Two Late Round Fantasy Options for 2010: Second Basemen

Finding players in the last few rounds of your fantasy draft can make a huge difference in winning and losing your league. While second base is not a position that you normally wait until the last few rounds to fill, here are two players that, if left in that position (or more likely filling your middle infielder or picking up a security blanket after drafting someone like Rickie Weeks), could pay huge dividends.

Scott Sizemore, Detroit Tigers

He’s not a flashy name. He doesn’t bring elite home runs or stolen bases, something that fantasy owners are typically looking for. He’s never stepped foot on a Major League diamond and suffered a broken ankle during his time in the Arizona Fall League, bringing a huge set of questions on just how his numbers will translate from the Minor Leagues.

The kid, known as a “blue-collar grinder” by Baseball America, is expected to be ready for spring training and has proven that he can perform since being a fifth round draft pick in 2006. He brings 20/20 potential, hitting 17 home runs and stealing 21 bases between Double and Triple-A last season, while also hitting above .300.

He’s not overly fast, but he’s proven to be efficient when given the opportunity to run.  Since 2008 he’s been successful on 35 stolen bases out of 42 attempts. As long as he’s given the green light, he should be a contributor there. There were only eight second basemen with at least 19 stolen bases last season (three at 20 exactly), so if Sizemore could prove to be an asset there.

He does a solid job of putting the ball in play (minor league K/9 was around 17 percent) and has a good eye at the plate (minor league BB/9 was around 12 percent). That should allow him to hit around .280 with some speed and some power. As a late round pick as a second baseman, exactly what more can you ask for?

Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies

Once a crowded spot for the Rockies, with Garrett Atkins cut loose (now in Baltimore) allowing Ian Stewart to be the starting third baseman, Barmes should have the position all to himself. If you’re looking for a boost in power from the position in the late rounds, there’s no better place to look.

Barmes has had a very interesting career, bursting onto the scene in 2005 before a freak injury cut his season short. He came back in 2006 and struggled mightily (.220, 7 HR in 478 AB) and he was quickly written off as a flash in the pan who had already sizzled out.

Then, just as suddenly, in 2008 he returned to form. He’s had 34 HR over the past two seasons (261 games), including 23 last season. The power is every bit for real, as the 30-year old has always shown a propensity for putting the ball in the air (career mark of 47.4 percent).

His average last season is also deceiving. While he hit .245, he had a BABIP of just .276. While the load of fly balls he hits makes it unlikely for a stellar BABIP, he should still see a little bit of increased luck. That means a big rebound there, and even if he gets into the .270 range, he’s going to be more than worth it with the power he can produce.

What are your thoughts on these two players? Would you target them in the late rounds of your draft? Is there another second baseman you’d rather gamble on?

Previous Late Round Option Articles:

• 5 Late Round Strikeout Options
• 2 Late Round Catching Options 

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