Fantasy Baseball 2013: Danny Espinosa Best Value at 2B

Filling the 2B spot on your fantasy baseball team can be a challenge, since the ranks there are pretty thin.  But what if you could get a 20/20 player at the 150th draft position? Well the switch-hitting Danny Espinosa of the Washington Nationals might be able to do just that. Add in his SS eligibility and you have yourself a late gem.

Espinosa had 21 HR in 2011 and 20 steals in 2012, so a 20/20 season in 2013 is not that far fetched. Now, I am not saying that Espinosa is anywhere near the elite 2B category, just that he is a good pick in the 12th or 13th round in a 12-team league. The negatives are clear, though. His career batting average is under .240 and with Dernard Span and Bryce Harper entrenched in the top two spots in the lineup, Espinosa will bat seventh or eighth.

So if you see all the top three 2Bs going off the board: Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia, and Ian Kinsler, or they are some other manager’s keepers, just be patient.  I would not chase Brandon Phillips, despite what you read in the tip sheets. He  hasn’t had either 20 HR or 20 steals anytime in the last three seasons, but could be a good source of runs batting ahead of Joey Votto. Nor do I want Chase Utley’s chronic knee problems.

And if we compare Espinosa with other lower-rated dual-eligible 2B/SS players, I like him better than any of Marco Scutaro, Everth Cabrera, or Josh Rutledge. So sit tight, be patient, and you will be happy if you select Espinosa at the right time.

Follow Professor Bush on Twitter.