Sizemore vs. Valbuena

by nivarsity on Dec 16, 2009 10:17 PM EST

Scott Sizemore and Luis Valbuena are under-the-radar AL Central 2B's who are likely to start full-time in 2010.

Sizemore has been compared to Marcus Giles (best case) and Frank Catalanotto. KG gave him 4 stars and ranked him #3 in the Tigers' system. He put up an .889 OPS between AA and AAA this year at age 24. The Tigers non-tendered Placido Polanco and have indicated they are going to give Sizemore every chance to be the team's opening day second baseman, even though he's currently recovering from a broken leg. He's generally rated average defensively.

Valbuena, 23, also has some pop for a 2B. In 95 PA's in AAA this year he raked to the tune of a .975 OPS. In 400 PA's with the Tribe, he was mediocre, struggling to a .298 OBP but showing power with 10 bombs. Last year he put up a 304/.381/.483 line in AA. Scouts like his defense, but UZR doesn't.

Which under-the-radar 2B do you like more?

Poll

Sizemore or Valbuena?

Scott Sizemore

104 votes

Luis Valbuena

114 votes

218 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 15 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I honestly haven't analyzed this all too deeply

Just off initial thought – I would go with Valbuena. I could see a situation where Sizemore may be more consistent through his career, with Valbuena perhaps having a better peak.

That said, really haven’t compared them side to side.

by toonsterwu on Dec 16, 2009 11:17 PM EST reply actions

WOW

16 votes a piece

50 – 50
interesting

not that it matters, but I voted Sizemore, even though I had Valbuena in fantasy last year (dynasty) I like him a lot
-Valbuena and Weglarz and Huff is who i got for Matt Holiday…

Rene Tosoni is good.

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Dec 17, 2009 12:10 AM EST reply actions

Its like... dead even in my mind.

I like both these guys a good bit.

by alskor on Dec 17, 2009 12:22 AM EST reply actions

Thought it'd be close but this is a barnburner.

I voted Valbuena, I’m more sold on his defense/athleticism and think he has a higher upside.

by nivarsity on Dec 17, 2009 12:26 AM EST reply actions

very good discussion topic

of the two, i am leaning sizemore, I just think he will end up being more consistent.

what about adding martin prado to the mix – where does he stack up in comparison?

by saltybiscuits on Dec 17, 2009 8:53 AM EST reply actions

Martin Prado is already an above average major leaguer

Does seem like he really fits into this comparison.

by aCone419 on Dec 17, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

Doesn't*

by aCone419 on Dec 17, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

yeah

I know.

still wanted to see if people thought sizemore/valbuena could end up in the same mold.

it wasnt a given that prado would enter 2009 as starting 2B until his second half last year. thats why despite his lack of prospect status, I see relevance in comparing him to valbuena/sizemore, who are also potentially entering a starting MLB role for their first time.

by saltybiscuits on Dec 17, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t buy him being able to duplicate his 2009 so not sure I’d say he is above average long term.

by jfish26101 on Dec 17, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

I'd definitely take Grady Sizemore over Luis Valbuena....

Just kidding, but I think these players will end up being similar. Here’s what Goldstein said about Scott Sizemore:

“Sizemore’s defense remains a bit sloppy. He gets bad breaks on balls and many of his errors come on seemingly routine plays. While his offensive game is good all-around, nothing about it really stands out as plus-plus.”

That sounds very similar to Valbuena. From what I saw from Valbuena this year, he made a lot over really nice plays, but a lot of errors too. It seemed like his errors came on routine plays. Valbuena had impressive pop for a 23 year old second baseman (25 2B, 10 HR in 368 AB), but nobody knows if he’ll be able to hit left handed pitching. Interesting discussion topic…..

by Alex Trebek on Dec 17, 2009 11:55 AM EST reply actions