It came as a little bit of a surprise, but the Twins have brought Brian Dozier up and inserted him as their starting shortstop.  Let’s get an idea of what he brings to the table and if fantasy owners should take notice:

• 24-years old (he’ll turn 25 on May 15)
• Selected in the eighth round in 2009
• Right-handed hitter
• Played the majority of the time at SS, though also saw time at 2B and 3B
• At Triple-A this season (first time at the level) was hitting .276 with 1 HR, 12 RBI, 6 R and 2 SB in 105 AB
• Broke out in 2011, spending time at Single-A (180 AB) and Double-A (311 AB) hitting .320 with 9 HR, 56 RBI, 92 R and 24 SB
• While he combined for 54 extra base hits in 2011 (added 33 doubles and 12 triples), he had never shown that much extra base potential before (25 in 2010); had a .371 slugging percentage prior to his recall as compared to a .491 mark in ‘11
• Baseball America ranked him as the team’s tenth best prospect prior to the season; MLB.com had him at 14
• According to Baseball America, “His plate discipline, bat control and speed help him fit the profile of a No. 2 hitter. He’s an outstanding bunter and fine baserunner with average speed.”
• The plate discipline is his biggest asset, with just 66 K vs. 55 BB in ‘11
• Expected to play shortstop everyday now that he is in the Majors

Conclusion:
In AL-only formats he definitely has value, but outside of that he’s pretty easy to ignore.  His slow start in the extra base department this season definitely makes you think that 2011 may have been more of an aberration than an actual breakout.

Sure, he could steal a few bases and makes good contact, but he’s not going to hit enough home runs or steal enough bases to have value in most mixed leagues.  Keep that in mind before doing anything crazy to acquire him.