4 Late Round Picks to help you fill those Thin Middle Infield Positions

Can Dustin Ackley put his miserable 2012 behind him? Photo courtesy of Lisa Blumenfeld.

Let’s be honest, second base and shortstop suck this year. It’s a few guys each position then…suckage. Sure, you can find a gym in later rounds if you’re looking for a particular category (Jed Lowrie and homers, for instance), but these are shallow positions. If you are in a 12+ team league who also carries a MI slot you are in a pickle.

When looking for a diamond in the rough you first have to acknowledge the rough spots. Later round guys have flaws, but let’s talk about 5 guys who should be had for cheap, but also won’t hurt you if you pencil them into your MI slot.

J Gyorko – 2B Padres
I’ve written about Jedd Gyorko before and my confidence that he’s a pure hitter just looking for some plate appearances. There’s no good reason for the Padres not to give him every chance to start the season as their second baseman, but it is certainly problematic to try and get in the head of a major league front office executive. Monitor his Spring Training and don’t be afraid to to get him on the cheap as a late round second baseman.

D Ackley – 2B Mariners
Remember when Dustin Ackley had sky-high expectations and burst out of the gate with a walk rate of 13% against a strikeout rate of 15% that suggested he should hit for a much higher average than he did? Yeah, then 2102 happened. So is he the hitter that should hit .300 with power to all fields or is he the guy who looks out of step at the plate? Regardless of the answer to that, it means he’ll be had for cheap on draft day.

J Rutledge – 2B Colorado
I have full confidence in Josh Rutledge and think he could be this year’s Jason Kipnis. Additionally, he’ll grab 2B eligibility quickly into the season. Obviously, I’m talking about players with small sample sizes and the air could leak out of the balloon quickly, but remember to find a diamond in a thin position like SS or 2B you have to be willing to accept the rough patches. Let someone else grab Kipnis and Jose Altuve – last year’s diamonds – and take a high-risk flyer on Rutledge, hoping he gives a high reward.

E Cabrera – SS Padres
Everth Cabrera will be the defensive superior in a possible Cabrera / Gyorko double-play combo, but it’s Cabrera’s speed that you want on your fantasy baseball team. Elvis Andrus, Jean Segura, and Alcides Escobar will be in the ballpark of 5 homers with 30 steals. Everth Cabrera is an egg from that same Easter basket, but he should be had rounds later in the draft. He has warts like his batting average, but he’ll be a great source of speed in a MI slot.

A Simmons – SS Braves
Atlanta is an organization that will let their young players work it out in the Bigs. It’s hard to imagine Andrelton Simmons reaching his potential this season, but his defense is so good he’ll stay in the lineup. With those plate appearances comes a ceiling that isn’t vaulted, but it does provide plenty of head room. The average will be there and while his pure speed hasn’t yet translated into steals, there is hope that they could soon.

We continue our countdown to our February 18th Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit:

13 Dollar Players Who’ll Triple Your Money
12 Bargain Bin Outfielders
11 Pitchers You Shouldn’t Touch With a 60’6″ Pole
10 Spot Starters Who’ll Jump to the Next Level
9 Guys to Give You a Complete LIneup
8 Geezers Over 35 Who Still Have Their Giddy Up
7 Sleepers
6 Hitters with Plate Skills
5 Prospects with 2013 Fantasy Baseball Value