What's up at second base?
I see the top prospect list being populated with outfielders, pitchers, some third baseman and shortstops too. First basemen will be coming soon with Loney and Votto. But what about second base?
I've been thinking of some of my upcoming votes in the top prospects poll, and I can't say any second baseman are coming up soon. There just doesn't seem to be a Howie Kendrick or Rickie Weeks out there. This gets me thinking...who are all of the second base prospects?
Pedroia (Bos) - Very good prospect in his own way. I like him more than most, but his upside seems limited.
Callaspo (Ari) - Likewise.
Kevin Melillo (Oak) - Very solid. More power potential than the Callaspo and Pedroia?
And what about beyond them?
Blake DeWitt (LAD) - is he definitely going to move to second base full time? Despite his struggles after moving up to AA and continuing into the offseason league, he still looks to have some potential.
Trevor Crowe (Cle) - He was moved to second late last season. I found a post by indiansfan saying he is totally done at second base. So he's out, right?
Is there anybody else who could make some noise at second base? I am drawing a blank on others.
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Re: 2B
Other 2B prospects include:
Evan Longoria (possibly)
Jed Lowrie (maybe SS)
Tony Abreu
Elliot Johnson
Kevin Fransden
Alexi Casilla (maybe SS)
by I Love Oakland As on Nov 13, 2006 7:27 PM EST reply actions
Frandsen
I guess Longoria could be a second baseman somewhere down the road, huh? I guess I have convinced myself that he'll wind up at third depending upon what happens with Upton.
by mcq fesijiba on Nov 13, 2006 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
Alexi Casilla
Patterson II, and some thoughts...
This may also be an ebb and flow thing, too... there really aren't any teams in dire straights at 2b right now. The Cubs and Cards were probably two of the worst last year, but the Cards have Miles, and the Cubs got some offense out of Walker before he left, and auditioned about 8 other players in that role. And to make up for two teams which are weak at the position, there are numerous teams with "extra" 2b's... Ryan Freel, Freddy Sanchez, Hector Luna, Esteban (Stone Hands) German, Dustin Pedroia, Howie Kendrick, etc.
Finally, 2b is a hazardous position, much like catcher... if I ran a farm system, and didn't see a dire need at 2b in the organization, I would probably resist putting my better prospects there until it was clear they'd be needed.
Yeah
by mcq fesijiba on Nov 13, 2006 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
failed SS
Just like it's not necessary to have DH or even many 1B prospects because inevitably OF or 3B or even C prospects will be moved there.
re
Patterson should be servicable for a few years. Even if he becomes a Corey clone, that production is solid for 2b as long as he plays good defense.
I have seen Young's kid for a few years now here in AZ. First at Chandler-Gilbert Collge, then in the AZeague, instructional league, Spring Training, etc. He has a lot of his old man in him as he's very fast and already very stocky. I wouldn't be surprised to see him develop into double-digit power. Not saying 20 bombs, but between 10-12 per year. When I first saw him his discipline was terrible, but he seems to be getting much better. If he moves up a level and performs at the same rate he did this year, I think he has to be considered a elite 2b prospect.
Sanders will have to put up a monster year to be considered a prospect. Even with one arm, a .200 ave in the Cali League is terrible.
EY2
Glad to hear the glowing first-hand report... If he hits like dad, and can play MLB average at 2b, he should indeed be something special. The idea of a switch-hitting version of Eric Young, Sr. is pretty cool, IMO. "Pure" leadoff types are rare these days, and Senior's lack of acceptable 2b defense and pronounced platoon split (clobbering lefties) were all that held him back from an even more prosperous career, IMO.
the
Possibly LaRoche
unlikely
by PatrickTheDodgersFan on Nov 14, 2006 5:56 AM EST up reply actions
some decent 2nd baseman prospects
Alberto Callaspo
Blake DeWitt
Mark Reynolds
Eric Young Jr
Eric Patterson
Emilio Bonifacio
I like Patterson....
In my eyes...
DeRosa
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2661869
DeRosa
The Cubs had better hope that DeRosa v07 is closer to DeRosa v06 than he is to the previous versions, or Patterson won't be experiencing much blockage.

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