When we got the MLBFP party started back in September, we focused on Dustin Ackley, our #25 MLB Fantasy Prospects for 2010 and Beyond. In that scouting report, our Bill Root indicated that the M’s could explore using Jose Lopez as a 1B this upcoming season:
Rumors are swirling that the M’s believe Ackley has the skills to play middle-infield and are considering moving him there to replace Jose Lopez in a few years. Wow, a dude with hitting skills like this playing the fantasy black hole that’s second base. Can you say fantasy gem?
Now comes official word from Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik that Ackley will be working out at second once Spring Training opens up, per Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times:
The move is "an experiment" for now and is not final. But it's something the M's want to take a look at.
"We are not etching this into stone to say this guy will be the second baseman of the future,'' Zduriencik said. "It's just something we do.''
Zduriencik says having Ackley work out at the position now will give the team a better idea of where he stands coming into spring training. If things keep progressing, they will continue to look at him at that spot.
"It's part of our philosophy,'' he said. "We want our guys to play multiple positions in the minor leagues.''
Zduriencik says having such flexibility gives the team multiple options going forward. He said it has nothing to do with Jose Lopez for the moment. As I said, the team doesn't even know whether this will work.
Nothing to do with Jose Lopez for the moment? What’s that mean? I think it means if young Ackley can play 2B about as good as Lopez, the veteran moves to first base. It will come down to Ackley's performance, both at the plate and in the middle of the infield. Jose can just sit back and see what happens.
Now, y’all must remember that this blog forever remains fantasy-focused. So while Mariners fans might feel having a big bat in CF is preferable to one at 2B, we feel otherwise. Second base, especially in AL-only leagues, is a pool of inconsistency and mediocrity, with only a few exceptions, such as Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia. Are you ready to risk your precious draft pick to see if Aaron Hill, Ben Zobrist, or Alberto Callaspo are for real? Probably not. Which is why, as students of the fantasy baseball game, we must embrace when a player of Ackley’s caliber gets a shot to become an elite 2B, as opposed to just another great outfielder.
