2007 Position Battle: Second Base

Atlanta Braves

Candidates:
Kelly Johnson
Martin Prado

Edge: Kelly Johnson--Johnson lost last season to Tommy John surgery, so he has some questions to answer during spring training, especially on the defensive end since he is switching from the outfield to second base. Assuming he can field the position well enough and turn the double play, his plate patience and solid power should win him the job over Martin Prado and earn him a roster spot as a middle infielder in NL-only leagues.

Colorado Rockies

Candidates:
Kazuo Matsui
Jamey Carroll

Edge: Kaz Matsui--After two failed seasons in New York, Matsui was traded to the Rockies last June and hit .345 with 19 RBI and eight stolen bases in 32 games. He secured the everyday job at second after Jamey Carroll had a terrible month of August and is the frontrunner to remain there (and serve as the team's leadoff man) this season. He'll battle Carroll during the spring, but the smart money is on Matsui keeping his job and Carroll becoming the team's utility man.

Houston Astros

Candidates:
Craig Biggio
Mark Loretta

Edge: Craig Biggio--It's not just pitchers who are breaking barriers by playing in their golden years. Biggio turned 41 in December, but his advancing age hasn't prevented him from hitting more than 20 home runs in three straight seasons. However, it has caused the Astros to look for insurance in case he can't take the rigors of a full season and they settled on another veteran to challenge him for at-bats in Mark Loretta. While Sweet Loretta has hit .285 or better in five of the last six seasons, he'll probably be used as a backup at multiple infield spots and Biggio's job appears safe as he chases 3,000 hits.

New York Mets

Candidates:
Jose Valentin
Damion Easley

Edge: Jose Valentin--Riddle us this: the Mets have one of the highest payrolls in the league but the 37-year-old Valentin is the best they can do at second base? He surprised a lot of people by blasting 18 home runs last year, but there are still some serious doubts about his ability to repeat such a performance and his main competition will come from another old man, Damion Easley. This battle of geriatric ball players will likely end with Valentin as the Opening Day starter, but he's little more than a top-20 option for those in NL-only leagues.

Oakland A's

Candidates:
Mark Ellis
Marco Scutaro

Edge: Mark Ellis--Ellis is fresh off a disappointing season that saw his numbers drop across the board, especially his batting average, which dipped from .316 to .249. That means he's no lock to win the everyday job at second this year and Marco Scutaro will be the biggest thorn in his side. Scutaro has been a jack-of-all-trades for the A's in recent years but hasn't been able to find a steady home anywhere in the infield. If Ellis struggles during the exhibition season, though, Marco might finally get his chance to find steady at-bats. Of course, Scutaro may be needed at shortstop once again when Bobby Crosby suffers his annual injury.
Source: Fanball.com