I was given the idea to write a blog by a journalism student at the University of Oklahoma when I visited there in February. I am doing this because I think it will be an interesting experience and it will give me something to show the editor of my school news program when I apply for a position. I am heading to Ohio University in September for sport management, but I also hope to keep writing about sports for a school publication of some sort. I chose the topic of baseball for this blog because I know the in's and out's of the game. I have a knowledge of baseball that far exceeds the norm and I enjoy everything that involves the sport very much.

Hopefully, this blog will get some nice support. Follow me in my journey and I promise to provide interesting pieces on events in the world of baseball.

Enjoy!













Monday, June 21, 2010

The Resurgance of Mike Aviles

Who is Mike Aviles?

Aviles is a 29-year old middle infielder who grew up and attended college at Concordia College in Manhattan, New York. He first broke out into the league in 2008 when he batted .325 over 102 games. He slugged 10 homeruns during that season and firmly took over the starting shortstop job in Kansas City. I, along with many, thought very highly of him entering the 2009 season and decided to draft him as the shortstop on my fantasy team.

Just how poorly did that decision turn out?

Aviles played a total of 36 games last year for the Royals (I dropped him long before his 36th game) and hit .183 with a single homerun. Injuries and lack of offensive production shortened his season drastically as he was forced to spend time on the disabled list and in the minor leagues.

So after one breakout season and one flop, could Aviles turn his career back in the right direction?

The answer is simply: so far, so good. He has already played in 40 games and has hit .323 with 2 homeruns. His OBP and SLG are still a bit low for his BAA but he is moving in a positive direction. If he keeps it up, he may regain his starting position on the Royals team and end up have a very successful season.

My advice for fantasy owners: Buy now. If your shortstop has been a bust so far (E. Aybar, J. Bartlett) or is currently in the midst of a offensive slide (E. Andrus), then feel free to ride Aviles' hot streak. If he completely returns to form expect .315 with 6 homers the rest of the way.
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2 comments:

  1. LSosaJune 22, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    One could do worse than a career .295 hitter. Did you know the Royals brought him up in 2008 to replace Billy Butler whom they sent down for some more seasoning?!

    Mike is a solid player who finished 4th in the AL ROY voting in 2008 behind Longoria, Alexei Ramirez, & Ellsbury.

    His uncle, Ramon, was a backup infielder in the late 70's and early 80's for the Red Sox and Phillies.

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  2. secondbaseman21June 22, 2010 at 1:01 PM

    I think Butler got all the seasoning he needed. He seems to be one of the young hitters who could be very successful for a long time. Longo and Ellsbury have turned out better than Aviles, but Alexei really hasn't done much to impress.

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