Luis Rivas

Rivas will serve as a backup infielder for the Pirates and could see time at second base with Freddy Sanchez less than 100 percent.

Rivas' declining on base average finally lost him the starting second base job and he was later demoted to the minors. He broke his hand in winter ball, so he may have a hard time finding a big league job this spring.

Rivas' days as an everyday player may be over after another season where he disappointed in a starting role. His ability to get on base has been on a downward decline since his rookie season and last year he posted a career-worst .283 OBA. He also missed about a third of the season with toe and elbow injuries. He lost his starting job as a result and shared playing time at second base with Michael Cuddyer during the second half of the season. He could win the starting second base job again this spring if Cuddyer is moved to third base and there has even been talk of moving him to shortstop, where he played in the minors. Even if he has a starting job, Rivas is no sure bet to steal more than 10 bases given his inability to get on base. The days where it seemed he could be a 20 HR/20 SB player are a thing of the past and we think it's more likely he'll end up in a utility role.

Rivas faces a make or break season after his development stalled the past two years. Rivas hasn't been able to improve his plate discipline and as a result his batting average has been a burden for fantasy owners. His inability to get on base has also limited his steal totals. Once thought to be a 20/20 type player, he's looking like a player with 15 steals that offers little else. The best thing Rivas has going for him is that there are few second base prospects in the Minnesota system, so barring a trade he has undeserved job security. He's just 24, so he could improve. We're just not betting on it at this point.

Rivas is the weakest spot in the Minnesota lineup, but doesn't have anyone on the horizon to challenge him at second base. Struggled with a wrist injury that caused him to miss a third of the season and limited his stolen base attempts. Also took a step backward in his plate discipline with an OBA of just .305 and was overmatched at times in the playoffs. Still, at just 23 he's got room to grow and could eventually project to a 30 SB/15 HR type player.