MLB Showdown Cards

MLB Showdown 2014: Utility 

                Utility players are such a catch all it is tough to think of who are real “utility guys” and who are guys who happen to play a few positions. Miguel Cabrera filled in a handful of times at third base despite switching back to first base. He had a down year with only 25 homers with 52 doubles. Nagging injuries robbed him of his elite power. Ben Zobrist has been the most consistent performer as a full time utility player. Last year was no different with  10 homers, 3 triples and 34 doubles.

                Power hitters are pretty set most of the times at corner outfield and first base. Miguel Cabrera is a nice option as a third basemen with 10 OB, 19-20 HR, 15-18 2B with 3B+1 and 1B+0 and speed C(9) for 560 points. He is kind of a boring option as a number 4 hitter to protect a solid number 3 hitter. Todd Frazier is an interesting option as a number 2 hitter as a 8 OB, 17-20 HR, 15-16 2B with 3B+2/1B+0 for 360 points with speed A(18) . I think he is much more interesting as a third basemen as a 2 hitter then Cabrera as a 4 hitter. As a 7 hitter from third base I would consider Pedro Alvarez as 6 OB, 17-20 HR with no double with 3B+0/1B+0 with speed C(12) for 70 points. He can steal cheap runs for under 100 points.

                Pingers best choice is Chris Colabello as an 8, 19-20 HR, 16-18 2B with speed B(13) with 1B+0/LF/RF+1 for 260 points. Not a lot of great picks for Moneyball players ether. Lots of quality players but none that are great deals. Most teams will use utility guys to fill the rosters.

                Speed players have Anthony Rendon as a 9, 19-20 HR, 18 3B, 15-17 2B with speed A(20) with 2B+4/3B+1 for 420 points. Not sure where he bats or if he is worth it but that is a lot of production. Danny Santana is a very productive player who can play SS/CF+2 LF/RF+1 with 9 OB, 20 HR, 18-19 3B, 16-17 2B, 15 1B+, 8-14 1B with speed A(20) for 380 points. Lots of RBIs there.