Best in the Game 2014: 2B

[ThomasTomasz]

We did this a few years ago back when I first joined VSN, figured it would be interesting to try it again and see how things have changed.

For those wondering, click here for the thread from last time.

 

[SuperKevin]

I'd still say Robinson Cano although I see a massive decline in production for him this year because of that lineup. I also really like Jason Kipnis though

 

[Goober]

Looking at the prior thread, I'm amazed that Brian Roberts was included in the discussion. Considering the thread was made prior to the 2011 season, and keeping in mind that Roberts wasn't very good in 2010, and he has been beyond dreadful ever sense. More astounding, people actually voted for him as the best 2B in 2011.

Now Roberts is no longer an Oriole, but the team hasn't really improved at the position without him. Schoop isn't ready for the majors, so Baltimore is left with some combination of Jemile Weeks and Ryan Flaherty. Neither of whom will strike fear in a major league pitcher, let alone a AAA pitcher.

Anyways, I have nothing to add to the Best 2B in the game conversation happening above. I just wanted to add my two cents about the Orioles' current 2B situation.

 

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Carpenter is going to be playing 3B this year. Not sure why he is involved in this discussion. He was of "MVP caliber" last year at 2B and productive as hell...but he should be in the discussion at 2B.

I think Cano is going to see a huge drop off this year. He'd be #1 if this is a pre-season ranking list...but I think by season's end Kipnis and Pedroia will have better seasons. So I'd put those two at the top.

 

[Leftwich]

Looking at the prior thread, I'm amazed that Brian Roberts was included in the discussion. Considering the thread was made prior to the 2011 season, and keeping in mind that Roberts wasn't very good in 2010, and he has been beyond dreadful ever sense. More astounding, people actually voted for him as the best 2B in 2011.

Now Roberts is no longer an Oriole, but the team hasn't really improved at the position without him. Schoop isn't ready for the majors, so Baltimore is left with some combination of Jemile Weeks and Ryan Flaherty. Neither of whom will strike fear in a major league pitcher, let alone a AAA pitcher.

Anyways, I have nothing to add to the Best 2B in the game conversation happening above. I just wanted to add my two cents about the Orioles' current 2B situation.

Well thank you. I wasnt aware the shitiness of the situation.

 

[MVPete]

Still Cano for now, I'm sure Safeco will sap some of his power but his other numbers shouldn't go down for another few years. Utley has durability issues but even if he gives you 120 games, still one of the top hitters in the NL with gold gloves on his resume. Carp will be playing 3rd this year unless something happens with the platoon of Wong/Ellis at 2nd but an incredible ballplayer. Kipnis needs to be more consistent, has fallen off a little in the 2nd half the last 2 years, but numbers are still very solid. Zobrist is a great player for his versatility but he is more valuable for his versatility and his patience at the plate. Pedroia the clear #2 imo, huge impact in the field and in the clubhouse(can't be measured I know shut the fuck up), and is still a monster hitter who is a pain in the ass to get out.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Well thank you. I wasnt aware the shitiness of the situation.

I post about the Orioles in every single thread, and even I didn't know it was that bad. Gob should be getting paid to write his opinions, and also having people pay to see them.......#GobforESPNInsider

 

[Youk]

Well thank you. I wasnt aware the shitiness of the situation.

Last place or bust.

 

[EmpireWF]

rayman needs to drop in and tell some stories from when Cano & Melky Cabrera ran wild.

 

[spursup]

I voted Cano for now. I see his production dropping big-time in Seattle though.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Just to keep this going, I am voting Pedrioa to leave the vote tied at six each for Cano and Pedrioa. Pedrioa is my choice for top 2B. I'm counting his skill at the plate, as well as his leadership intangible that Pete mentioned. He's also a better defender and baserunner than Cano, so I'm taking the all-around game that Pedrioa brings instead of Cano, whose is largely centered around what he brings to the plate.

 

[spursup]

Just to keep this going, I am voting Pedrioa to leave the vote tied at six each for Cano and Pedrioa. Pedrioa is my choice for top 2B. I'm counting his skill at the plate, as well as his leadership intangible that Pete mentioned. He's also a better defender and baserunner than Cano, so I'm taking the all-around game that Pedrioa brings instead of Cano, whose is largely centered around what he brings to the plate.

Cano could be a better defensive player if he wasn't so damn lazy!

 

[RyanLeaf16]

I went with the total homer pick.

 

[Slateman]

Going to go with Pedroia. As this is for 2014, I think Cano will struggle a little bit. New, bigger park. Big contract. He's prime for some regression.

Carpenter will most likely be playing third and will probably regress some.

Pedroia can do it all. Hit for some power, steel some bases, and play good defense.

 

[NAHSTE]

Kipnis/Cano are 1a. and 1 b.
Pedroia
Utley
Zobrist

-
-
-
-

the rest

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Kipnis/Cano are 1a. and 1 b.
Pedroia
Utley
Zobrist

-
-
-
-

the rest

Would like to see your take on Kipnis.

 

[NAHSTE]

Would like to see your take on Kipnis.

He was one of the best hitters in baseball at certain points last year, but he sputtered a bit down the stretch. He's still yet to put up a complete season but I think he will do so this year.

Double digit walk rate, 30 SB/7 CS, above average power heading into his age 27 season. Should put up a career year.

 

[MVPete]

Hearing all your opinions on these 2nd baseman reminds me of the amazing group of Alexi Casilla, Ryan Flaherty and Jemile Weeks in Baltimore. /Thomas

 

:schoopsshotsfired: