Breakout Prospects: Second Base

Blake DeWitt (L/R) -- Dodgers -- DeWitt is on track to be the Dodgers starting second baseman on opening day, instantly making him one of the top breakout candidates at the position. Though playing mostly 3B in '08, DeWitt has plenty of experience at second in the minor leagues and performed quite well there during the Dodgers playoff run last season. With his position now settled, DeWitt will have a full season to concentrate on major league pitching and making adjustments to how he will be pitched to in his second year in the bigs. He has a very level left handed swing which creates few holes and allows for consistent contact through the zone. He projects more of a doubles hitter than a true power guy but will reach the 20 HR mark rather consistently which is great for a 2B. With his ability to get on base and developing power I easily see DeWitt creeping into the top 10 of fantasy 2B in 2009.


Alexi Casilla (S/R) -- Twins -- This guy is going to be very undervalued come draft day and that should be just fine with you. If you strike out on getting Pedroia, Kinsler, Utley or even DeWitt look for Casilla in the later rounds when you are in need of a on-base, run scoring base stealer. Casilla has shown great strike-zone discipline in the minor leagues and once he masters the art of hitting on the Metrodome turf should result in a .350+ OBP. Though Casilla only stole 7 bases in '08, he has twice stolen 50 bases in the minors and will no doubt be a factor on the basepaths for a Twins team that loves to run.


Mike Fontenot (L/R) -- Cubs -- Those who follow baseball closely should not be surprised by Fontneot's very productive second half of '08. Living in Chicago I see that even Cubs fans have no idea what they have in Mike Fontenot. This guy won countless awards while attending LSU including leading the Tigers to the 2000 College World Series along with his fellow Cub double play partner Ryan Theriot. Fontenot was a #1 draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2001 and was their minor league player of the year in 2003. He came to the Cubs in exchange for Sammy Sosa in 2005. Despite his 5'8" 180 lb frame, Fontenot has decent power to go along with superior on base ability. With Chicago trading Mark DeRosa, Fontenot will be the full time 2B against righties while splitting time with Aaron Miles against lefties. This role will serve him quite well as he has always been a righty killer throughout his minor league career. Look for him to continue to feast Vs. RHP and get to the .290/.360/.870 levels with 15 HR's this season.


Emmanuel Burriss (S/R) -- Giants -- This spot could easily go to fellow teammate Eugenio Velez as both are exciting speedsters that will have my attention in spring training. Burriss gets the nod however for his ability to work counts and get on base. Burriss has electrifying speed as he swiped 68 bases in the minors in '07. He has risen fast in the Giants system getting called up to replace the injured Omar Visquel last season and wound up sticking around for most of the season. A .357 OBP as a rookie is very encouraging though the true test comes when major league pitchers adjust to his patient approach. He is likely to be the starting 2B in what appears to be the Giants attempt to build a speed orientated small-ball type offense.


Chris Getz (L/R) -- White Sox -- In case you weren't paying attention this offseason, Alexi Ramirez is now the Whitesox starting SS after a strong showing at 2B last year. This provides an opening for either Chris Getz or newly acquired Brent Lillibridge to start at second. I suspect Getz will get the call based on the teams love for his passion and work ethic as well as his on base mentality. I like the opportunity here for Getz to score tons of runs in an offense that is always among the leaders in that category. With sluggers Jim Thome, Carlos Quentin, Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye and Alexi Ramirez hitting behind him in the order all he will have to do is reach base to be in scoring position. Getz is not a starting fantasy 2B but could provide some solid stretches as a backup in 2009.


Those are a few of the guys I have on my radar heading into spring training. What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Post your comment below or email me at jeff@fantasybaseballsearch.com