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          Eric Karabell Blog

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          Neil Walker continues powerful start

          Entering the season, Neil Walker had three career homers in April. He's got five already in 2014 with two weeks left in the month. Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
          Apr 16, 2014
          • Eric KarabellESPN Senior Writer
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            • ESPN contributor on TV, radio, podcasts, blogs, Magazine
            • Charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame
            • Author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments"
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          Big league second basemen don’t generally contend for home run titles, and when one comes along with enticing power, fantasy owners tend to gravitate toward that player. Last season, for example, 26 hitters managed to reach 26 or more home runs, and the only middle infielder among that group was Robinson Cano. In 2012, Cano also stood alone as a middle infielder among the 36 players who hit 27 or more home runs. This theme is partly why San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko and Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy bring special value as power hitters at positions that don’t generally provide those statistics.