The middle infield slot is a notorious hotbed for some cheap speed, and this year is no different.  There are several youngsters that have the ability to make an impact for those owners in the need for speed.

Elvis Andrus - TEX

Andrus had a thoroughly successful rookie campaign on the basepaths stealing 33 bases while only being nabbed 6 times (84.6%).  He's not going to blow you away with his batting average, so his career minor league mark of .275 sounds about right.  With a valuable year of experience under his belt, Andrus has the possibility to make an impact as a middle infielder in mixed leagues. 

Risk Level: Low – Owners would like to see him bat higher in the order, but he’s already proven to be a legitimate Major League basestealer.  

Alcides Escobar - MIL

In a brief 125 AB stint with the Brewers, Escobar only stole 4 bases on 6 attempts.  Don’t be fooled.  Most of his basestealing prowess was in the minors where he stole 176 bases over 6 seasons at a 74% success rate.  Although his plate discipline was somewhat poor (drawing 4 walks compared to 18 strikeouts) he still managed to hit .304. JJ Hardy was traded this offseason, so the starting SS gig should be Escobar's to lose.

Risk Level: Medium Low – He’s a bit of a free-swinger and the Brewers have veteran Craig Counsell as insurance, but he will have every opportunity to stay in the lineup.

Everth Cabrera - SD

Cabrera only batted .255, but he reached base at a respectable .342 clip.  He racked up 25 stolen bases in 103 games and he seemed primed to be the Padres' everyday leadoff hitter.  His minor league pedigree is legitimate, stealing 160 bases over 354 career games (1 SB per 2.2 games). 

Risk Level: Medium – There’s always a chance that his batting average and OBP suffers to the point where he is dropped from the leadoff spot.  However, the barebones Padres have no one better.