Sleeper of the Week

There is a sleeping Cub causing a riot on the base paths. He is eligible at both second base and shortstop. He is leading off for one of the better teams in the National League Central. His name is Ryan Theriot.

In 2007, his sophomore season, Theriot was used all around the diamond. He started games at shortstop, second base, third base, and even in the outfield. This year he will be used primarily as the Cubs shortstop.

In 538 at-bats last season, 277 of them batting second, Theriot stole 28 bases (in 32 attempts) and crossed the plate 80 times. This year, Lou Piniella has named the spark plug his leadoff hitter. Getting on base in front of the Cubs’ dynamic core – Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Kosuke Fukudome – The Riot is a good bet to score 90+ runs and swipe 30 bags. Last year in 150 at-bats leading off, Theriot hit .300, 34 points higher than his season batting average of .266.

Theriot’s average draft position (ADP) on Yahoo! is 226, meaning he can be had around round 19. If you have a late round thirst for steals or need a guy who can man your middle infield, look no further than Ryan Theriot.

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