Eric Young Jr.

2013

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2012

As cheap speed options go, it's tough to beat a 27-for-31 mark on the basepaths over 77 games. Unfortunately, Young doesn't have a clear-cut role entering spring training and while the ongoing vacancy at second base could be a fit, he will open the season with outfield-only eligibility in most leagues. In addition to an impressive 1.006 OPS at Triple-A Colorado Springs last season, Young increased his walk rate with the Rockies to a career-high 12 percent. The speed and on-base skills are present, but he'll turn 27 in May and the Rockies may end up parting ways with him before giving him an opportunity to play regularly.

2011

Young started the season in the minors, but was quickly called up when Clint Barmes struggled out of the gate. He was only able to steal four bases before a stress fracture in his lower leg sidelined him until mid-August. When he came back he picked up where he left off, stealing 13 bases in 38 games. He's extremely fast, but still learning the art of basestealing as evidenced by getting caught stealing six times over 23 attempts. His plate discipline needs work, but given enough at-bats, he should help any owner in need of speed.

2010

Put simply, Young has speed and lots of it. He represented the Rockies in the 2009 Futures Game, and set the Sky Sox's single-season record for stolen bases (58) and runs (118) last season. He strikes out too much, and his wheels did not translate to big league steals immediately (four steals in eight attempts), but he's dangerous enough on the basepaths to put him on your sleeper radar. A second baseman by trade, the Rockies gave him looks in the outfield last season, opening the door to multiple positional eligibility this season.

2009

If you squint, you see his dad, a sparkplug second baseman who gets on base and runs like the wind. Clear-eyed, the younger Young's flaws show: he doesn't play defense well and he lacks dad's power and polish. The Rockies need a second baseman, though, and if Young can win the job, he could steal a ton of bases, which is what matters. If Willy Taveras can steal 68 with a .308 OBP, Young could steal 80.

2008

Young played a full season at High-A Modesto and led the California League with 73 stolen bases. His plate discipline took a step back last year as he struck out once every 5.14 at bats (compared 6.42 in 2006). That said, he is a decent hitter with good pop and great speed. He should get an opportunity at Double-A in 2008. He'll have to improve his contact rate and fielding before he gets an opportunity at the big league level.