FANTALYTICS – SEASON 2
Volume 2
By Adam Forsyth
Everth Cabrera vs. Alcides Escobar vs. Elvis Andrus
Oooooh Daddy! *Sigh* Only one team gets Hanley.
Should the other few top-tier men manning the space between second and third already be scooped up by your fellow managers; don’t fret, as there are some solid and swift of foot options remaining that could make you smile like The Cheshire Catwhen these speed demons provide you with position specific statistics during the upcoming 2010 fantasy season!
While Alice in Wonderlandis tearing up the big screen pulling in tremendous numbers, we’re going to take a look at three guys that fashion themselves after the ever so famous White Rabbit, as they fashion they’re game on the premise of the rabbit always running late and in a hurry. In this case, their speed on the basepaths is the indication that they are the victims of a “hotfoot” and are always 90 feet away from the proverbial bucket of water.
Now, always being “late for a very important date” isn’t necessarily the best parallel to draw with regards to these early twenty-somethings, but with little power and all three developing their A-game on defense, it’s the most realistic “date” for “mad-hatted” fantasy owners to look forward to. 90 feet to freedom, an intriguing concept, but in this edition of FANTALYTICS, we ask you to trust this budding blue caterpillar and believe in the growth of these kids at the start of what should be a “wonder”ful, albeit speedy trip. We only hope you have googled the Jefferson AirplaneWhite Rabbit Lyrics - and promise to sing along with us on this wonder full spring training day in March.
The Case for Everth Cabrera
Entering the 2010 season after a great start in 2009 saw him falter down the stretch to a .255 BA, expect this 23-year old Nicaraguan to continue his development into (what I’m sure management is hopeful) the catalyst of the Padres anemic offense.
In the lead-off spot with a ton of speed to burn, Cabrera should grow his slap-tastic approach at the plate and use the openness of Petco Parkto his advantage. His walk rate (46 BB’s in 103 games) is good enough to be a formidable top of the lineup hitter, improving his patience and being more selective to knock down the line and beat out the play at first.
Although his 4.28AB/K is a bit high for a player with his credentials and speed; it is only slightly higher than the 4.75AB/K he pulled through parts of the four minor league seasons in the Pads’ system. Fear not hopeful fantasy owners, his tendencies and patience will grow with experience.
His success during his time on the base ways of 25 successful swipes compared to 8 attempts caught stealing (for a 75.8% success rate) is right in line with the 77.8% (109 for 140) on his accelerated path to the ‘bigs’ that saw him take only 27 AB’s above High A-Ball.
Cabrera isn’t the type of player that is going to be “the” difference maker; however, he is just the type of late round selection that can give you stats in three tough to contribute categories. (SB’s, OBP and should your league count’em up, triples) Everth is here to stay, and I’m sure he’s hoping that the left-handed bomber Adrian Gonzalez stays in town long enough to allow him to round the bases in time for the “Tea Party”.
Read the Cases for Alcides Escobar & Elvis Andrus on FANTALYTICS now!
