Fantasy Baseball 2012: Alex Rios of Chicago White Sox Is Worth a Try

Entering the 2012 season, Alex Rios was one of the Chicago White Sox’s biggest question marks. Rios had the worst on-base percentage in the American League in 2011 (.265) and drove in only 44 runs, the fewest RBI he had produced since 2004. This year, his performance has been more assuring.

Rios has been fairly reliable to this point, hitting .294 with a nice .347 on-base percentage and a decent .753 OPS. While his .406 slugging percentage is 26 points off his career mark and 51 points below his rate from 2010, his first full season with the White Sox, it’s markedly higher than his 2011 mark (.348).

Fantasy owners will have to wait and see whether his power comes around fully. He has five doubles, two triples and just one home run on the year. His total of 13 last year was a concern, as it was his lowest total since 2005. Now, fantasy owners must be wondering when his home runs will come.

He’s capable of knocking the ball out of the park, as he’s hit 20 home runs in a season twice.

Currently, the 31-year-old’s slugging percentage is being pulled by the 67-point jump in his batting average.

Seeing Rios drive in 12 runs to this point is nice. He’s on pace for 63 RBI, 19 more than last season.

Rios has come up with some impressive plays this season. He had the game-winning RBI triple in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday. His only home run thus far was a go-ahead shot in the ninth inning in a win against the Texas Rangers.

Fantasy owners should give Rios a shot. He’s recovered his ability to get on base at a respectable rate. His RBI total isn’t that great for an outfielder, but it’s good enough. The White Sox right fielder should be able to hit more home runs as the season goes along.