MLB Showdown Cards

MLB Showdown 2012: Second Base

                Last year second base was not a well-rounded position. This year rejoice because we have a few players for everybody. Second base has traditionally offered Showdown players more options than shortstop. For one the physical demands defensively are less. The clear cut leader of the class is Robinson Cano leading all second basemen in home runs (33), doubles (48) and OBP (.379). Chase Utley was productive-ish in limited time though we wonder if the MVP-ish days may forever be behind him. Aaron Hill bounced back after a tough year last year while Dustin Pedroia struggled along with his teammates this year. The power options of the last few years Rickie Weeks and Dan Uggla had less power than normal but more walks than normal (21 HR, 74 BB Weeks, 19 HR, 94 BB Uggla). My preseason pick for a break out player in Dustin Ackley showed I am not much of a prognosticator with 12 homers and a sub .300 OBP. Neil Walker was being very productive when the Pirates were productive and they both got cold down the stretch.

                Second base has never been a power hitter’s playground. The most powerful player and best player in the class is Robinson Cano. 540 points for a 10, speed B (14), 19-20 HR, 15-18 2B, 8-14 1B with +4 fielding is a first rounder in any size league. He is not a pure power player but he has always been a run producer in this game. This is a lot of points to spend on a player who doesn’t hit a ton of home runs but he hits the most. For the points if you want to hit a ton of homers as a line up I suggest going with a cheaper option. Aaron Hill is a monster player for 410 points as a 9, speed B (14), +4 fielding with 19-20 HR, 18 3B, 14-17 2B, 13 1B+. This guy is a 2 hitter for most power line ups which is a bit pricey still. The gutsy pick for those committed to power is Dan Uggla. 210 point 8, speed C (12), +2 fielding (personal best for him), 18-20 HR, 17 2B. He walks too much and gets out too much for most players. For power players he can bat 7 and clean up some messes.

                Money ballers and pingers are going to dislike the prices and ranges from this position. Most of these players like 9’s and 10’s with 1 homer. The only person who fits that description is Chase Utley as a 9, speed A (19), +2 fielder with 20 HR, 18-19 2B. 350 points is a bit pricey for most managers. He has to bat 1 or 2. Mark Ellis at 200 points for an 8, 20 HR, speed B (15) with +5 fielding is going to be a very desirable player for everyone but especially people who like cheap on base. Those who don’t covet +5 fielding will be equally as thrilled with DJ Lemahiue for 130 points as an 8, speed B(16), 19-20 3B, 16-18 2B.

                Small Ballers will often find a gold mine at second base. This year is not much different. Robinson Cano can bat third and drive in plenty of runs. Chase Utley can bat second and do plenty of good things. Dustin Pedroia and Jason Kipnis can do good things at the bottom of an order. The players are both 8, speed A’s (19  & 20 respectively). Both are 19-20 HR with 18 3B. Pedroia is 320 points because 15-17 is a 2B and 14 1B+ while Kipnis is 310 points with 16-17 2B and 14-15 is a 1B+. Neil Walker is an interesting end of the order player. As an 8 for 230 points he is a speed B (16) with +3 fielding. He has a 19-20 HR, 17-18 2B but his money maker in this line up is his 8-16 single which could be RBI at the bottom of a line up for cheap.

                The best bench player here is Darwin Barney at 4 points with his 5 OB and +5 fielding. He has no homer and is a speed B(16). Jemile Weeks for 16 points is a speed A(21) 6 on-base. No homer and +2 fielding with 18-20 3B, 16-17 2B. After those two it is pretty much point savers. Alexi Casilla for 14 points as a 5, speed A(18). Chris Getz is a 6 speed A (18), +3 fielder. Dustin Ackley for 8 points is a 5, 20 HR, speed B (16). Freddy Galvis is a 10 point discounted +4 fielder, 20 HR.