2016 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep: Blind Resumes (2B)
One thing I've learned from researching fantasy baseball draft prep pieces is it’s a challenge to find a decent formula for determining above-average second base production.
It is a position that produced only 10 percent of the league’s home runs (513 of the 4,909 HR) and 13 percent of the RBI (2,556 of the 19,650 RBI) in 2015.
Last year, 55 players hit at least 20 home runs, but only two of whom were second basemen (Brian Dozier and Robinson Cano). There were 48 players who delivered at least 80 RBI, yet none of them played second.
Out of all the standard roto-friendly stats, batting average is the only figure where the second basemen differentiate themselves in a positive way. In 2015, the league posted a .254 AVG, while second basemen combined for a .261 AVG.
Even though the second base spot is underwhelming from a fantasy standpoint, it doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be found. Below are five second basemen you can find late in your fantasy drafts, without completely “punting” the position.
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Bring on the Blind Resumes!
Last year, Player A set career-highs in homers (six), RBI (61), stolen bases (23), and batting average (.301). Yet, he’s the 11th second baseman selected in fantasy drafts. While it’s true that you can’t fully trust one season of stats, it helps when you learn that Player A’s home field is one of the best parks for offense. Player A is DJ LeMahieu.
Over the past three years, Player B has produced the third-highest batting average among second basemen. Looking at the last six seasons, Player B averaged 11 homers, 65 RBI, and a .289 AVG. According to last year’s stats, those numbers would place Player B in 12th, 10th, and seventh among his second base colleagues. Player B is Howie Kendrick. Currently, Kendrick is projected to leadoff for the Dodgers in 2016.
Those who play DFS are thrilled to see Player C getting a full-time role in the lineup. Currently, he is projected to bat third and play third. However, he will probably have second base eligibility in your fantasy leagues. In almost 1,700 plate appearances, Player C has earned a .351 OBP. Last year, only six second basemen had an OBP higher than .350. Last year, Player C raised the bar even more by hitting 16 HR and delivering 60 RBI in 126 games. It will be exciting to see what this guy can do with a full season. Player C is Justin Turner.
(Editor's note: Turner is recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee and will be slowly entered into action this Spring. However, he is still projected to play on Opening Day.)
Player D is on a new team this season and his track record is more than acceptable. In his seven-year career, Player D is batting .272. Last year, he was fourth in homers (16) and fifth in RBI (71). His ADP places him 19th among the other second basemen. Player D is Neil Walker, who is now with the Mets.
It has been hard to peg Player E from one season to the next. However, in his six-year career, Player E has a .281 AVG. While his home run total hasn’t surpassed 14 in a single season, he's moved on from Chicago to Yankee Stadium and that could prove favorable in 2016. If there is a player with the potential of reaching his high ceiling at a bargain bin price, it’s Player E. Player E is Starlin Castro and is now playing for the New York Yankees.
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