Fantasy options at second base aren’t always the biggest contributors.
Generally a player who can get on base and provide a few runs is a quality second baseman. If the player can contribute some stolen bases, then owners are usually set at second base.
What about when that player can hit for power?
An interesting situation is unfolding in Baltimore with the Orioles trying out Steve Pearce at second base. Pearce doesn’t have much to show at the plate this year, batting .196 during the first month.
The most consistent part of his career has been his inability to get into the lineup. He’s appeared in 15 of 21 games this year, and has scored nine runs with two home runs and seven RBIs. This is coming off a year where he appeared in the most games of his career – 102 – and batted .293 with 21 homers and 49 RBIs.
For a first baseman, those aren’t good enough numbers to justify a starting spot on fantasy rosters. However, as a second baseman, those numbers could be an upgrade from an owner’s current situation, as long as he earns a daily starting spot.
He’s likely not owned by many league owners, so it might be prudent to wait a few games to see what the Orioles do with him before making a bold move. If he can grab a daily roster spot, that might give him the edge to produce at a rate better than his career average.
