I debated Victor Robles or Ronald Acuna for my number one rookie for 2018. It was quite heated debate that one bystander claimed, “Are you talking to me or yourself?” And another bystander said, “Are you asking for the directions to Paso Robles?” Those people don’t know obviously about the juicy rookies that I speak of, and don’t end a sentence with of — dah! By the way, don’t ever say “…that I speak of” in real life, or you will likely get punched. Any hoo! Victor Robles was called up for a cup of coffee this past year, which, I guess, made Dusty Baker a barista. Would’ve taken Baker more for a pastry guy. Let’s get to the elephant in the room first, or if you’re a college freshman and the word elephant upsets you, let’s address the large mammal in the free-range zoo. Robles was called up, Werth and Taylor may leave this offseason, and Robles is ready. Those are all points in his favor for playing time. Against him is we don’t know how the new manager in Washington is going to use him. Will Robles be used more than he would’ve been with the toothpicked barista? Hard to say. I’ll get to my projections below, but Trea played, Taylor played, I think Robles can play in 2018. Maybe at least two-thirds of the time. Anyway, what can we expect from Victor Robles for 2018 fantasy baseball?
Here’s what Prospector Ralph said, “I’ve likened Robles to Starling Marte, and I think that’s a likely outcome, though there’s always the possibility Robles actually meets his ceiling of 30/30 stud. A stud like Grey in the inverse.” Oh, c’mon! Watching some highlights of Robles made me think of Francisco Lindor for power. Of course, Lindor just broke out this past year, but I’m thinking more the 15-17-homer Lindor. Robles is only 20 years old — are they birthing kids younger nowadays? — so his power can grow by a lot. If he’s a 30-homer hitter in three years, it wouldn’t shock me. However, I don’t think he’s touching 20 homers this coming year. He looks a little slappy, if you catch my drift. Now, his gazelle-like strides around the bases? I can watch those for days. What’s he, six-foot with five-eleven legs? Who are you, Kristen Johnston? I will call you Baby Long Legs. By the way, watching minor league baseball is instructive also on how little you can really count on anyone’s stats. I saw so many misplayed balls go for triples with Robles. I was like, “Okay, that’s an 0-for-3 in the majors, but three triples in the minors, got it.” Then a bystander said, “Are you talking to me or not?” I’m not, nosy! Robles is another Bowden Fluffer. He’s got five tools and wears his pants like a glove. He should come up and just play defense, but who knows? As I said in the opening, I’m going to give him two-thirds of a season, but I’m thinking he’s up in April. Just doesn’t play every day, which becomes maddening, but not Dustying anymore (I miss him already). For 2018, I’ll give Victor Robles the projections of 48/6/53/.275/18 in 405 ABs, though with a chance for more upside.
