DiscoverFantasyPros - Fantasy Baseball PodcastInfielder ADP Battles: Derek VanRiper vs. Jeff Erickson (Ep. 937)
Infielder ADP Battles: Derek VanRiper vs. Jeff Erickson (Ep. 937)

Infielder ADP Battles: Derek VanRiper vs. Jeff Erickson (Ep. 937)

Update: 2025-03-04
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This podcast episode delves into the fantasy baseball ADP battle for several key infield positions. The discussion begins with catchers, comparing Salvador Perez and Cal Raleigh (favoring Perez due to lower batting average risk), and then JT Realmuto and Logan O'Hoppe (leaning towards O'Hoppe's power upside). First base sees comparisons between Josh Naylor and Christian Walker (Naylor's power potential vs. Walker's consistency), and Vinnie Pasquantino and Triston Casas (Pasquantino's consistency favored over Casas' potential). Second base features Jose Altuve vs. Ozzie Albies (Albies slightly favored) and Bryce Turner vs. Luis Garcia (Garcia preferred due to Turner's concerns). Third base compares Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, and Austin Riley (Machado favored), and Junior Caminero and Mark Vientos (Caminero's higher ceiling preferred). Finally, shortstop discussions include O'Neal Cruz vs. CJ Abrams (Cruz favored for power) and Xander Bogaerts vs. Ezequiel Tovar (Tovar favored for upside). Key factors considered throughout include batting average, power, stolen bases, playing time, park factors, and age. The podcast aims to help listeners make informed decisions during their fantasy baseball drafts.

Outlines

00:00:00
Catcher and First Base ADP Battles

The podcast opens by comparing Salvador Perez vs. Cal Raleigh, JT Realmuto vs. Logan O'Hoppe, Josh Naylor vs. Christian Walker, and Vinnie Pasquantino vs. Triston Casas at the catcher and first base positions, considering factors like batting average, power, and playing time to determine optimal ADP choices.

00:15:27
Second Base ADP Battles

This section analyzes the ADP battle for second base, comparing Jose Altuve and Ozzie Albies, and Bryce Turner and Luis Garcia. Factors such as team health, potential decline, and playing time are considered.

00:24:27
Third Base ADP Battles

The podcast compares Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, and Austin Riley, and then Junior Caminero and Mark Vientos at third base. Machado is favored for consistency, while Caminero's higher ceiling is highlighted.

00:34:27
Shortstop ADP Battles

This section focuses on the shortstop position, comparing O'Neal Cruz and CJ Abrams, and Xander Bogaerts and Ezequiel Tovar. Power potential, stolen base potential, and park factors are key considerations.

00:00:00
Introduction to Fantasy Baseball ADP Analysis

This introductory section sets the stage for the podcast, outlining the focus on infielder ADP battles and the key statistical factors that will be considered throughout the episode.

00:00:00
Conclusion and Key Takeaways

This concluding section summarizes the key takeaways from the ADP analysis of various infielders, reinforcing the importance of considering factors like batting average, power, playing time, and park factors when making draft decisions.

Keywords

ADP (Average Draft Position)


A statistic in fantasy sports representing the average draft pick number of a player.

Batting Average


The percentage of at-bats resulting in a hit.

Power (in baseball)


A hitter's ability to hit home runs.

Stolen Base


A baseball statistic representing successful base steals.

Park Factor


A statistic adjusting hitter/pitcher performance based on ballpark characteristics.

Playing Time


The number of games and at-bats a player receives.

Fantasy Baseball


A game where players draft and manage virtual baseball teams.

Run Production


A measure of a hitter's contribution to scoring runs.

Infielders


Baseball players who play at catcher, first, second, shortstop, or third base.

Draft Strategy


Planning and decision-making processes for fantasy baseball drafts.

Q&A

  • What are the key factors to consider when comparing players' ADPs in fantasy baseball drafts?

    Batting average, power, stolen base potential, run production, playing time, park factors, player health, recent performance, team lineup, and player role.

  • How much weight should be given to a player's age when evaluating their fantasy value?

    Age is a factor, but not the sole determinant. Consider recent performance, injury history, and overall skillset.

  • How important is playing time in fantasy baseball?

    Crucial. Even a highly skilled player with limited playing time will have lower fantasy output.

  • How do park factors influence player evaluation in fantasy baseball?

    Park factors significantly impact offensive statistics. Hitters in hitter-friendly parks generally have higher power numbers.

  • How can fantasy managers use ADP data effectively in their draft strategies?

    ADP provides a benchmark for player value. Use it to identify value picks and avoid overvalued players. Consider your league's scoring system.

Show Notes

Joe Orrico (@JoeOrrico99) is joined by Derek VanRiper (@dvr.bsky.social) from The Athletic and Jeff Erickson (@Jeff_Erickson) from RotoWire for Part Two in our ADP Battle Series, and today the fellas tackle the infield!

There are two key battles at each position to help you make the best decisions ahead of your 2025 fantasy baseball drafts!

Timestamps: 

Intro - 0:00:00

Salvador Perez vs. Cal Raleigh - 0:01:03

J.T. Realmuto vs. Logan O’Hoppe - 0:05:09

Signed John Smoltz Jersey Giveaway - 0:07:30

Josh Naylor vs. Christian Walker - 0:07:58

Vinnie Pasquantino vs. Triston Casas - 0:10:37

Fantrax - 0:14:46

Jose Altuve vs. Ozzie Albies - 0:15:23

Brice Turang vs. Luis Garcia - 0:19:40

Rafael Devers vs. Manny Machado vs. Austin Riley - 0:24:22

Junior Caminero vs. Mark Vientos - 0:29:27

FantasyPros Draft Wizard - 0:33:41

Oneil Cruz vs. CJ Abrams - 0:34:22

Xander Bogaerts vs. Ezequiel Tovar - 0:38:03

Outro - 0:41:11

Helpful Links:

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⁠⁠⁠Draft Assistant⁠⁠⁠ - Get live support during your fantasy football draft with the Draft Assistant. Connect the Draft Assistant to your draft and get real-time suggestions based on expert rankings, team needs, and positional scarcity. Get the most value out of every pick in your fantasy football draft with the Draft Assistant. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠fantasypros.com/assistant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or download our Fantasy Baseball Draft Wizard app on Google Play or App Store.⁠⁠

⁠⁠Fantrax⁠⁠ - Bring your fantasy baseball league to Fantrax for an unbeatable user experience and a chance to win a signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr signed jersey! Sign up today at ⁠⁠fantrax.com/fantasypros.

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Infielder ADP Battles: Derek VanRiper vs. Jeff Erickson (Ep. 937)

Infielder ADP Battles: Derek VanRiper vs. Jeff Erickson (Ep. 937)

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