Key Stats: Alex Rios and Drew Stubbs were the only players in baseball that hit at least 20 home runs and stole 30 bases last season. It was the first time that Rios accomplished both of those feats in the same season and the second time he hit more than 20 home runs or stole more than 30 bases in any season.
Skeptics Say: Rios is ranked 58th, but he's a tough guy to like. His pace for a 162 game season from June 1st on last season was just 16 home runs, 29 steals, a .272 average, and .717 OPS so he definitely slowed down a little as the season grew longer. The numbers get even worse if you don't include June, and his second half struggles are not anything new. For his career, Rios has an OPS that is 67 points lower in the second half. His entire season in 2009 was a disappointment, but knowing what he did in last year's second half perhaps it's just a realistic idea of who he is. It wouldn't surprise me if he finished ranked outside the top 150, but nor would it surprise me if he was ranked in the top 50.
After being caught stealing 14 times last season and hitting just 29 doubles (he's had two seasons with 40+), it's asking too much of him to hit 20+ and steal 30+ again this year.
Projection: These numbers can fluctuate, but just know when push comes to shove I'm not drafting Rios.
87 R 19 HR 86 RBI 25 SB .279 AVG .778 OPS