McStallen's 2006 Fantasy Baseball Preview- Part II- The Middle Infield

OK we did catchers and closers in the last post, so let's talk middle infield now. And although fantasy seasons are not won or lost by the middle infield, it's still an important area- so pay attention.

Shortstops
We'll do shortstops first. This used to be a really stocked position, but alot of the older stars have dropped off or become ineligible (Nomar, A-Rod, Omar Vizquel etc) and alot of the new blood (Bobby Crosby, JJ Hardy, Josh Bartlett, Khalil Greene, and BJ Upton) hasn't really arrived yet.

So what are we left with? Well there are still a bunch of good shortstops (Tejada, M Young, Reyes, Furcal etc), but not enough to go around. So don't wait to long to plug this whole.
And here're some players you may (not?) want to consider...

Abraham Nunez- a nice sleeper who can do almost all the positions- look for him to get alot of PT with Philly and maybe even earn a starting role by bumping David Bell off thirdbase. He is the second coming of Placido Polanco, and that is a beautiful thing for the lowly city of Philadelphia.

Clint Barmes- I think this is a guy to avoid- after his controversial deer-meat injury last year, he was never really the same. Barmes came back and hit poorly in September and October '05 (.216), then hit poorly in winterball, and then hit poorly during the spring (.212). He's pretty high-strung, and this could be physical or mental- whatever it is, just stay away.

Luis Gonzalez is the good value when you're talking Colorado Rockies middle infielders- and who doesn't like to talk about that? Gonzalez hit nearly .400 this spring, and this year he should finally get his chance to start- don't expect huge numbers, but hopefully he can hit .280-.290 and play virtually every position but catcher.

Nomar Garciapara- this guy keeps falling in drafts, and I think he's a real sleeper- he'll play firstbase, but be eligible at 1B, 3B, and SS- if he stays healthy, he could be very effective, and a great value pick. He'll avoid the DL all year long so long as he plays 1B- I god damn guarantee you that.

Cesar Izturis is one to watch- he was an all-star last year, and will miss at least half the season with an injury. Given the lack of depth at this position, he's probably worth stashing on your DL. Beware- even when healthy, he has about as much pop in his bat as Coco Khoury.


Second base
There's a bit more talent here, but I wanted to go over some of the less obvious talent...

Ian Kinsler- The Rangers unloaded Alfonso Soriano because they think Kinsler is ready to take over. Or was that just face-saving propaganda promulgated by their GM? Hmmm... Kinsler ought to be eligible at 2B and SS in most leagues, and could be a 20-20 guy. But don't take him too early- alot of time guys like this are sent to the minors after a month and disappear faster than a high school senior in Aruba.

Bill Mueller- Bill Mueller is about as boring a player that there is. Aside from the fact you pronounce his name oddly (pronounced "Miller"), I don't think this pack of shit stands out for anything. But he's eligible at 2B and 3B, had a hot spring, and should hit .290-.300 this year- so take notice.

Josh Barfield- a top prospect who is the son of a 1980s baseball star playing in the San Diego infield? Hopefully this will be better than the last time that happened- with Sean Burroughs that is. A few years back I remember some fantasy pundit writing, "It's only a matter of time before Sean Burroughs wins his first batting title." Egads- that's another reason why young writers need to steer clear of sensationalism - it's like I tell my students- most things don't end up being sensational, so keep the hype to a minimum and act like you been there. But many of those fucking kids don't learn, and that's when I go to plan B and beat some common sense into them.
Anyway Barfield has had a great spring and will be starting at 2B and batting lead-off- should be a nice sleeper 2B with alot of upside.

Mark Loretta- Mr. Loretta finally got himself into a nice spot- he should thrive batting second for the BoSox- count on alot of runs and a very nice OPS. Steals and homers won't happen much, but Loretta will be a very good draft value nonetheless.


OK that's all I got now. Again if you want all my cheatsheets, rankings and blueprints, you'll need to become a McStallen Insider, best $19.95 you'll ever spend on something non-lethal.