The Janish-Renteria tandem isn’t just the name of a Center for Disease Control in Sweden; it’s also what was standing in Zack Cozart‘s way going into 2011. That was an easy combo to beat out for the shortstop job. But Dusty looks at rookies and laughs maniacally while daintily pushing his toothpick to the side of his mouth. Then Cozart had to have Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing arm. Tough break (or is it tough tendon?) because even Dusty was about ready to let Cozart do his thing in the majors. In his brief stint in the majors (11 games), he hit 2 homers and batted .324. In the minors, he was known to do a little damage. He did the Triple-A thing for two years. In 2010, 17 homers and 30 steals in 610 plate appearances; in 2011, 7 homers, 9 steals and a .310 average in only 350 plate appearances. It’s no Renteria, but what is without some serious scratching? So what can we expect from Zack Cozart in 2012 fantasy baseball?
He literally didn’t walk once in the 11 games he played with the Reds. And nothing places emphasis like a trite adverb! Totally! The no walks thing is not a small sample size problem, and while that won’t be a problem for Dusty, it will be a problem for Cozart’s average. His speed might help him beat out some dribblers, but he’s going to struggle to hit .250. His speed is there for 15-20 steals and low-teen power. You know who that reminds me of? No, not you in high school. Let it go, man. It reminds me of Danny Espinosa. Danny has a bit more power and a bit less speed, but tomato-tomato with a different emphasis. Also, Espinosa and Cozart sounds like a promising TNT drama starring Freddy Prinze Jr. and Stifler. Cozart should have the everyday job in 2012 and I’ll give him the line of 55/14/70/.245/20. In real baseball (which is played with more crotch scratching, but less crotch grabbing), Cozart’s just okay. A potential 15/20 guy at shortstop in fantasy baseball is a yes, please and thank you. You’re welcome.
