Top 3 Rookie Second Basemen

This is the third installment of our seven part series on the top 2007 rookies at every position. So far, we’ve ranked rookie catchers and first basemen.

Warning: A lot of warnings lately, but again, it's important to know that Pedroia is the only rookie second baseman who we see breaking camp with a starting job. If you want to gamble on a young second baseman, go for Howie Kendrick or Rickie Weeks.

Note: A player must have rookie status entering the 2007 season in order to qualify for our lists. We rank players based on their potential and the likelihood they will reach that potential.

1. Dustin Pedroia, BOS: A combination of David Eckstein and Mark Loretta, the former Arizona State star brings elite discipline (48 BB/27 K; 93.62% contact ratio) to the plate that figures to improve with each major league at-bat, and there should be plenty of those to come as Pedroia, 23, will likely start at second in Boston over Alex Cora.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder hit .305/.384/.426 in Triple-A Pawtucket before earning a big league promotion in late-August. He batted just .191/.258/.303 in 89 big league at-bats, a disappointing line that may somewhat foreshadow the limitations of his ability to prosper on the big stage.

A pitch-count-minded pitcher’s nightmare, Pedroia’s contact bat will heat up at some point, making him a solid free agent pickup at some point during the season in mixed leagues. When gauging his fantasy value, it’s also worth noting that he started five times at shortstop – his natural position – for the Red Sox after his call-up last season. With shortstop eligibility in some leagues, Pedroia is that much more of a serviceable fantasy option in 2007.

 

 
2. Alberto Callaspo , ARI: How many times have you looked at a human being who weighs not too much more then 150 pounds and said, “Yes, this guy is a legitimate Major League Baseball prospect” over the years? Alberto Callaspo has been known to have this effect on people.

Originally signed by the LA Angels, Callaspo was traded in February 2006 to the Arizona Diamondbacks because of a log jam in the Angels system at middle infield. The 23-year-old switch-hitter had a fantastic 2006 in Triple-A and is ready for the big leagues.

Callaspo is not a strong offensive player despite his accolades. He has always been able to maintain a high batting average by virtue of a superb eye and plate discipline– and he rarely strikes out.

Defensively, Callaspo is above average. He has the glove, arm, and footwork to play second, short and third. While his future as the Diamondback’s everyday second baseman is currently blocked by Orlando Hudson, the big league club will be finding ways to get him into the lineup.

 

 

3. Kevin Frandsen, SF: Frequently compared to Robby Thompson, Frandsen is a tough competitor who has had to earn every one of his professional promotions. Last season, the 12^th round draft pick (2004) hit .304/.358/.440 in Triple-A and .215/.284/.323 in 93 at-bats in the big leagues.

The Giants wanted to take a look at Frandsen as a starter at the tail end of the season, but it was discovered that he had broken his jaw from when he was beamed in the face just prior to his call-up. Unaware of the severity of the injury, he played for nearly a week before the Giants discovered the fracture and had his jaw wired shut.

Frandsen isn’t in line for a 2007 starting job and doesn’t project as more than an average regular. If he happens to land a significant chunk of playing time, he could hit around .280 with a lot of doubles and a handful of home runs.

 

 
Check back next week for our Top 3 Rookie Shortstops.