, in 100 AB less. You couple that with a replacement for the time he’s out and you make out much better.
Yes, there is risk, but there also is much greater reward. You have to take that into account.
Phillips behind Uggla? I know Uggla probably has a higher ceiling, but after Phillips’ banner year last year and Uggla’s struggles I would think ranking one over the other would at least be a very difficult call.
It is fairly close, but Uggla’s strong second half and the advantage he gives you in the power department is a major tipping point. It’s hard to overlook a 2B who should hit over 30 HR. The only other two players who you would think could do that (Cano & Kinsler) both call the AL home,.