MLB Showdown 2013: Secondbase
Second
base is an odd position in Showdown. It is just as important as shortstop
defensively and slightly more diverse in the charts. That usually means you
need an offensive contributor and a minimum a chip in on defense. Cano had the
best year of any second basemen but a down year from the year before by his
standards. He lost extra base power across the board from last year with 27
homers (33) and 41 doubles (48). Dustin Pedroia battled all year despite a
thumb injury from the opening day. Chase Utley is beginning to show age. Jason
Kipnis is becoming patient with 76 walks which could help him in Showdown for
years to come. With Dan Uggla and Rickie Weeks not taking that next step we are
waiting to see if a class of youngster will carry the torch next year.
Power
hitters have lost some of the options we got used to. Robinson Cano fits a
majority of teams in the league. His 10 speed B(15), 19-20 HR, 16-18 2B for a
530 point 2B+4 is not a perfect fit for people trying to hit home runs. He is a
late first early second round player who will likely be gone by the time power
players start thinking about him. Dan Uggla is a player only the most pure
power players will think of. He is a 6 with 16-20 HR power for a speed C(11)
with 2B+1. He is only 200 points which makes him cheaper than any other
offensive second basemen.
Pingers
will have two options which are clearly tiered. Macro Scutaro is the better of
the two for this strategy. For 220 points you get a 9 speed B(15) with 20 3B,
18-19 2B with 2B+1. People will not like his 2B+1 or his lack of a 20 homer.
Both of those can be hidden by moving him down in the line-up and finding a
shortstop. Aaron Hill is a more traditional pinger as a 280 point 9 speed
B(14), 20 HR, 17-19 2B with 2B+4. Moneyballers are going to like the same
players without as many reservations on Scutaro.
Smallballers
will be fighting for the only 10, speed A with no homer. That would be Dustin
Pedroia with his 2B+5 and 17-20 2B for a speed A(18) for 400 points. Reminds me
of the old Fernando Vina card. Pedroia will go higher than none smallballers
are willing to go. He could go as high as the third round in some cases. Jason
Kipnis will go later as a 9 speed A(20) with 20 HR, 19 3B, 16-18 2B, 14-15 1B+
with 2B+2 for 380. Pedroia is the better pick but if he goes early and trying
to set up at more competitive positions he is an option. Utley is an odd hybrid
as an 8 speed A(18), 19-20 HR, 17-18 3B, 15-16 2B with 2B+0 for 310 points. He
looks like a 5-6 player depending on how many peoples you are looking to spend.
The best
bench player is Darwin Barney at 10 points for a 5 with 2B+5 fielding and speed
B(15). He doesn’t hit a lick but he does offer defense for as cheap as it gets.
Jose Altuve and Tony Abrue offers a 6 speed A (20) for 60 points with no homer.
Beckham offers a 7 for 50 points as a speed B(16) and 2B+2. The question is if
someone will start him in your league. Chris Getz is the cheapest speed in the
league who can also field as a 5 speed A(19) for 20 points as a 2B+4.
The Pedroia definitely reminds me of the Vina card. Unfortunately, like the Hosmer card, he doesn't get on until a 7 with the advantage, which is a huge turn-off for me to that card.
ReplyDeleteAt the 280 pt level, I would much rather have the Aaron Hill than the Ian Kinsler. I personally need some defense at the second base position. In the few games I have played with him, the Howie Kendrick has done pretty well, so I think that is a good option as well. He is only 2 speed lower than the Kinsler with a better chart and better fielding.
The Chris Getz is a very decent option if you are looking to cut cost somewhere. He is an old-school type middle infielder: can't hit to save his life but has good fielding and speed.