Position Review: 3rd Base

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3B MVP: Chipper Jones [$37.52] - .418 AVG, 11 HR, 29 R, 32 RBI, 0 SB
Average 3B With Positive Value: [$10.99] - .274 AVG, 6 HR, 21 R, 22 RBI, 2 SB
Replacement Level Player: Casey Blake [$1.00] - .219 AVG, 2 HR, 18 R, 25 RBI, 1 SB

Best HR Source: Chipper Jones [11]
Best R Source: Chipper Jones & Aramis Ramirez [29]
Best RBI Source: Chipper Jones & David Wright [32]
Best SB Source: Chone Figgins [11]
Best AVG Source: Chipper Jones [61 H in 146 AB]

Thoughts:

• David Wright [$20.19]: Why isn't Wright hitting .300?  He's having a very solid season, but the .276 AVG is definitely a disappointment to his owners.  His .300 BABIP is a sign it's not all bad luck.  A week ago, Howard Johnson (NYM hitting coach) said "He's just over-swinging - coming off the ball, a lot of upper body".  Wright is still a solid player, and I'm pretty certain he'll come around and hit .300+ again...just give him time.  Buy.
• Mark Reynolds [$15.67]: This guy strikes out a lot.  39% of his ABs have resulted in strike outs.  BP had him at a .271 AVG, but if he keeps striking out like that, there's no way he'll even reach that.  His power is very real, and the 4 SB are a nice sign that he's capable of a 30 HR/10 SB season.  He makes sense if you have a team loaded with high AVG hitters, but I always try to avoid players with gaping holes in their game like Reynolds. Sell.
• Ryan Zimmerman [$5.31]: A popular breakout pick this season, Zimm is only hitting .240 thus far.  Part of that is due to a .256 BABIP, so expect his AVG to rise.  The Nats are the 3rd worst in runs scored, and the 2nd worst in OBP, so don't expect a gigantic rush in the team dependent stats.  I'd expect Zimm's value to rise from here, but I'd certainly feel better if his teammates picked up the pace.  Buy.
• Evan Longoria [-$2.64]: Longoria has yet to really break out.  I certainly didn't expect him to hit .300 right away, but the .216 didn't seem right either.  Longoria has a .250 BABIP, partially but not wholly explaining the low AVG.  I'd expect him to breakout at some point; players of his pedigree normally don't just come to the bigs and flounder.  Buy.
• Ty Wigginton [-$14.81]: Largely a result of the time missed from the thumb injury, Wiggy isn't producing what a lot of fantasy owners hoped he would.  The 3 SB are a good sign, and he should continue to steal a decent amount of bases for a pudgy 3B.  The .256 BABIP gives cause for hope, and the Astros' offense is continuing to look stronger.  All signs point upward for Wiggy.  Buy.

Comments

[Zolthorg]

Temper your expectations for Longoria. I recall his minor league avg periphs being not that sexy.

I mean, I've heard all the same great great hype on him. Just saying that .270 is a lot more reasonable for him to hit the rest of the way than even .285