Living in Minnesota and having a son that loves Michael Cuddyer, I’m not sure I get the proper perspective as to how Cuddy is viewed on a national level. He is owned in the vast majority of fantasy leagues so that should serve as some indication.

Cuddy got off to a brutal start hitting .226 in April. He managed just four RBI, but hit three home runs. He stepped up his game in May as the Minnesota Twins dealt with injuries. He hit .300 for the month with two home runs and nine RBI.

Cuddy was just getting started.

As we roll into July, Cuddyer closes the chapter on a June in which he hit .323 with 15 runs, five home runs, 17 RBI and four stolen bases. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet.

Even more valuable than his production is his versatility—both for the Twins and for fantasy teams. He has played 43 games in right field, 21 games at first base and 13 games at second base. Last year he played 84 at first, 66 in right and 14 at third base. In 2009 he played 117 in right and 34 at first. The modern athlete isn’t often willing to accept this kind of change. The fact that Cuddy does it with a smile just reinforces how valuable he is to the Twins.

Cuddy should keep on producing. The past two years his first and second half splits were nearly identical. He’s not going to guarantee you a fantasy title, but he’s entering July hitting .283 with 33 runs, 10 home runs, 30 RBI and seven stolen bases.

That production and the ability to juggle him in your lineup as you see fit is invaluable to fantasy owners. While he’s not the straw that stirs the drink, he’s the glue that helps patch your holes and keep the boat afloat.


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