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MLB: Five First-Round Fantasy Baseball Picks That Will Alter Your Draft Strategy

By Benjamin Chase

Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) slides into third base for a triple against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) slides into third base for a triple against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Altuve, 2B, Houston Orioles, Average NFBC Pick: 3

Baseball’s own version of Mighty Mouse actually produced significant power in 2016. Many see Altuve’s three-year averages of .331 average, 15 home runs, 41 stolen bases, 93 runs, and 74 RBI from a middle infield position, and a #3 overall selection makes perfect sense.

However, that stolen base line is buffeted by 56 in 2014, and he’s gone to 38 in 2015 and 30 in 2016. However, what is notable is that Altuve moved deeper into the lineup in 2016, moving from the leadoff spot to the #3 role in the lineup at roughly the halfway point in the season.

It is notable to see how his offensive production shifted from first to second half with the lineup position change. In the first half, he stole 23 bases versus just 7 bases in the second half of the season. Nearly every other rate was the same in his power and contact numbers.

One of the primary reasons that Altuve is such a draw for fantasy owners is the dearth of speed in the game currently. Altuve’s 30 stolen bases tied him for 10th in the entire game. However, if he’s going to be running at his second half pace, he’s more of a guy who will be a 20 steal guy.

Owners planning that they’ve locked up a significant portion of their steals with Altuve in 2017 could find themselves sorely lacking unless they acquire another steals source in the draft.

Next: Hot Corner Oriole

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