2011 Fantasy Baseball Draft Day Debate: Dustin Pedroia or Dan Uggla
It’s difficult to find a player at any position who has been more consistent in the power department from year to year than Dan Uggla. In five full seasons, Uggla has averaged nearly 31 HR and 93 RBI. He put up these numbers playing half of his games in front of fans dressed as empty seats and hitting in a lineup with little to no protection. In fact, Uggla was the protection for the Marlins’ star player Hanley Ramirez.
In addition to his impressive power numbers, Uggla managed to post career-highs in batting average (.287), on-base percentage (.369) and OPS (.877). This was all accomplished while playing in 159 games last season. In fact, he’s only missed a total of 34 games in five full seasons, proving to be quite durable.
As for Pedroia, he missed 87 games last year and another 36 in his three previous full seasons. His highest power output was in ’08 when he hit 17 HR’s with 83 RBI. Furthermore, Pedroia’s averages for the previous four seasons are 13 HR and 61 RBI.
Pedroia does hold an edge over Uggla in the stolen bases category. Of course, at 5’ 11’ and 207 lbs., Uggla certainly is no threat on the base paths, posting a high of six stolen bases back in ’06. But then again, neither are most power hitters who bat in the middle of the lineup. In addition, Pedroia’s career batting average sits at .305 versus Uggla’s .263. However, last season they hit .288 and .287, respectively. Uggla’s increasing walk rate and OBP over the past few seasons suggest that he should be able to maintain a higher batting average.
Also, the move to Turner Field, where Uggla owns a career .354 BA and a ridiculous OPS of 1.051 can only benefit him. As will hitting in a lineup with some “real” protection (McCann, Jones, Prado, Heyward and Freeman).
In summary, among all major league 2B, Uggla was the leader in home runs, was 2nd to only Robinson Cano (by 4) in RBI, was 6th in BA, 4th in OBP and 2nd in SLG % as well as OPS. This performance, on top of his impressive career track record, his durability, and upside potential with the move to Turner Field, makes him the clear choice over Dustin Pedroia.
Written exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com by Rosti SatanovskyWhy to go with Pedroia
Thirty picks into your draft you'll come to a cross roads. At this point in the draft you've probably locked up two batters that are going to contribute in home runs and runs batted in. With so many great players still on the board, it is easy to think you can't go wrong with your pick. But don't be fooled, this is a great opportunity to fine tune your team with some balance that is tough to find. You need to add someone to your lineup that is going to lead the league in runs, hit for average, and steal bases.
Say hello to Dustin Pedroia.
Pedroia sits right outside the top ten in total runs scored over the last three seasons, yet he missed more than half of 2010 with a broken foot. Packing a career .305 average with 20+ SB potential, he offers the balance that your lineup needs. Then take into account that we've only discussed his previous production without evaluating his potential production in a new look lineup, the case to take Pedroia starts to make more sense.
The signing of Carl Crawford plus the trade for Adrian Gonzalez mean nothing but good things for Dustin Pedroia's fantasy value.
There are arguments for Pedroia to hit first, second, and even fifth in the new look Red Sox batting order. This new lineup flexiability could have Pedroia hitting in spots with more runners on than before, if for example Pedroia hits second with Ellsbury hitting ninth and Crawford first.
However, it is most likely that with a career OBP of .369, Pedroia should see a significant time hitting lead-off. Then combine Pedroia's teammates ability to drive in runs ability to get on base with his teammates ability to drive in runs…. Everything is lining up for Pedroia to score a ton of runs this year.
Written exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com by James Weston
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