Which Second Baseman Isn’t A Second Baseman

Are the other candidates better?

Yep. . . . . Oh details? Okay but there’s been a ton of in depth evaluations of our second basemen already so without any exposition – okay a little exposition – here are the details.

The last time Baseball America (subscription required) provided a scouting report on Gosselin was following the 2011 season. This is the way they described his defense at that time.

"Gosselin has played exclusively at second base in pro ball. He has good footwork and does a solid job of turning the double play. His arm strength is no better than average, which limits his ability to play on the left side of the infield."

We saw Goose play a solid if not inspiring second base last year, there’s no reason to expect him to be worse this year.

Peterson is still considered enough of a prospect to be listed (as a SS/2B under the Padres) in Baseball America’s 2015 Prospect Handbook (you have to buy one to read it, get yours today!) and this is what it says about Peterson on defense.

"“Peterson played plenty of second and third at Triple A and in the Arizona Fall League and his average range, speed and arm strength would play better at those positions than at shortstop.”"

Not a glowing superstar rating but it does say average range, that’s something Callaspo doesn’t have.

Assorted Others

There’s also Eric Young Jr. who – I’m sure someone will point out eventually if I don’t – started as a second baseman like his dad. He hasn’t had many opportunities to play there in the majors and that may be tied to his last minor league scouting report from BA after the 2009 season. (subscription required)

"“. . .He’s just adequate at second base, where he’ll make an occasional spectacular play but also get caught on his heels by a routine grounder.. . “"

Kelly Johnson hasn’t played second base regularly since 2012 with the Blue Jays.  That year he posted a +5 DRS, –6.9 UZR, –8.0 UZR/150 and a –5.7 RngR. Johnson just turned 33 so expecting his range to improve is a fantasy. His bat seems to have retired ahead of him as he hasn’t posted an average above .235 since 2010 though he can still flash some power now and then. I doubt that combination portends a nostalgic return to Atlanta but stranger things have happened.

Elmer Reyes had a pretty good year at Gwinnett in 2014. Many fans have pushed for more discussion of him as a possible second baseman and he is on the 40 man roster so in theory that could happen. Baseball America’s 2015 Prospect Handbook (you have to buy one to read it, get yours today!) says this about the young shortstop.

"Reyes is a smooth defender at shortstop with a quick first step, above average lateral range and soft hands. He has above average arm strength and a quick release that allows him to make throws from the hole or going up the middle."

He would appear to be the best defender of the group but it would be something of a shock if he were the final choice as no one has even mentioned his name in that context so far this spring.