RADIO
Todd Frazier will most likely be one of the last guys on your roster. In a 12-team league, there are twelve better options, so you don’t necessarily want to target him as your starting 3B. BUT he can still contribute to your fantasy success, and has the potential to be a 2013 sleeper. Frazier has also earned a spot on your roster as a bench-stash with some potential, in a solid lineup-- a guy you can rotate in and out of the lineup on Mondays and Thursdays, and when he’s got favorable matchups. There's always the chance that he breaks out into a viable everyday player based on what we saw last year, so he makes for a good end-of-draft flier and "lottery ticket".
Look to Frazier for power. In this new era of PED testing, a guy who can go for 20 HR is someone who demands some of your attention. His AB/HR ratio was 22.2 which is comparable to players like Aramis Ramirez (21.1), Matt Holliday (22.2) and Yoenis Cepedes (21.2). Cincinnati’s lineup is stacked and Frazier will be batting 6th which bodes well for his RBI opportunities. Fraizer doesn’t steal bases and he most likely won’t score too many runs either hitting in front of Zack Cozart and Ryan Hanigan. But he’ll also go into the 2013 season with 1B and 3B eligibility which is a plus, and could end up with OF eligibility depending on your league settings. Last year he played eight games in the OF, which for many leagues, just missed the cut-off to start the 2013 year with fantasy OF eligibility.
Net Net:
Frazier has some decent pop, and showed flashes of upside last year. He could float around on the waiver wire, or in 12-team deeper leagues go in Round 16 or 17. Stashing him on your team to see how he performs in a solid Reds lineup isn't a bad idea. And he also could have 3B, 1B and OF eligibility by mid-year, which will enhance his value. Look for him to fill some holes and to sub in for those guys who are enjoying an off day... and at the same time hope for the best, as we look forward to seeing how he performs in his first full year with a full time gig. If you're not sure who to take at the end of your draft, this is a perfect candidate. A young player, in a great lineup, in a hitter's park, with power potential, multi-position flexibility and a solid rookie season... that's the type of upside you should be willing to take a chance on in your later rounds.
Be sure to check out RotoBaller's full Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings for 2013. And since Frazier is 1B eligible as well, check out our First Base Rankings while you're at it!
