To continue around the diamond, up today is 2B. Earlier this year I ranked the NL East 2B as follows:
Today we continue around the diamond and take a peak at 2B.
What was once a runaway is no longer an open and shut case.
5th: Daniel Murphy…. look you guys know I can be a homer and I love Daniel Murphy and I think offensively he is a professional hitter. However, he should have spent a little more time in the field growing up instead of focusing on hitting. He’s gonna be a defensively challenged 2B but we know he is a hard worker and will do what the coaches ask him to do. I think eventually if he can stay away from getting injured again he will turn into at least an Uggla level 2B. What is interesting is if I was picking a fantasy league 2B, Murphy’s .809 OPS last season and 125 OPS+ would be at the top of the list in the NL East. Yet until he proves he can play an adequate 2B for an entire season, he gets the bottom.
#4: Omar Infante: I guess the Marlins are not doing to well in my rankings so far… don’t worry there is still plenty of positions left Marlin fans. I could have put Infante anywhere from 4th to 1st depending on which Omar you get. Last year he was awful and saw almost a 100 point drop in his OPS. If he was able to reproduce his previous year’s slash line he would have had the 2nd highest OPS only below Murphy. So at 29 years old and playing the most games he has played since 2004 (148) was he just exposed? If Hanley struggles at 3B you could see a situation where Infante goes back to the utility role and Reyes and Hanley play rock paper scissors for 2B.
#3 Danny Espinosa: Kid gets a little lucky here. The 24 year old has got some pop, 21 HR in his first full year but man does he like to swing (166K’s, 57 BB). He has got to improve on his .236 BA but also standing out is that he was HBP 19 times. Pitchers are going to make adjustments to his stance for sure. That being said if he can ward off a sophomore slump he could be in line for a better offensive year if he develops some plate discipline. Couple his offensive potential with his solid but not spectacular defense and I can’t see him finishing below 3rd.
#2 Chase Utley: The Phillies 2B got old and quick like many middle IF in baseball history. Will he be able to recover and put up a few more full seasons? Possible but the deck is stacked against him for sure. Chase has missed 106 games over the last 2 seasons and when on the field has not been the same guy. Last year the once mighty slugger hit .259 with his lowest OBP and SLG numbers since he became a full-time player. Not only that but his August and September numbers were even more paltry boasting .662 and .632 OPS in those months. Want a good reason why the Phillies offense is struggling? Utley is leading the list.
#1 Dan Uggla: By default. I really thought 2B was a position of strength in the NL East, I think I might have over-estimated that. Dan also experienced career lows in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS but he was very good at hitting solo HR. (36 HR, 82 RBI do you have to try to do that?). We know that Uggla is defensively challenged, in fact he is often the measuring stick for hitters that can’t field: ” if they can play defense as well as Uggla then they will be passable.” The Braves are hoping that the first half of the season had much more to do with being in a new environment playing games that matter (keep in mind this fact all you Marlins junkies). So why does Uggla get the #1 spot? His 2nd half. In 69 games Uggla had 21 HR, 48 RBI, .296, .379, .569, .948 when his team needed his offense the most. Unfortunately for the Braves it was too little too late.
So where are we today?
| Name | Age | PA | 2B | HR | R | RBI | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | WAR | Dol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Utley | 33 | 266 | 11 | 10 | 33 | 29 | .247 | .350 | .445 | .795 | 2.2 | $10.1 | |
| Omar Infante | 30 | 347 | 23 | 8 | 42 | 33 | .287 | .312 | .442 | .754 | 2.3 | $10.4 | |
| Danny Espinosa | 25 | 584 | 33 | 16 | 74 | 52 | .256 | .322 | .417 | .739 | 3.9 | $17.5 | |
| Dan Uggla | 32 | 555 | 25 | 18 | 77 | 65 | .215 | .344 | .386 | .730 | 2.8 | $12.6 | |
| Daniel Murphy | 27 | 531 | 35 | 5 | 50 | 55 | .290 | .331 | .403 | .735 | 1.6 | $7. |
So in my opinion I didn’t miss this one by much. The position of 2B is not a strength in the NL East at all. The fact that what used to be viewed as an offensive position in the NL East now has no one with an OPS over .800 shows that. If I had to do the ranking today:
#1 Danny Espinosa: Pretty easy, as his WAR indicates (although I am not a huge fan) , he is the closest thing to a complete package of offense and defense. That may not be saying much. The fact that he is the youngest of the group adds promise to this selection.
#2 Dan Uggla: I guess? He still hits his HR but that’s about it. Call him the Adam Dunn of 2B?
#3 Omar Infante: Man I keep having to do that with the Marlins. Who is there 2B again? Really who cares?
#4 Chase Utley: Man it’s hard to put him there but a broken Chase Utley can still get the important hit and turn the easy plays. While I wish injury on no one, lets hope that his days of playing 162 effective games are over. Otherwise by default he may push right back up to the top of the list.
#5 Dan Murphy: I still love me some Murphy and his defense has been MUCH better than expected. Obviously credit the Mets playing him in RF, which has it’s occasional drawback but certainly better than seeing him attack everything recklessly from the normal 2B slot. The biggest issue that he has had is not that his defense can’t work at 2B, it’s that his offense hasn’t outweighed his defense. He is the classic #2 hitter but unfortunately his SLG% looks more like the classic version of Luis Castillo… without the speed. What happened to that 10-15 HR pop? If the Mets re-sign Wright I expect Murphy’s days at 2B to be numbered.
31 comments
Stickguy
9/10/2012-2:26pm at 2:26 pm (UTC -4)
murphys days should be numbered anyway.
if the only positive aspect to the team is going to be the pitching, they really need to put better defense out there to have a prayer of being a real team.
I am tired of seeing random guys wandering around trying to play positions they are either incapable of, or have no clue about.
If they need to learn a new one, do it in the minors. that is what they are there for!
and as noted, he does not add enough O to make up for the D. SO either get a real Uggla type (big bat/stone glove) or a Galvis type (hoover on D/can’t hit worth crap.
Stickguy
9/10/2012-2:50pm at 2:50 pm (UTC -4)
murphys days should be numbered anyway.
if the only positive aspect to the team is going to be the pitching, they really need to put better defense out there to have a prayer of being a real team.
I am tired of seeing random guys wandering around trying to play positions they are either incapable of, or have no clue about.
If they need to learn a new one, do it in the minors. that is what they are there for!
and as noted, he does not add enough O to make up for the D. SO either get a real Uggla type (big bat/stone glove) or a Galvis type (hoover on D/can’t hit worth crap
Stickguy
9/10/2012-2:55pm at 2:55 pm (UTC -4)
geez, this site is unstable today!
murphys days should be numbered anyway.
if the only positive aspect to the team is going to be the pitching, they really need to put better defense out there to have a prayer of being a real team.
I am tired of seeing random guys wandering around trying to play positions they are either incapable of, or have no clue about.
If they need to learn a new one, do it in the minors. that is what they are there for!
and as noted, he does not add enough O to make up for the D. SO either get a real Uggla type (big bat/stone glove) or a Galvis type (hoover on D/can’t hit worth crap
Stickguy
9/10/2012-3:33pm at 3:33 pm (UTC -4)
this database really fouled up.
murphys days should be numbered anyway.
if the only positive aspect to the team is going to be the pitching, they really need to put better defense out there to have a prayer of being a real team.
I am tired of seeing random guys wandering around trying to play positions they are either incapable of, or have no clue about.
If they need to learn a new one, do it in the minors. that is what they are there for!
and as noted, he does not add enough O to make up for the D. SO either get a real Uggla type (big bat/stone glove) or a Galvis type (hoover on D/can’t hit worth crap
SaltyGary
9/10/2012-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
ECHO!!!
Stickguy
9/10/2012-4:04pm at 4:04 pm (UTC -4)
ohl tha’s where they all went. Kept having the site die (database failure or some such) and posts going into vapor.
so I hope like hell that was worth repeating!
Trs86
9/10/2012-9:09pm at 9:09 pm (UTC -4)
So tell us how you feel about Murphy, LOL
darknova306
9/10/2012-10:32pm at 10:32 pm (UTC -4)
I had that issue all day, too. Your repeated disapproval of Murphy was hilarious, though.
Hazmet
9/10/2012-9:15pm at 9:15 pm (UTC -4)
Like in The Shining
All work and no play make Stick a dull boy
All work and no play make Stick a dull boy
…..
j/k – this team will drive one to insanity though.
Stick
9/10/2012-9:43pm at 9:43 pm (UTC -4)
what does redrum mean again?
Stickguy
9/10/2012-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
murphys days should be numbered anyway.
if the only positive aspect to the team is going to be the pitching, they really need to put better defense out there to have a prayer of being a real team.
I am tired of seeing random guys wandering around trying to play positions they are either incapable of, or have no clue about.
If they need to learn a new one, do it in the minors. that is what they are there for!
and as noted, he does not add enough O to make up for the D. SO either get a real Uggla type (big bat/stone glove) or a Galvis type (hoover on D/can’t hit worth crapnn
wanny
9/10/2012-5:46pm at 5:46 pm (UTC -4)
uggla was recently benched. can’t be ahead of guys who are playing.
funny that murphy’s defense is not killing his value and his offense isn’t helping it.
Trs86
9/10/2012-9:06pm at 9:06 pm (UTC -4)
Boy that does show you how bad the crop is.
Stick
9/10/2012-9:41pm at 9:41 pm (UTC -4)
mets fixed him right up though.
srt
9/10/2012-7:26pm at 7:26 pm (UTC -4)
Pre game show tonight, KB’s opinion is Murph has more value to the Mets in the short term than he does on the trade market.
He said you can’t market him as a DH for the AL, he doesn’t have enough power for a 1st baseman, and his offense minus power doesn’t really make up for just his adequate defense at 2nd base.
He also made the point that they really don’t have a replacement ready in the minors to possibly take his place – which is the reason I think he’ll be here to start the season.
Trs86
9/10/2012-9:07pm at 9:07 pm (UTC -4)
I thought the same thing, until someone can take his place and until the Wright situation is solved you will not get enough in return to replace his value to the Mets.
Stick
9/10/2012-10:36pm at 10:36 pm (UTC -4)
but, you are on board that 2013 has already been, for all intent, written off by the team. They will make their token attempt at (small and cheap) improvements. And will throw a bone to the fans in terms of cutting Bay.
but, other than that, pretty much status quo.
so, any moves have to be looked at as what it means to the team on the field in 2014. and if that means temporary filler in 2013, oh well.
so, if Murphy is even less likely to be there in 2014, if they can get a return for him now, do it.
darknova306
9/10/2012-10:53pm at 10:53 pm (UTC -4)
What could they do with the current market to make 2013 not a ‘punt’ year? The team needs a hell of a lot more talent, and a whole lot of luck, to seriously make a push next year.
Stick
9/10/2012-11:01pm at 11:01 pm (UTC -4)
oh, I don’t think 2013 will be any different. therefore, no reason to keep a guy around 1 more year if you don’t see him as a core piece in 2014+, if you can get something else for the future..
TRS86
9/11/2012-9:00am at 9:00 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, I am not completely punting 2013 but it would have to be an O’s or A’s situation where they defy the odds. However, as to your point on Murphy, if all they are going to get for him is a middle reliever, what’s the point?
Stick
9/10/2012-10:50pm at 10:50 pm (UTC -4)
and don’t look now, but the Phils miracle race to the WC continues.
I predict they go 16-4 in their remaining 20 games, and get to 86 wins, so if they miss the WC it will be by a whisker.
and I am positive 2-3 teams ahead of them will oblige by collapsing.
hell, they are only 5 or 5.5 out already. And don’t tell me too far/too few games. I heard that in 2007!
darknova306
9/10/2012-10:55pm at 10:55 pm (UTC -4)
Stick, I’ll toast to your deep cynicism. Cheers, my friend!
Stick
9/10/2012-11:06pm at 11:06 pm (UTC -4)
why, thank you kind sir!
You spend 20+ years right outside Philly, and see what it does to your mental state.
Stick
9/10/2012-11:17pm at 11:17 pm (UTC -4)
well, not just me.
the TV news guy going to the break mentioned a career game for some philly, and can you believe it, they creep closer to the WC.
and with Pitt in extras and St. Louis and Atl losing , if they all go down, it is even less far fetched.
darknova306
9/10/2012-11:33pm at 11:33 pm (UTC -4)
Oh man. If they make a run like they did in 07 to steamroll into the playoffs, I think we’ll need to send someone to check on your blood alcohol level to make sure you’re safe.
kingman 26
9/10/2012-11:42pm at 11:42 pm (UTC -4)
Hey, I was thinking about you as the Phils come back to life.
The Mets really just suck so bad.
Stick
9/11/2012-12:07am at 12:07 am (UTC -4)
guess Sandy should have become a seller and moved everything nearing the end of a deal to free up money and get talent back.
worked out for the phils!
TRS86
9/11/2012-8:58am at 8:58 am (UTC -4)
The Phillies are famous for that. Worked when they dumped Abreu too.
gategem
9/11/2012-6:48am at 6:48 am (UTC -4)
In light of what you just said I ask you how do you sleep at night? The Phillies are coming. The Phillies are coming. The Phillies are coming.
And, oh yes, I remember reading somewhere that Murphy’s days are numbered.
Stickguy
9/11/2012-7:52am at 7:52 am (UTC -4)
well, all the teams in front of them lost (or did not play) yesterday, and they are now only 5 games out.
since they have a soft schedule and are red hot, and most likely winning most games the rest of the way, it will just take 2 teams to get mildly cold (as in ~.500) and they will be right there.
so no, it is not all that far fetched. and I said that they may not quite make it, but if they miss, will be damned close.
and i already predicted they will be winning the division again next year, so you can hang onto that too!~
gategem
9/11/2012-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
Recall that last year the Eagles made a gallant charge at season’s end and actually had a chance of winning the division if the Giants had lost. Imagine the Eagles winning the SB followed by the Phillies winning the WS. Your 2013 could very well be a year of hell.