After the 2012 season, Dan Uggla ranked just 17th among second basemen. We thought that was bad and he had hit rock bottom. But the downward spiral actually continued. His encore was not one to celebrate, as he slid even further to just 27th within the position. Heading into his age 34 season, is the power hitting, some time acceptable batting average contributing middle infielder officially done as a fantasy delight?
Today we begin second base week and that means a look back at my Pod’s Picks at the position. It wasn’t that crazy a season with most of the usual suspects atop the value list and only a couple of true surprises. Let’s see how my rankings compared to the actual ones.
Episode 76
Today’s episode of The Sleeper and the Bust stars yours truly and features RotoGraphs editor Eno Sarris. We discuss another Cuban defector and wrap up the first base crop.
Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to @mikepodhorzer or @enosarris on Twitter and tweet us any fantasy questions you have that we may answer on our next episode.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or via the feed.
Intro by DJ Sinton (no, contrary to popular belief, I do not moonlight as a rap star)
Approximately 48 min of joyous analysis.
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One of the more common pieces of advice you read about drafting in the first round of a fantasy baseball league is that you want to play it safe. “You can’t win it in the first round, but you could lose it”, they say. And Albert Pujols was the epitome of safety. From his rookie 2001 season through 2011, he was a near lock for a .300+ average, 100+ runs batted in and 35+ home runs. That is a long period of sustained elite performance. You pretty much knew what you were getting and what you were getting was a top of the line fantasy player. But oh has it gone downhill fast.
After an excellent partial season in 2011 and a strong follow-up in 2012, Allen Craig became a trendy sleeper who wasn’t, as his hype increased his cost in preseason drafts and made him a rather expensive target. Alas, he was a bit of a disappointment, as he suffered from a power outage and a foot injury cost him nearly all of September. All in all, he was just the 14th most valuable first baseman in fantasy leagues this season.
Episode 75
Today’s episode of The Sleeper and the Bust stars yours truly and features RotoGraphs editor Eno Sarris. We discuss a southpaw who enjoyed a rebound season and chatting about the first base crop.
Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to @mikepodhorzer or @enosarris on Twitter and tweet us any fantasy questions you have that we may answer on our next episode.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or via the feed.
Intro by DJ Sinton (no, contrary to popular belief, I do not moonlight as a rap star)
Approximately 44 min of joyous analysis.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Billy Butler headed into the 2012 season as a first baseman with moderate power whose greatest fantasy contributions came from his strong batting average and position in the middle of a Major League lineup that would lead to a solid runs batted in total. Butler then finished the 2012 season having enjoyed a breakout year and now suddenly looking like a power hitter reaching his prime years. Unfortunately, Butler failed to follow up his breakout season with a performance that satisfies like a good country breakfast should.
It’s first base week and that means it’s time to continue reviewing my preseason Pod’s Picks series. For a refresher on my original arguments behind a player being undervalued and overvalued, check out Pod’s Picks: First Base.
Episode 74
Today’s episode of The Sleeper and the Bust stars yours truly and features RotoGraphs editor Eno Sarris. We discuss a potential new home for a powerful Cuban import and finish up our catcher talk.
Don’t hesitate to direct pod-related correspondence to @mikepodhorzer or @enosarris on Twitter and tweet us any fantasy questions you have that we may answer on our next episode.
You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or via the feed.
Intro by DJ Sinton (no, contrary to popular belief, I do not moonlight as a rap star)
Approximately 47 min of joyous analysis.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Is it just me, or do you think of the former American Idol contestant when you hear the name Jason Castro as well? Now that the cat is out of the bag and I have admitted to previously watching the popular singing competition, let’s talk about the Astros catcher.
