Infielders Run Wild In Mock Draft Round 6
By Bill Pivetz
Sep 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) celebrates after hitting the game-winning two-run home run in the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Red Sox won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
After two third basemen were drafted in the third round of my mock draft, four more were drafted in Round 6. With the players that were drafted, the sixth round is a perfect spot to grab them. This part of the draft is where some owners begin to draft the best-available player, regardless of team needs. On the other hand, I went to fill a big need – starting pitcher. I felt comfortable waiting on the other positions because of value or personal preference.
6.51 2B Brian Dozier, Minnesota Twins
Dozier is another quiet speed and power guy. I owned him last season after getting burned at second base and appreciated the numbers he put up. He hit 23 home runs and stole 21 bases. The big drawback was his low batting average, .242. After passing his 2013 numbers, Dozier solidified himself as a top second base option. With his kind of production, Dozier is a great pick in Round 6.
6.52 SS Jose Reyes, Toronto Blue Jays
Despite playing in 12 seasons, Reyes is still separating himself from the rest of the shortstops. He played in 143 games and stole 30 bases while racking up 175 hits for a .287 average. With an ADP of 49.80, grabbing Reyes a round later is a nice pick up. Reyes is far removed from his 78-steal season, but is still one of the best shortstops in the league. He should have no problem scoring runs, stealing bases and getting hits.
6.53 SP Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals
Zimmermann, with two n’s, was pretty pedestrian in 2014. He failed to reach his 19 wins from the year before, finishing with a 14-5 record. However, he was able to post a career-best ERA and strikeouts with 2.66 and 182, respectively. He falls just short of being an ace pitcher, but his low ERA and WHIP will keep him in the upper tier of top-20 pitchers. If you wait longer before drafting your first pitcher and wind up with Zimmermann as your No. 1, it’s not the end of the world.
6.54 1B/3B Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians
Santana lost the starting catcher job last season and began playing both corner infield positions. As a result, he becomes more valuable because of his position eligibility. Entering 2015, he qualifies at first base, third base and DH. He will be good to start at any of those positions. Depending on where you rank him, he is a top third baseman or a lower-tiered first baseman. He has great patience at the plate, drawing 113 walks while hitting 27 home runs. If you play in a league with on-base percentage instead of batting average, Santana is a must own.
6.55 DH David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Ortiz may be the only player who can outrun Father Time, which is funny based on Ortiz’s speed, but he can still produce. He hit 35 home runs and 104 RBI, his most since the 2007 season. The lack of playing the field helps Ortiz remain healthy and put up these big numbers. Yet, reports did surface that he is playing first base during the spring to prepare for the Interleague games. If he plays enough, he could regain first-base eligibility, which would be nice. As solely a designated hitter, he is still a top-30 hitter.
6.56 1B/3B Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds
In his first two full seasons, Frazier hit 19 home runs in each. However, he flipped a switch and cracked 29 home runs last season. He also broke out the speed with 20 stolen bases. With the dual eligibility, Frazier is a versatile fantasy option. He is a young player with 20-20 potential at a position with a lot of depth. He could go undrafted until the sixth or seventh round when draft day rolls around.
6. Hamels’ struggles didn’t come from his performance on the mound. It came from the lack of run support from his teammates. For the second season in a row, the Phillies failed to provide him with three runs of support per nine innings. He ended with a career-low 2.46 ERA as well. Leaving Philly could be the best for Hamels and his career. If not, he can still provide top-20 numbers.. Starting Pitcher. Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels. 6.57. player
6.58 OF Billy Hamilton, Reds
In the first half of the season, Hamilton was on fire. He stole 38 bases with a .285 average and five home runs. Then, things took a turn for the worst. In September, he struck out 19 times and batted .123. The lack of ability to get on base, .292 OBP in 2014, may see Hamilton drop in the batting order. However, the speed will still be there. As a result, he will be a much better pick on Roto leagues compared to head-to-head leagues. I would avoid him and wait until later to draft a speed guy.
6.59 3B Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
My views on Arenado can be seen here. When healthy, Arenado is a top third baseman. He also has the benefit of playing at Coors Field. It is one of the friendliest parks to hitters. In 2014, hitters at Coors Field scored 1.5 runs per game, first in the league, and 1.4 home runs, second behind Yankee Stadium.
6.60 3B Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Only Longoria could play in all 162 games and still disappoint his fantasy owners. He failed to reach 30 home runs and hit just .253. Things just looked off for Longoria, who hit just 10 home runs at the end of July. Injuries are no problem for Longoria, who should be able to post his third 160-game season and have no problem bouncing back to his 2013 numbers of 32/88/.269 as the No. 3 hitter.