Third Base Preview: The Value Picks

Written by Dr Furious on February 16, 2006

Furious is going to take a look at some value picks at the hot corner this morning. Instead of focusing on the big boppers, like A-Rod, Morgan Ensberg, or Aramis Ramirez, I will take a look at some guys that may fall under the radar. No entertaining little ditty this morning, just straight up rotisserie baseball for that ass. So get the coffee brewing, and wipe the eye boogers out of your eyes. The rotogods are back baby … we’re back! So on that note, Furious will kick things off this morning by taking a look at …

Chone Figgins

Well I am not exactly sure if this guy is sliding under the radar, because he certainly is not in the Rotogods ultra-competitive baseball league The Matrix. Chone was kept by Timberlake for the upcoming season, and it is easy to see why. Chone set career highs in runs, at-bats, doubles, triples, homeruns, and lead the league in stolen bases with 62. Chone does not really hurt owners in other categories either. He batted .290 last season and only committed ten errors. The utility man that can play everywhere on the field (he will most likely qualify at all outfield positions, second base and shortstop in addition to third) gives any owner a ton of flexibility. Why do I include Chone in the discussion about third base you ask? Well here are three reasons:

1: The Matrix does include errors as a category. Playing a guy that only made ten errors in that position is a good thing.
2: Speed at the hot corner is rare. Chone is more valuable there because no one else can produce those numbers from that position.
3: Because I can

I played Chone at third base when injuries robbed me of the services of Melvin Mora and anyone who picks him this year should do the same.

Jorge Cantu

Jorge’s strong play last season led Xach to declare that Cantu was a possible keeper. Furious would not go that far, but Jorge did put up some damn good numbers. Luckily the curse of Xach spared the young lad, as he posted the likes of .286/28/117 during the season. He is also very hard to K, striking out just 83 times in 598 plate appearances. This adds to Cantu’s value in any league that includes batting strikeouts as a category (like The Matrix). The third baseman did make 21 errors last season, so give Cantu a look in the later rounds if errors are counted in your league. You should also remember that the dude does play for Tampa Bay. Jorge’s chances of repeating those numbers are about as slim as Olive Oil’s waist line. Nah Mean?

Big Billy Mueller

Mueller was acquired by the Red Sox West, aka the Los Angles Dodgers, and is coming off a pretty solid season. Bill battled numerous injuries last season, but still managed to appear in 150 games. He posted very modest power numbers (62 RBI, 10 homers, 3 triples), but still batted .295 on the season. Mueller joins a veteran infield featuring Jeff Kent and newly acquired Rafael Furcal. Bill also joins former Red Sox Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Lowe on the Dodgers’ roster. If healthy, Mueller could put up numbers better than last season in a revamped Dodgers lineup. He should be available late in any draft and could be a solid option if you enter the late rounds without a third baseman.

Scott Rolen

The question on everyone’s mind this season is which Scott Rolen will show. Well maybe that is not the question on everyone’s mind, but it should be. Last season was Rolen’s worst since his rookie campaign in 1996. If he can remain healthy this season, Rolen could post numbers more in line with his career averages and is worth a mid to late round look in drafts this season. Furious is no prognosticator, but I could see a 95/25/100 season from the third baseman. If other owners in your draft sleep, be ready to pounce on Rolen late. If he fuels you to a championship, you may be able to do some pouncing of a different kind later on.

Other third basemen to keep an eye on are Melvin Mora, David Wright, and the resurgent Troy Glaus. All are coming off solid seasons, but if you expect Glaus to stay healthy all year then you are an idiot. Can the Beagle’s favorite Adrian Beltre become a force once again? Can Mike Lowell get his groove back in the Bean? All questions will be answered this year, so make your adjustments accordingly.

I think I will affix the bow right here and wrap this baby up. Furious is off to the gym, and I hope that Trish does not kick my ass too bad. Furious will be back sometime next week, and hopefully you’ll still be reading the crap I write. Until that time, keep your head high and watch your cornhole. I’ll holla!

You can spit some love or hate in doc’s direction via email at docfury@rotogods.com.

-- Written by Dr Furious on February 16, 2006