I don’t practice Santeria. I ain’t got no crystal ball. Well, if I had $6, I’d spend it all…
…I’d spend it on these Corner Infielders (owned <10% on ESPN as of 4/3)! They are placed in the order of my zeal, because my zeal smells nice and fresh. What does that even mean? Post now includes bonus CI Prospect list as well! (And maybe thermal packaging. What can I say? It’s a demand-driven commodity.) Follow me after the jump to find out what this all means… maybe.
1) Cody Asche (9.7%) – a huge first game upped his %-ownership by 9+%. The concern is the next day when new manager Mr. Sandberg officially platoon-tagged him. I personally think he can be a poor man’s (because of the contact rate) Chase Utley if he gets the full-time opportunity, but 2014 ETA Maikel Franco mentioned below might ensure otherwise.
2) Mitch Moreland (2.0%) – anyone batting sixth after Shin-Soo Choo, Elvis Andrus, Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre & Alex Rios is an asset. If he can get back to his 2011 contract rate and 2013 popup rate with even the same amount of discipline as last year, he should have solid surface stats in all league types. We’re asking for a bit here, but there really is a chance of 65-25-85-255. Think Chris Davis before Chris Davis, but 2 years older and without the elite HR/FB ratio.
3) Marcus Semien (0.2%) – he’s Brad Miller without the high BABIP potential meaning he won’t post the same rate stats and he won’t have the same lineup spot or lineup in general but he could still post the same HR & SB counting stats (or more) if Beckham’s oblique issue persists or the ChiSox 3b situation doesn’t pan out.
4) Darin Ruf (0.1%) – Get ready for a bunch of ‘IFs.’ IF Ryan Howard, Domonic Brown or Marlon Byrd goes down with an injury and IF you’re in an OBP/SLG/OPS League, this guy is a must-stash. He had an ugly 30+% K-rate in 2013, but his minor league numbers weren’t as ridiculous. The other positive…I could see a HR/FB ratio as nice as the K-rate is ugly. Let’s hope an opportunity arises by the time he returns from his oblique injury. If you’re in an NL-only league and can stash him on your DL, do it. DO IT.
5) Mike Olt (0.6%) – Listen, if he’s the starter in Chicago for a lengthy period of time, he’ll have “prodigious” power value. And honestly, he could walk enough to get on base 32% of the time. It seems like the Cubs are committed to keeping Javier Baez in the middle of the lineup and Kris Bryant won’t be ready until 2015. Let’s see if HR#1 (on 4/3) instilled some confidence.
6) Casey McGehee (2.0%) – If you’re in a deep NL-only field, then fine. He’s had solid contact rates, but his balls in play approach isn’t all that impressive. I’d expect the groundball rate (without speed) to be an issue, which will drag down his BABIP and average and value.
And for your CI prospect impact:
1) Garin Cecchini – Think Monster: he’s an OBP monster and should enjoy the green monster. His discipline and high BABIP propensity should all but guarantee a .270+ BA even if he were to spend time in the bigs this year. He probably won’t have a significant impact this year, but if something happens to Will Middlebrooks (assuming they don’t move Xander Bogaerts over), he could man 3B. Eventually he’ll rack up the Runs Produces (R+RBI-HR) even if he doesn’t produce a ton of HR or SB.
2) Maikel Franco – His value will be putting the ball in play – eh? He won’t strike out a ton, but he also won’t walk much meaning he’ll put the ball in play quite a bit. I just think it’ll take time for him to do so with authority. I also think Cody Asche will provide more value than expected and the Phillies shouldn’t amount to much so why rush Franco? Let’s see how he handles triple A before consuming a bench slot with him if you’re trying to win this year.
3) Jon Singleton – His own contact rate will block him from significant 2014 impact. I’m not touching him with a 14-man-active-roster pole this year.
4) C.J. Cron – If you’re in a deep AL only league, I’d stash Cron. There’s no one backing up Albert Pujols on the Angels’ 1B depth chart and his power should be translatable by this year.
5) Matt Davidson – It’ll take a big BABIP for a playable batting average but 3B ain’t deep and he’s worth a stash in AL only’s for sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if Beckham continue to consumes time at 2B when he returns and Semien keeps the 3B job to himself initially.
6) Kyle Parker – no experience in Triple A and a slew of outfielders are blocking the way for Parker meaning it would take an injury from both Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau to perhaps open a spot at 1B. It’s not impossible but it’s a lot to hope for.
…Tell Sanchito that if he knows what is good for him he best go run and hide. Daddy’s got a new CI.
Follow Dano on Twitter @RotoBanter , or buy thermal packaging from him.
