{"playerId":2042,"percentChange":-1.6,"averageDraftPosition":154.7,"percentOwned":98.4,"playerRaterSEASON":3.8,"playerRater7DAY":-1.7,"mostRecentNews":{"news":"Escobar is out of the Royals' lineup Tuesday at Houston, the Kansas City Star reports.","spin":"In his absence, Elliot Johnson will cover shortstop and bat second in the order. Escobar has posted a mere .200/.200/.213 line with four RBI, six runs, and two stolen bases in 75 at-bats in May. Without a bit more success at the plate, his stolen-base total will remain stagnant.","date":"Tue May 21"},"fullName":"Alcides Escobar","seasonOutlook":{"outlook":"Escobar is a speedy fella, and it's his legs that drive his two greatest fantasy contributions: stolen bases and batting average. The former point is obvious, as he has boosted his steals total in each of his three big league seasons and was an impressive 19-for-20 on steal attempts the second half of 2012. As for the latter, Escobar ranked second in the majors in bunt hits (11) and ninth in infield hits (24), a critical point if you consider that he has managed ground ball rates higher than 50 percent in each of the past two seasons. This is a hit-it-on-the-ground-and-leg-it-out player, but a successful, young-enough one (he's 26) at that. Though BABIP variations could always lower his batting average to the point that he's more of a one-category performer, Escobar is one of those rare players who can use his speed to influence that category, and he has as good a chance at leading his position in steals as anyone. He's a fine midrounder.","seasonId":2013,"date":"Wed Feb 20"},"playerRater30DAY":2.5,"playerRater15DAY":-0.2,"positionRank":7}