EHSPN Around the League: Third Base
When Tijuana traded for Morgan Ensberg in 2005, they thought they had found a long-term solution at 3B. However, injuries led to a disasterous 2006, and the 31 year old just may be a free agent come draft time.
By Conor Intabedd, Reno Weekly Rag
The Hot Corner: Has it become the new First Base in fantasy circles? Power bats have always occupied the position, but in the last few years, it seems to be one of the most abundant sources of home runs and RBI's, and with the new crop of corner infielders coming up (Gordon, Braun, Fields, Stewart, Marte), it doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon. No team in the EHCC really has a problem at the hot corner, some are just better equipped than others.
Eastern Division
6. Adrian Beltre (Alex Gordon), ARL
Adrian would like to party like it was 2004. Unfortunately, I highly doubt that time will ever come back to him, well maybe in 2009, his next contract year and age 30 season (at least that what records say). Arlington was smart in aquiring Alex Gordon to take the reigns once Gonzalez proves he can't handle the EHCC anymore ater this season. As for this year, Arlington may get fistrated with Gonzalez. Even though he's a very serviceable player at most any other position, he's near the bottom of the 3B pool. I'd expect a line of 87 Runs, 26 HR, 90 RBI, 10 SB, and a .270 AVG in 2007 season, his final season as a starter in the EHCC.
5. Ryan Zimmerman/Bill Hall, PEO
Ryan Zimmerman was one of the quickest in history to go from being drafted to landing a starting job in the field. In his first full season, he did not disappoint, hitting .287/.351/.471 with a surprising 110 RBI. I guess it doesn't hurt to have Felipe Lopez and Alfonso Soriono batting in front of you, both with an OBP above .350 last season. Super utility man Bill Hall also adds some depth to the position, as he does just about every other position for Peoria. Expect Zimmerman to be the starting 3B on opening day, with Hall being moved around the infield all season. Zimmerman should lose some of his RBI opportunities with Soriano out of town, but may develop more power in his sophomore season (he had 47 doubles after all in 2006) and should still be a solid contributer to the Cardinals' line up. A line of 88 R, 25 HR, 100 RBI, 13 SB, and a .300 AVG is not out of the question for the 22 year old.
4. Chipper Jones/Mark Teahen (Ryan Braun), WEY
Jones and Teahen are the same player, at complete opposite ends of their career. With Jones finishing up and Teahen just getting started, they make a good pair on the three time champion Shaddupu. Jones hasn't had more than 472 at bats in any of the previous 3 seasons, and I think this concerned Weymouth enoygh to bring in Teahen. With Teahen being challenged by Alex Gordon, there's a chance he moves to the OF in the next season or two. It was smart of Weymouth to draft a young 3B option in Ryan Braun just in case they aren't able to find a replacement for Jones/Teahen in the coming years. There was also rumor that Jones wouldn't end up making the roster out of Spring Training. If he does make the roster, which I expect he still will, I expect a line of 100 Runs, 28 HR, 98 RBI, 14 SB, and a .295 AVG out of Weymouth's third basemen. There's more risk for the pair in 2007, but more upside as well.
3. Miguel Cabrera, RAK
Doggs' fans may have David Wright bobbleheads, but they do not have underwear with their team's favorite player's face tiled across it. That's one area Rakeville has the upper hand. Ever since they drafted Cabrera, the Rocket's marketing team has plastered the third baseman's face on anything and everything. Young fans across Rakeville run naked in the street with nothing on but their prized underwear, the only thing keeping a smile on their face. Cabrera, better than either Vegas option at the hot corner alone, stands behind the city of Sin only because of their combined effort. He's just 24, and has been blasting out poor-man Pujol-like numbers since he was 21. A four and a half-tool player, Cabrera occasionally steals bases, hits for power, and even swings at intentional walks for game winning hits. I'd expect 115 RBI, 37 HR, 108 R, 10 SB, .315 AVG.
2. David Wright/Aramis Ramirez, LV
The defending champion Doggs are expected to take both options at 3B into the 2007 season, and why wouldn't they. Wright and Ramirez stand in the top 5 options by themselves at the position, and when combined on the same team provide the Doggs the ultimate depth at third base. Wright is expected to start for the Doggs as he did for the majority of 2006, while Ramirez mans the DH spot, filling in the field when Wright needs a day off. With both players under the age of 30 (24 and 29 respectively), I would expect the duo to be a mainstay in Vegas for a few more years. I'd expect the Doggs to get 110 RBI, 38 HR, 120 R, 20 SB, and a .300 AVG out of third base this season, with Ramirez providing a bit more power and Wright adding in the speed. Both players have a fine batting average, right around .300. Since this is based on position, the Vegas Hot Corner still stands behind Bridgewater due to A-Rod's full spectrum of ability.
1. Alex Rodriguez/Chad Tracy, BRW
Some would call Alex Rodriguez a bust in 2006. Not sure I'd go so far as to call a guy who hit 35 home runs with 121 RBI and 113 runs scored while stealing 15 bases a "bust". Remember, he had almost 25 less at bats in 2006 than in 2005, and 52 and 60 less than 2002 or 2001 respectively. As far as his value in the EHCC, it's as high as ever. Because of the line up he's in and the power he produces, he's still the best option at third base for any team in the league. Hell, he's probably be the top choice at any position on the diamond except the other corner infield position. Expect A-Rod to return to his 2005 form when he hit 48 HR, 130 RBI, stole 21 bases, scored 124 Runs, and hit for a .321 AVG in 605 at bats. Chad Tracy is basically there just for show.
Western Division
6. Edwin Encarnacion/Morgan Ensberg, TIJ
I couldn't in good conscience put this pair above Santo Domingo's, only because there's just so many more question marks in Tijuana. Edwin is a highly touted option at the hot corner, but has yet to play an entire season in the majors. he's young, has potential, and high reward however, and that makes him a valuable in Mexico. Ensberg on the other hand has played multiple years in the majors, putting together some impressive years. Ok, well, one very impressive year. Most thought it was a break out performance rather than a fluke season. In 2006 he was out to prove that thought wrong. He could come back in 2007 and repeat his 2005 performance, but it's too much a question mark to rank him along with sophomore Encarnacion any higher than this. Even with their upside, their line of 85 R, 31 HR, 90 RBI, 9 SB, and a .279 AVG could happen if all falls into place for Tijuana.
5. Hank Blalock/Joe Crede, SD
Hank Blalock was once a top three round selection in most fantasy drafts. Unfortunately for the expansion White Devils, 2004 was so 3 years ago and it's going to take a but for Blalock to prove himself among third basemen. He's still just 26 so there's still pkenty of hope he can return to his full potential however. A big high risk, even higher reward type of player, though he only hit four home runs in the second half of 2006. Not a promising stat to say the least. Not to mention his now repaired shoulder should be under a microscope all season. Having Joe Crede as a second option is the only reason Santo Domingo stands this high on the list. Well, that and the fact that the final two teams have even bigger question marks with their options at the hot corner. Crede helped his cause with a strong 2006, hitting 30 HR and breaking the 90 RBI barrier for the first time in his major league career. I don't think Blalock will be 100% all season but he has a very high upside if he can pull it off. Based on the upside I'm calling for a line of 86 R, 31 HR, 95 RBI, 1 SB, and a .275 AVG out of the White Devils' hot corner.
4. Eric Chavez, WS
Even with the injuries, Eric Chavez was a pre-season favorite to pick up the AL MVP last season. He's had a long winter to get healthy again and has all the potential to return to his pre0injury form. He's just 29 years old this year, so he still has a few more prime years in him. He hasn't hit above .280 since 2003, but still put together an pretty good 2005 campaign, before his decline in 2006 while hurt. All things considered, I can't see Chavez being an AL MVP type player, but if he's 100%, he'll be a solid plus in the hot corner for the Green Monsters. I think a line of 87 R, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 4 SB, and a .278 AVG should be able to be attained in Winston-Salem.
3. Troy Glaus, GLD
Troy has been healthy for the past two seasons, he even showed he can handle the vigors of shortstop in 2006, playing 8 games at the position. But it was just 2003 and 2004 where he couldn't pass 319 at bats in the majors. When he's healthy he's a lock for 35 home runs and 100 RBI, especially with Vernon Wells and Alex Rios getting on base ahead of him. He's also pretty much a lock for a .250 AVG on top of that. Golden has plenty of guys like Glaus (Swisher and Dunn come to mind). Glaus brings a lot to the table, but really hurts himself with little to no speed and a dismal AVG. Expect a line of 100 R, 36 HR, 110 RBI, 1 SB, and a .256 AVG if he can stay healthy.
2. Scott Rolen (Ian Stewart), QC
And so begin the injury plagued list of Western Division third basemen. Scott Rolen still tops the list as he's the most complete player when healthy. His shoulder seems to be fine now, after the surgery following the 2005 season. He's a solid option for any hot corner and could battle for 100 Runs and 100 RBI batting behind Albert Pujols in 2007. He's broken the 30 HR barrier just twice in his career. He could do it again this year as long as his shoulder can take it. With Ian Stewart's stock falling, Quebec City fans better hope that Rolen can hold up for a few more years in the harsh winters of Canada. A 96 R, 27 HR, 102 RBI, 5 SB, .286 AVG line seems appropriate as long as Rolen stays healthy.
1. Garrett Atkins (Andy LaRoche/Andy Marte), TKO
Garrett has very quickly put himself near the top of the 3B pool. It doesn't hurt that he bats around Todd Helton and Matt Holliday in Coors Field either. With so many question marks in the Western Division's 3B pool, Atkins put himself at the top of the list with a strong 2006 and no sign of slowing down. He hit 48 doubles last year, which could lead to additional power in the future. LaRoche and Marte shouldn't get much playing time at the hot corner for Tokyo any time soon, but they are both viable options in 2007 and beyond if Atkins should get injured or unexpectedly struggle. A line of 109 Runs, 34 HR, 112 RBI, 5 SB, and a .293 AVG sounds about right for Tokyo's 3B.
Overall Rankings:
1) Alex Rodriguez/Chad Tracy, BRW
2) David Wright/Aramis Ramirez, LV
3) Miguel Cabrera, RAK
4) Garrett Atkins/Adam LaRoche/Andy Marte, TKO
5) Chipper Jones/Mark Teahen/Ryan Braun, WEY
6) Scott Rolen/Ian Stewart, QC
7) Troy Glaus, GLD
8) Ryan Zimmerman/Bill Hall, PEO
9) Eric Chavez, WS
10) Adrian Beltre/Alex Gordon, ARL
11) Hank Blalock/Joe Crede, SD
12) Edwin Encarnacion/Morgan Ensberg, TIJ
Free Agents:
Rich Aurillia – Won't add a lot of power to a line up, but fills in at any infield position and hits for a decent average.
Shea Hillenbrand – An option as 3B and 1B, could be a decent bench option for a team looking for depth.
Melvin Mora – Was once a top tier option in the hot corner. A team with a lot of question marks might take a chance on him hoping he has something left.
Akinori Iwamura – One of the big three Japanese players to enter the EHCC Draft in 2007. Iwamura hit for power and average in Japan. I don't expect him to start for any EHCC team unless he jumps out of the gate early.
Evan Longoria – A top 3B prospect who wasn't eligible for the 2006 MiDraft. He's decided to enter the MaDraft instead, rather than wait until the 2007 MiDraft, hoping to get a bigger contract from a EHCC team lookign for 3B depth.
Conor Intabedd writes for the Reno Weekly Rag. Rupaul is the Godfather of his second child... or, Godmother, we're not really sure.
By Conor Intabedd, Reno Weekly Rag
The Hot Corner: Has it become the new First Base in fantasy circles? Power bats have always occupied the position, but in the last few years, it seems to be one of the most abundant sources of home runs and RBI's, and with the new crop of corner infielders coming up (Gordon, Braun, Fields, Stewart, Marte), it doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon. No team in the EHCC really has a problem at the hot corner, some are just better equipped than others.
Eastern Division
6. Adrian Beltre (Alex Gordon), ARL
Adrian would like to party like it was 2004. Unfortunately, I highly doubt that time will ever come back to him, well maybe in 2009, his next contract year and age 30 season (at least that what records say). Arlington was smart in aquiring Alex Gordon to take the reigns once Gonzalez proves he can't handle the EHCC anymore ater this season. As for this year, Arlington may get fistrated with Gonzalez. Even though he's a very serviceable player at most any other position, he's near the bottom of the 3B pool. I'd expect a line of 87 Runs, 26 HR, 90 RBI, 10 SB, and a .270 AVG in 2007 season, his final season as a starter in the EHCC.
5. Ryan Zimmerman/Bill Hall, PEO
Ryan Zimmerman was one of the quickest in history to go from being drafted to landing a starting job in the field. In his first full season, he did not disappoint, hitting .287/.351/.471 with a surprising 110 RBI. I guess it doesn't hurt to have Felipe Lopez and Alfonso Soriono batting in front of you, both with an OBP above .350 last season. Super utility man Bill Hall also adds some depth to the position, as he does just about every other position for Peoria. Expect Zimmerman to be the starting 3B on opening day, with Hall being moved around the infield all season. Zimmerman should lose some of his RBI opportunities with Soriano out of town, but may develop more power in his sophomore season (he had 47 doubles after all in 2006) and should still be a solid contributer to the Cardinals' line up. A line of 88 R, 25 HR, 100 RBI, 13 SB, and a .300 AVG is not out of the question for the 22 year old.
4. Chipper Jones/Mark Teahen (Ryan Braun), WEY
Jones and Teahen are the same player, at complete opposite ends of their career. With Jones finishing up and Teahen just getting started, they make a good pair on the three time champion Shaddupu. Jones hasn't had more than 472 at bats in any of the previous 3 seasons, and I think this concerned Weymouth enoygh to bring in Teahen. With Teahen being challenged by Alex Gordon, there's a chance he moves to the OF in the next season or two. It was smart of Weymouth to draft a young 3B option in Ryan Braun just in case they aren't able to find a replacement for Jones/Teahen in the coming years. There was also rumor that Jones wouldn't end up making the roster out of Spring Training. If he does make the roster, which I expect he still will, I expect a line of 100 Runs, 28 HR, 98 RBI, 14 SB, and a .295 AVG out of Weymouth's third basemen. There's more risk for the pair in 2007, but more upside as well.
3. Miguel Cabrera, RAK
Doggs' fans may have David Wright bobbleheads, but they do not have underwear with their team's favorite player's face tiled across it. That's one area Rakeville has the upper hand. Ever since they drafted Cabrera, the Rocket's marketing team has plastered the third baseman's face on anything and everything. Young fans across Rakeville run naked in the street with nothing on but their prized underwear, the only thing keeping a smile on their face. Cabrera, better than either Vegas option at the hot corner alone, stands behind the city of Sin only because of their combined effort. He's just 24, and has been blasting out poor-man Pujol-like numbers since he was 21. A four and a half-tool player, Cabrera occasionally steals bases, hits for power, and even swings at intentional walks for game winning hits. I'd expect 115 RBI, 37 HR, 108 R, 10 SB, .315 AVG.
2. David Wright/Aramis Ramirez, LV
The defending champion Doggs are expected to take both options at 3B into the 2007 season, and why wouldn't they. Wright and Ramirez stand in the top 5 options by themselves at the position, and when combined on the same team provide the Doggs the ultimate depth at third base. Wright is expected to start for the Doggs as he did for the majority of 2006, while Ramirez mans the DH spot, filling in the field when Wright needs a day off. With both players under the age of 30 (24 and 29 respectively), I would expect the duo to be a mainstay in Vegas for a few more years. I'd expect the Doggs to get 110 RBI, 38 HR, 120 R, 20 SB, and a .300 AVG out of third base this season, with Ramirez providing a bit more power and Wright adding in the speed. Both players have a fine batting average, right around .300. Since this is based on position, the Vegas Hot Corner still stands behind Bridgewater due to A-Rod's full spectrum of ability.
1. Alex Rodriguez/Chad Tracy, BRW
Some would call Alex Rodriguez a bust in 2006. Not sure I'd go so far as to call a guy who hit 35 home runs with 121 RBI and 113 runs scored while stealing 15 bases a "bust". Remember, he had almost 25 less at bats in 2006 than in 2005, and 52 and 60 less than 2002 or 2001 respectively. As far as his value in the EHCC, it's as high as ever. Because of the line up he's in and the power he produces, he's still the best option at third base for any team in the league. Hell, he's probably be the top choice at any position on the diamond except the other corner infield position. Expect A-Rod to return to his 2005 form when he hit 48 HR, 130 RBI, stole 21 bases, scored 124 Runs, and hit for a .321 AVG in 605 at bats. Chad Tracy is basically there just for show.
Western Division
6. Edwin Encarnacion/Morgan Ensberg, TIJ
I couldn't in good conscience put this pair above Santo Domingo's, only because there's just so many more question marks in Tijuana. Edwin is a highly touted option at the hot corner, but has yet to play an entire season in the majors. he's young, has potential, and high reward however, and that makes him a valuable in Mexico. Ensberg on the other hand has played multiple years in the majors, putting together some impressive years. Ok, well, one very impressive year. Most thought it was a break out performance rather than a fluke season. In 2006 he was out to prove that thought wrong. He could come back in 2007 and repeat his 2005 performance, but it's too much a question mark to rank him along with sophomore Encarnacion any higher than this. Even with their upside, their line of 85 R, 31 HR, 90 RBI, 9 SB, and a .279 AVG could happen if all falls into place for Tijuana.
5. Hank Blalock/Joe Crede, SD
Hank Blalock was once a top three round selection in most fantasy drafts. Unfortunately for the expansion White Devils, 2004 was so 3 years ago and it's going to take a but for Blalock to prove himself among third basemen. He's still just 26 so there's still pkenty of hope he can return to his full potential however. A big high risk, even higher reward type of player, though he only hit four home runs in the second half of 2006. Not a promising stat to say the least. Not to mention his now repaired shoulder should be under a microscope all season. Having Joe Crede as a second option is the only reason Santo Domingo stands this high on the list. Well, that and the fact that the final two teams have even bigger question marks with their options at the hot corner. Crede helped his cause with a strong 2006, hitting 30 HR and breaking the 90 RBI barrier for the first time in his major league career. I don't think Blalock will be 100% all season but he has a very high upside if he can pull it off. Based on the upside I'm calling for a line of 86 R, 31 HR, 95 RBI, 1 SB, and a .275 AVG out of the White Devils' hot corner.
4. Eric Chavez, WS
Even with the injuries, Eric Chavez was a pre-season favorite to pick up the AL MVP last season. He's had a long winter to get healthy again and has all the potential to return to his pre0injury form. He's just 29 years old this year, so he still has a few more prime years in him. He hasn't hit above .280 since 2003, but still put together an pretty good 2005 campaign, before his decline in 2006 while hurt. All things considered, I can't see Chavez being an AL MVP type player, but if he's 100%, he'll be a solid plus in the hot corner for the Green Monsters. I think a line of 87 R, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 4 SB, and a .278 AVG should be able to be attained in Winston-Salem.
3. Troy Glaus, GLD
Troy has been healthy for the past two seasons, he even showed he can handle the vigors of shortstop in 2006, playing 8 games at the position. But it was just 2003 and 2004 where he couldn't pass 319 at bats in the majors. When he's healthy he's a lock for 35 home runs and 100 RBI, especially with Vernon Wells and Alex Rios getting on base ahead of him. He's also pretty much a lock for a .250 AVG on top of that. Golden has plenty of guys like Glaus (Swisher and Dunn come to mind). Glaus brings a lot to the table, but really hurts himself with little to no speed and a dismal AVG. Expect a line of 100 R, 36 HR, 110 RBI, 1 SB, and a .256 AVG if he can stay healthy.
2. Scott Rolen (Ian Stewart), QC
And so begin the injury plagued list of Western Division third basemen. Scott Rolen still tops the list as he's the most complete player when healthy. His shoulder seems to be fine now, after the surgery following the 2005 season. He's a solid option for any hot corner and could battle for 100 Runs and 100 RBI batting behind Albert Pujols in 2007. He's broken the 30 HR barrier just twice in his career. He could do it again this year as long as his shoulder can take it. With Ian Stewart's stock falling, Quebec City fans better hope that Rolen can hold up for a few more years in the harsh winters of Canada. A 96 R, 27 HR, 102 RBI, 5 SB, .286 AVG line seems appropriate as long as Rolen stays healthy.
1. Garrett Atkins (Andy LaRoche/Andy Marte), TKO
Garrett has very quickly put himself near the top of the 3B pool. It doesn't hurt that he bats around Todd Helton and Matt Holliday in Coors Field either. With so many question marks in the Western Division's 3B pool, Atkins put himself at the top of the list with a strong 2006 and no sign of slowing down. He hit 48 doubles last year, which could lead to additional power in the future. LaRoche and Marte shouldn't get much playing time at the hot corner for Tokyo any time soon, but they are both viable options in 2007 and beyond if Atkins should get injured or unexpectedly struggle. A line of 109 Runs, 34 HR, 112 RBI, 5 SB, and a .293 AVG sounds about right for Tokyo's 3B.
Overall Rankings:
1) Alex Rodriguez/Chad Tracy, BRW
2) David Wright/Aramis Ramirez, LV
3) Miguel Cabrera, RAK
4) Garrett Atkins/Adam LaRoche/Andy Marte, TKO
5) Chipper Jones/Mark Teahen/Ryan Braun, WEY
6) Scott Rolen/Ian Stewart, QC
7) Troy Glaus, GLD
8) Ryan Zimmerman/Bill Hall, PEO
9) Eric Chavez, WS
10) Adrian Beltre/Alex Gordon, ARL
11) Hank Blalock/Joe Crede, SD
12) Edwin Encarnacion/Morgan Ensberg, TIJ
Free Agents:
Rich Aurillia – Won't add a lot of power to a line up, but fills in at any infield position and hits for a decent average.
Shea Hillenbrand – An option as 3B and 1B, could be a decent bench option for a team looking for depth.
Melvin Mora – Was once a top tier option in the hot corner. A team with a lot of question marks might take a chance on him hoping he has something left.
Akinori Iwamura – One of the big three Japanese players to enter the EHCC Draft in 2007. Iwamura hit for power and average in Japan. I don't expect him to start for any EHCC team unless he jumps out of the gate early.
Evan Longoria – A top 3B prospect who wasn't eligible for the 2006 MiDraft. He's decided to enter the MaDraft instead, rather than wait until the 2007 MiDraft, hoping to get a bigger contract from a EHCC team lookign for 3B depth.
Conor Intabedd writes for the Reno Weekly Rag. Rupaul is the Godfather of his second child... or, Godmother, we're not really sure.
Labels: EHSPN, Intabedd, Reno Weekly Rag
posted by Howe at 2:00 AM
2 Comments:
How do you, in good conscience, rank Alex Rodriguez over David Wright? It boggles the mind... sure, the guy puts up 35/100 every year, but so does Wright, and he's not a complete sissy like A-Rod.
Dee Rekcheeter
Bronx, NY
David Wright has never hit 35 homeruns. He has never hit 30 homeruns. He has never hit 28 homeruns. So, it think the answer is, Arod is better you homer.
Rick Samuels
Reno, NV
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