Aviles welcomes time at shortstop: With the trades of Marco Scutaro and Jed Lowrie to National League teams, Mike Aviles is likely to be given a shot to become the Red Sox's starting shortstop in 2012. According to WEEI.com, neither Aviles nor Nick Punto have been told what their roles will be, but both figure to have a chance to start. “I’m excited,” Aviles said. “There’s a lot of time left and I don’t know if there will be any more trades or any more signings. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not going to focus on it. It does excite me just the fact I could be playing short again.” Aviles has started just 19 games at shortstop over the last two seasons, as he has played mostly at second base and third base. (Updated 01/25/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Aviles has good power for a middle infielder, and should he claim a starting role, he would have value for owners in standard mixed leagues. Keep tabs on his situation this spring, as he could be worth a late-round pick in those formats. (Updated 01/25/2012).
02/10/2012 09:03 2012 Fantasy outlooks: Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox didn't make much noise this winter after a disasterous end to their 2011 season. Our Al Melchior examines the revamped roster for owners in advance of Draft Day.
02/02/2012 12:21 2012 Draft Prep: Our 12-team, mixed Rotisserie draft
It's time for owners to start looking ahead to Draft Day. We get you off and running with our 12-team Rotisserie mock draft. Check out the results!
Mike Aviles saw a change of scenery a year ago and could end up being one of the bigger surprises in Fantasy in 2012. He batted .222 in 53 games with Kansas City before being dealt to Boston at the trade deadline. He would play better with the Red Sox and finished the year with a .255 average, with seven homers, 39 RBI and 14 stolen bases. With the Red Sox trading away both Jed Lowrie and Marco Scutaro in the offseason, the 30-year-old has a chance to be the everyday shortstop this season, which would do wonders for his Fantasy value. Aviles showed some decent power during his rookie campaign and has a career .288 average, so with a potent offense surrounding him in Boston, he should be able to put up some solid numbers. Keep an eye on the position battle during the spring as it will go a long way for his value in Fantasy. But as long as Aviles can beat out Nick Punto for the starting gig, he will be worth targeting in the later rounds of mixed leagues on Draft Day. (Updated 2/7/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
