Middle Infielders
Written by MadAlan
March 25, 2006

This is a quick position guide similar to others you may encounter, the exception being we will be rating each player along with strong consideration for the team he plays on and his line-up batting location. These are strong factors when considering a player. A good application of this is Russ Adams, shortstop in Toronto. Russ Adams Last year was his real rookie season, he produced a hint of what might come to be, his power will be there and RBIs are with us now. He is a decent base runner, add his runs scored (68) and his RBIs (63) and that total should exceed his hits (123) to be your guide to a player who is a decent base runner. When he gets on base he tends to score the run. In his first MLB visit he did hit 4-homers in just 72 ABs within 22 hits. In 2005 he came to the plate 481 times contributing just 8 HRs. The Jays did not score tons of runs and he contributed what he could within that aquarium environment. This season, 2006, he will be playing baseball with a better group of players than ever before. Hitting is contagious – Seattle Mariner’s during the 90s – all working together, raising a player who does have talent in his numbers across the board. Adams is highly likely to drive in close to 90 runners and hit about 20 home runs this season. What has been presented are the players who most deserve your attention per position. Let’s begin: Second base Superstar: A. Soriano, Nationals Elite: Chase Utley, Phillies C. Figgins, LA Angels R. Weeks, Brewers Next Tier: Jeff Kent, Dodgers F. Lopez, Reds Brian Roberts, Orioles Marcus Giles, Braves Placido Polanco, Tigers Mark Loretta, Red Sox Second Year Important Players: Tadahito Iguchi, White Sox Jorge Cantu, Devil Rays Luis Castillo, Pirates Robinson Cano, Yankees C. Burke, Astros On the Decline: Craig Biggio, Astros Adam Kennedy, Angels Ronnie Belliard, Indians Mark Grudzielanek, Royals Mark Ellis, A's Jose Vidro, Nationals Ray Durham, Giants L. Castillo, Twins Junior Spivey, Cardinals B. Hall, Brewers Omar Infante, Tigers Tony Womack, Reds C. Counsell, Diamondbacks O. Hudson, Diamondbacks T. Walker, Cubs Ryan Freel, Reds On the Rise: M. Cuddyer, Twins Jose Castillo, Pirates L. Gonzalez, Rockies Sleepers: J. Barfield, Padres Y. Betancourt, Mariners Shortstop Superstar: Miguel Tejada, Orioles Michael Young, Rangers Derek Jeter, Yankees Jimmy Rollins, Phillies Elite: Jose Reyes, Mets Rafael Furcal, Dodgers Edgar Renteria, Braves Julio Lugo, Devil Rays Next Tier: Felipe Lopez, Reds Khalil Greene, Padres Bobby Crosby, A's Carlos Guillen, Tigers Second Year Important Players: Jhonny Peralta, Indians R. Adams, Jays J. Hardy, Brewers On the Decline: Cesar Izturis, Dodgers David Eckstein, Cardinals Orlando Cabrera, Angels Adam Everett, Astros Omar Vizquel, Giants Juan Uribe, White Sox Jack Wilson, Pirates Alex Gonzalez, Red Sox Cristian Guzman, Nationals Bill Hall, Brewers Royce Clayton, Nationals Clint Barmes, Rockies N. Garciaparra, Dodgers M. Ellis, Athletics On the Rise: - None - Sleepers: H. Ramirez, Marlins I. Kinsler, Rangers Y. Betancourt, Mariners B. Upton, Devil Rays - Madalan