Mound Talk

Second Base Platoon Options

Updating an ongoing research project, I have come up with a list of second base platoon options that could get close to achieving a “Chase Utley-esque season.” Rating is based on –,-,=,+,++ system comparing their splits to Utley’s overall numbers. The rating next to the name is their overall platoon rating. The players listed are the viable options for the platooning stategy.

Jamey Carroll: +
Carroll rakes at home. I think this will be a trend with Rockies though I don’t want to go out on a limb or anything . You can expect more runs and a better average at home for Carroll. He’s better against lefties but the efffect is not as great as the home field edge.
R: ++ HR: — RBI: — AVG: ++

Mark Grudzielanek: -
Not much to say here. He needs to secure his starting spot before getting a full endorsement but his advantage comes at home.
R: + HR: — RBI: — AVG: +

Ray Durham: +
Durham obviously is going to have better power numbers than Utley and that’s across his splits. His platoon advantage comes on the road and against lefties. If you choose Durham as a platooner, you’ll need to carefully monitor the help he gets for RBI and R.
R: = HR: ++ RBI: ++ AVG: +

Orlando Hudson: –
Edge comes against lefties. That isn’t often. If you get him, Ray Durham might be a good platoon buddy since Durham can compliment Hudson’s weakness and is stronger in a higher % of ABs.
R: ++ HR: — RBI: - AVG: ++

Dan Uggla: ++
Uggla might go too high to be a platoon option but he’s solid with an advantage on the road and against righties. You can expect his R/RBI to improve across the board with a little more experience on his team but even if not, he’s a great option.
R: = HR: + RBI: + AVG: =

Tad Iguchi: +
Better at home and against righties. He’s in a good lineup and that helps. He’s durable which improves his platooning ability.
R: ++ HR: - RBI: = AVG: +