Reynolds, Gordon, Cuddyer: 2012 Multi-positional Players

Players who are able to field multiple positions, and field them well, are extremely valuable commodities both inside and outside the fantasy landscape. This week, in two separate posts, I’m going to take a look at some players who have gained or lost a position this year and how they look for next season.

Mark Reynolds (1B, 3B)

Currently the 10th ranked third basemen, Reynolds has picked up first base eligibility thanks to his 32 games there. You know what you’re getting with Reynolds; i.e. a lot of power and little else. He’s hit at least 32 home runs for the third season in a row. Baltimore should move him to DH next season after Vladimir Guerrero departs since he plays the absolute worse defense of anyone in baseball, but he’ll still retain the eligibility at the corners and that’s all that matters to us. His 32 home runs rank second amongst third basemen and fourth amongst first basemen. Think of him as a slightly better version of Carlos Pena.

Alex Gordon (3B, OF, possible 1B)

Gordon finally had the breakout season we’ve all been waiting for; hitting .299/.371/.500 with 21 home runs, 82 RBI and 16 steals thus far. He’s currently outfield and third base eligible, ranking eighth in the former and second in the latter. The problem is that since Gordon no longer mans the hot corner he’s going to lose eligibility at one of fantasy’s weakest positions. He needs only three more appearances to qualify at first base for next season. As a Gordon owner in a keeper league I’m hoping he somehow gets the opportunity over the final two weeks. If he does, his 20 steal ability would be a welcome addition to a usually sluggish position.

Michael Cuddyer (3B, 2B, 1B, OF)

He’s one of only a few players with eligibility at four positions. The Twins have suffered injuries all over the field this season and Cuddyer has been used as the spackle to mend the holes; the most significant being second and first base. He’s having his second best season of the past four, putting up a respectable line of .282/.347/.460 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI. The Twins offense has been dreadful so the dip in RBI — he had 81 and 94 the last two years – is understandable. He’s going to lose third base eligibility next season but has gained it at second base. Currently he’s ranked as the 11th best second basemen, and when you consider his other options next season will be first base and outfield he’ll likely derive most of his value there.

*this is based off of Yahoo! standard league rules of 5 starts or 10 appearances at a position





Erik writes for DraysBay and has also written for Bloomberg Sports. Follow him on Twitter @ehahmann.

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12 years ago

Alex Gordon will not play 1st base again this year, you can make book on that. Royals seem to have this young first baseman that they like pretty well.