Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Put a Freese on the Hot Corner: This Year's 3rd Base Sleepers

Bmac's Picks


Aramis Ramirez- Last year Ramirez held the 2nd best average in the majors, amongst 3rd basemen, and placed in the top 10 for RBI, runs, and homeruns.  It would make sense that he would be in the top 10 of any experts list; however, that is not the case. Most experts have him ranked around 11th or 12th amongst 3rd basemen, but why? He is only 34, so he still has plenty of pop left in his bat, and the move to Milwaukee should offer more RBI opportunities, since the lineup provides better protection and production. Now Ramirez gets to hit behind Ryan “I’m innocent” Braun, one of the best hitters in the game. I would rank Ramirez in the top 7 for 3rd basemen with the likely possibility to do even better. So if he drops to you in the late rounds of your draft, then go and claim your prize.


Projections: .308 AVG, 82 R, 28 HR, 105 RBI, 1 SB
Mike Moustakas- Back in 2007 the Royals had the 2nd overall pick in the draft, and who they decided to take was a young man whose last name is unpronounceable. That man was Mike Moustakas, and they drafted him because they saw great potential. He is starting to show that potential and this could easily be his breakout year. He is ranked between 16th -18th for 3rd basemen by experts, but he should rank in the near proximity to 10th. He is hitting behind a strong 3/4/5 of Butler, Hosmer, and Francoeur, which should provide some good RBI opportunities, and batting 6th relieves a bit of pressure from Moustakas’ bat. This could be a great pick in the late rounds if you’re one of the last to take a 3rd baseman.


Projections: 275 AVG, 73 R, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 3 SB

Mtaness' Monsters

Danny Valencia- Understandably, this name may conjure up thoughts in your mind such as “who the hell is this guy?” and “this guy is not sleeping, he’s dead”, or more respectably “there is no way this guy breaks out at third base”. However, you must dive deep into the realm of Danny boy to find the truth within his bat. Being drafted in the 19th round of the 2006 draft does not equal ‘highly touted prospect’. But, what it says about a guy who works his way to the major league level is that he is able to adjust his game, mechanics, and attitude to be highly successful. Now Valencia is going into his third year where the future is looking brighter than ever before. His first season lasted 88 games where he batted .311 and drove in 40 RBI. His second season saw a great decline in his average, no real jump in power as he only slugged 15 homeruns, and unimpressive speed. So why do things look so bright? Because this offseason Valencia was noticed having a rejuvenated work ethic, having lost his conceited attitude, and came into camp in great shape and with more muscle. The Twins coaching staff is highly impressed with Valencia, and this year are expecting big things, as should you.


Projections: .285 AVG, 79 R, 19 HR, 83 RBI, 3 SB

David Freese- I know what you might be thinking, and it probably goes along the same lines as what you initially thought about Valencia, but hear me out. If you are a doubter, then the reason why you don’t believe is because Freese has not played a full year in the majors. Although being in the show for 3 years, Freese has only played in 184 games. However, his totaled career number has been very impressive; consider the following stats: .298 AVG, 72 R, 15 HR, 98 RBI, 2 SB. Now going into the 2012 season, Freese is healthy, ready to play, and has little to no competition in losing his 3rd base job. Right now he is projected to bat 5th in the lineup, which means more RBI opportunities, but less runs scored. However, it is a good possibility that Beltran and Freese may switch their spots in the lineup, meaning  Freese will bat second instead, and be driven in for more runs, but have less opportunities for RBI. Whatever the case, the numbers lost in one category will be replaced in the other. Regardless, a full season for Freese will be a fruitful year, stamping his name on the top ten list for third basemen, and helping your team tremendously in the late rounds of your draft.


Projections: .299 AVG, 70 R, 17 HR, 86 RBI, 2 SB


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