Impact Analysis: Mike Jacobs, Kansas City Royals

November 6, 2008 @ 00:00:00

By Bob Bonett
Edited by Herija C. Green

Prior to 2008 fantasy drafts, little attention was paid to then-Florida Marlins first basemen Mike Jacobs. The slugging 28-year-old burst on to the power scene last season, though, with 32 home runs despite playing his home games in pitcher-friendly Dolphin Stadium. Jacobs slowly moved into fantasy relevance as the season progressed, presenting a viable power option at first base for teams in need of home runs.

Immediately after the World Series, Jacobs was dealt to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for pitcher Leo Nunez. The deal, which adds Jacobs to a mediocre lineup in search of a reliable power threat, has the potential to affect Jacobs' value in fantasy baseball drafts for 2009.

The lowdown on Jacobs

Jacobs kicked off his pro career with the New York Mets in 2005 for the proverbial cup of coffee. He played in 30 games, batting .310 in 100 at-bats and launching 11 home runs, which demonstrated classic first baseman power. Following that successful stint, the Mets opted to deal the formerly little-known first baseman to the Marlins. Jacobs dealt with an adjustment period in Florida, hitting just 37 home runs in his first two seasons combined, while seeing his average dip to .262 and .265 in those campaigns, respectively.

In 2008, Jacobs saw the most action in his career, playing in 141 games. The power he flashed in 2005 finally developed, as the Marlins first baseman had 32 home runs and 93 RBIs in 477 at-bats. However, his average slipped to .247, and his on-base percentage fell to .299, bringing about concerns regarding Jacobs' versatility offensively.

With Jacobs due a hefty raise in 2009, the Marlins decided to deal him, feeling they had plenty of other, less expensive options. Jacobs' very low walk rate (just 36 in 519 plate appearances last season) coupled with high strikeouts (119) may point to Jacobs becoming even more of an all-or-nothing hitter that he was in 2008.

Where does he fit?

Now a member of the Royals, Jacobs will undoubtedly enter the season as the team's starter, likely splitting time between first base and designated hitter. In addition, Royals general manager Dayton Moore has indicated Jacobs will hit in the middle of the order, somewhere between fourth and sixth, considering the power he has showed in his career. However, support from the rest of the lineup could be an issue.

First, Kansas City had very little to speak of in terms of home run-hitting offense last year. The Royals hit only 120 big flies (27th in the majors), and they were led by a very pedestrian 20 off the bat of outfielder Jose Guillen. Thus, Jacobs could be the focus of many opposing scouting reports, potentially resulting in the free-swinger seeing more pitches out of the strike zone.

Despite a glut of options at the position, though, Jacobs should keep his job throughout the year unless he falters badly in Kansas City. First baseman Billy Butler, the prized prospect that didn't perform up to expectations last year, should see duties at designated hitter. He is not the only weak-fielding power option Kansas City wields, though. They also have infielders Ryan Shealy, Ross Gload and Kila Ka'aihue - though only Ka'aihue can truly be considered a prospect any longer with Gload turning 33 in April. So while the Royals will likely give Jacobs a long leash, be aware they do have options should he fail to perform.

Kauffman vs. Dolphin

One of the hidden X-factors for Jacobs in Kansas City could be the move from Florida's ballpark to Kauffman Stadium. Dolphin Stadium is considered a pitcher-friendly park with some rather cavernous dimensions, including 434 feet at its deepest point.

Kauffman Stadium, meanwhile, is more of a neutral park that shades slightly toward being hitter friendly. It could certainly help Jacobs add to the 32 home runs he hit last year. The measurements on the right side of the park are not intimidating - 330 feet down the line and 385 to right center. Expect the move to Kansas City to turn at least a couple of Jacobs' doubles last season into home runs.

Fantasy baseball outlook

While Jacobs should contribute a healthy number of home runs and RBIs, he will likely be a detriment both in batting average and, in applicable leagues, on-base percentage. He also runs the bases like he has a piano on his back, which hurts his ability to score and all but rules out any steals.

Thus, consider Jacobs a late-round draft pick in mixed leagues for those that bypassed power hitters in the earlier rounds. He's a great fit in deep leagues that also utilize a corner infield spot in starting fantasy lineups.

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Bob Bonett

Bob Bonett started contributing to KFFL in 2008. He has worked formerly for JetsInsider.com as a beat writer for the New York Jets, and has been an avid fantasy sports player since his early teen years. He is now an undergraduate student at Hofstra University majoring in sports journalism.

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