Sleeper Report: Rookies
Jason Kipnis – 2B – Cleveland Indians
The 24-year-old converted infielder got the call from AAA Columbus in 2011 after hitting 12 home runs and stealing bases while batting .280 and never looked back. He finished 2012 batting .272 with
seven home runs, nine doubles and five stolen bases with 136 at bats.
After a stellar college career in Kentucky and Arizona State, Kipnis hit 29 home runs in his 3 years in the minors with 972 at bats while batting .297.
Kipnis is a disciplined (0.63 BB/K) left-handed hitter who has a great compact swing (similar to Dan Uggla). His running speed is average but aggressive which leads to stolen bases.
While there are bigger names out there on the up and coming fantasy second basemen list, like Dustin Ackley or Danny Espinosa, it might be wise to sit back and wait for Jason Kipnis to fill your second base slot.
- Sin City Scout
Love this guy! If he can bat .280 he is 20-20 material. Should I take him high so he doesn’t get away (8th round or so)?
It depends on your league and their knowledge, but you would like to wait on a player like Kipnis. A player like him should be late in the draft after everyone has taken the bulk of good second basemens. Probably more like 15th-17th rounds.