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Spring Training: 3 Things You Need to Know (3/3)

Spring Training: 3 Things You Need to Know (3/3)

Here’s a look at a few recent happenings around baseball and the resulting things fantasy owners need to know.

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Adam Eaton Destined for the Bottom of the Order?

When the Washington Nationals acquired Adam Eaton from the White Sox in December, many assumed he would immediately slot in as a table setter in Dusty Baker’s lineup. The presumed fit atop the National’s potent lineup has consensus projections tagging Eaton for 89 runs scored to go along with a .290 average, 10 homers, 15 steals and 57 batted in.

With Trea Turner bound for the leadoff spot, many believe Eaton will hit second followed by Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper. However, this configuration would stack three lefty bats in a row, and Baker appears a bit concerned about having a lineup so vulnerable to left-handed relievers late in games.

Baker penciled Eaton’s name into the six and seven holes Monday and Tuesday afternoon before returning him to the two-hole on Thursday. He responded to questions regarding Eaton’s position in the batting order by stating the importance of balance in his lineups. Baker added that he’d be experimenting with different lineups throughout the spring, so we shouldn’t accept Eaton’s demotion as a foregone conclusion.

Nonetheless, it’s certainly a narrative worth monitoring as Opening Day draws nearer. Should Eaton become destined for the bottom half of the order, he won’t reach his projected 89 runs scored. And while that spot may award a few more RBI opportunities, a 70 R/65 RBI version of Eaton is a less desirable Draft Day commodity.

Tommy John Looming for David Price?

Troubling news out of Red Sox camp for Boston fans and David Price owners as all indications point to a severe elbow injury. What began as forearm soreness and an MRI has progressed to Price seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, often the last stop prior to season-ending Tommy John Surgery.

We should know more very soon, but you can probably strike a Sharpie through Price’s name on your draft board. Should the worst case scenario come to fruition, an interesting spring battle between Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez for the final two rotation spots may resolve itself.

The 23-year-old Rodriguez made his Grapefruit League debut Thursday, needing only 22 pitches to punch out two batters over two perfect innings. He struggled to a 4.71 ERA in 20 starts last year but turned a corner after returning from a June demotion where he had a chance to right the ship. Upon his return, Rodriguez posted a Price-Esque 11.7% Swinging Strike rate over 14 starts, considerably up from his pre-demotion 8% mark. Rodriguez’ added whiffs resulted in over a strikeout per inning as the young lefty cruised to a 3.24 ERA down the stretch.

There may be a hint of regression coming Rodriguez’ way, who is likely to settle in more as a high 3s ERA guy, but he still presents nice value as the 90th starting pitcher according to our consensus ADP.

Keon Broxton May Be Awarded a Golden Opportunity

Brewers’ skipper, Craig Counsell, shed some light on his desire to see Keon Broxton earn a spot at the top of the batting order this spring. Broxton, 26, knocked nine homers and swiped 23 bases in a mere 75 games last season, placing him on fantasy radars this season as a legit power/speed threat.

As the owner a 36% strikeout rate, Broxton doesn’t come without his warts. The whiffs led him to a .242 batting average in 2016 despite a .373 Batting Average on Balls in Play. Whether Broxton belongs at the top of the order is debatable, but fantasy owners need to pay attention, as a spot sandwiched between Jonathan Villar and Ryan Braun could produce tremendous value, strikeouts be damned.

Should Broxton slot in atop Milwaukee’s batting order every night, I can’t rule out a 20/40 season with 80 runs scored and 60 driven in. I won’t mind the .235 batting average that comes with it if I can snag him after pick 200 where he’s currently being valued by our consensus ADP.


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Chris Bragg is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Chris, check out his archive or follow him @loosemoose6.

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