{"playerId":2042,"percentChange":0,"averageDraftPosition":154.7,"percentOwned":100,"playerRaterSEASON":4.4,"playerRater7DAY":1.2,"mostRecentNews":{"news":"In his first game batting leadoff this season, Escobar went 0-for-5 and dropped his average to .262 on the year.","spin":"Given the way Escobar blossomed as the Royals' No. 2 hitter last year, this move seemed odd despite manager Ned Yost's apparent need to shake things up in the lineup. Escobar had only 14 at-bats as a leadoff hitter prior to Thursday's game and only three hits for a .214 average. We're not sure how long Yost will keep this lineup configuration, but if Escobar doesn't produce, hopefully, he'll be returned to the two-hole shortly.","date":"Fri May 10"},"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":3.4,"playerRater15DAY":-0.3,"positionRank":7}