The Keeper Reaper

Second, Short, and Catcher for 12/17/12

by Josh Shepardson

Neil Walker | Pittsburgh Pirates
Shallow (30 Keepers): No
Medium (60 Keepers): No
Deep (90 Keepers): No
NL-only (60 Keepers): Yes
Super Deep (200 Keepers): Yes

Walker won't find his name mentioned with the elite at the second base position, but he's a solid option at the keystone. He brings a well-rounded 5x5 line to the table, though he's not an efficient base-stealer and shouldn't be counted on to steal more than a handful of bags.

Walker does a good job of barreling balls and ripping line drives, which should allow him to hit around his career batting average of .280 this year. His power is trending upwards, which makes sense given that he's entering his peak power years. If he's able to stay healthy and receive over 600 plate appearances, I expect Walker to reach the upper teens in home runs.

Walker battled lower back issues last year and missed 25 games as a result, so staying healthy isn't a given. That said, he is now fully recovered from the herniated disc in his lower back that ended his season, and he'll be ready to go in the spring. He should be a fringe top-10 second baseman this year, and he's a good choice for owners that don't want to spend a high draft pick or a significant chunk of their auction dollars at the position.

Alexei Ramirez | Chicago White Sox
Shallow (30 Keepers): No
Medium (60 Keepers): No
Deep (90 Keepers): No
AL-only (60 Keepers): Yes
Super Deep (200 Keepers): Yes

Ramirez finished last season as the 132nd most valuable player according to our Player Forecast Manager. He stole a career-best 20 bases, and they came on a career-best success rate. It's possible he carries over some of his gains in the category to this season.

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