Maicer Izturis

2013

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2012

Izturis appeared in a career-high 122 games last season, and though he spent 89 of those in the leadoff spot, he scored just 51 runs and stole only nine bases. Izturis is unlikely to see as much playing time in 2012, and since he doesn’t provide much power or speed, his value will be limited. Still, expect him to serve as the Angels' utility infielder in 2012.

2011

Izturis' numbers took a dive last season when injuries and depth limited him to just 212 at-bats. Izturis showed two years ago that he is capable of decent production when he gets the opportunities, but he will likely serve his customary utility role in 2011 since the rest of the Angels' infield will return as well. Izturis will still get a couple of starts each week, but not enough to make him a consistent fantasy option.

2010

Izturis has established himself as the best fifth infielder in baseball. He's a stronger hitter from the left side, so he plays a lot, and could well take a lot of the at-bats at third base next year because he is, frankly, a better player than Brandon Wood is. In 2010, Izturis is going to be one of those guys who ends up being on more winning fantasy teams than any other player.

2009

Izturis battled injuries and only saw action in 79 games during the 2008 season, ending it in August after having surgery on his sprained thumb. Izturis batted .269 with three home runs and 37 RBI, but did chip in 11 steals as well. When healthy, Izturis was again the Angels' super-sub, starting games at all the infield positions except first base. The Angels' promising double-play combination of Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick will make it difficult for Izturis to find a regular spot in the lineup in 2009, so expect him to return to his utility role off the bench.

2008

While seemingly everyone else on the roster was getting injured, Izturis stayed healthy and filled in wherever necessary. Izturis spent most of his time at second base and third base and his biggest fantasy asset could be his versatility, as he should be eligible at three infield positions next season. Erick Aybar and Brandon Wood will be given every shot to win the positions on the left side of the infield, but Izturis could take over if either of the younger players falter. If Izturis remains in the utility role, his numbers shouldn't be much different than this year's, but he becomes a sleeper if he breaks into the everyday lineup.

2007

Izturis patched Angels injuries and disappointments with some Figgins-esque speed and flexibility, and even mixed in a surprising .365 OBP. It's hard to see him getting 352 ABs this year unless Figgins is dealt, which limits him to an endgame/reserve pickup.

2006

Izturis put up a fine first half in 2005, but fell apart completely to the tune of a .198 batting average in the second half. It's not like his chances for playing time are getting any better with the crop of stud prospects coming up through the Angels system. Look for Izturis to be dealt into a favorable playing time situation elsewhere, where he'll have the chance to be productive.

2005

Izturis went from being the Expos' shortstop of the future, to possibly being the Angels' -- a definite step up, even the position doesn't have quite as much job security. His Triple-A BA might have been a fluke, but if the spike in his walk rate wasn't, Izturis should be a solid major leaguer.