Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I have to admit that I love the transition the 2nd base position has made over the past few years. Gone are the days this fantasy position is based solely on batting average and stolen bases. Due to the influx of several stars, this is now a position you can get 20+ home runs and 90+ RBI in addition to a high batting average and stolen bases.
The Top 20:
1. Chase Utley - Phillies
2. Ian Kinsler - Rangers
3. Dustin Pedroia - Red Sox
4. Aaron Hill - Blue Jays
4. Aaron Hill - Blue Jays
5. Brian Roberts - Orioles
6. Brandon Phillips - Reds
7. Robinson Cano - Yankees
8. Ben Zobrist - Rays
9. Dan Uggla - Marlins
10. Ian Stewart - Rockies
11. Howie Kendrick - Angels
12. Jose Lopez - Mariners
13. Asdrubel Cabrera - Indians
14. Rickie Weeks - Brewers
15. Placido Polanco - Phillies
16. Clint Barmes - Rockies
17. Freddy Sanchez - Giants
18. Alberto Callaspo - Royals
19. Akinori Iwamura - Pirates
20. Martin Prado - Braves
The Elite:
Chase Utley - Utley is the best option at 2nd base for fantasy. Despite his average dropping to .282 this season, he still put up 31 homers, but came short of the 100 RBI plateau with 93.
Ian Kinsler - I know Kinsler doesn't really hit for average, but he does hit homers (31) drive runners in (86) and steal bases (31). That makes him a fantasy stud at the position.
The 2nd Tier:
Aaron Hill - Hill finally put together a complete/healthy season, and he certainly fulfilled his potential. He had a "breakout" season hitting .286, 36 homers, 108 RBI and 103 runs. That is a monster season for many positions, much less 2nd base. I have him ranked 4th at the position because he's so productive at the plate.
Dustin Pedroia - Despite having his worst offensive season in 2009, Pedroia ranks #3 on my list. You know you're good when it's a down year and your average slips to .296. He'll still hit you 15 homers and drive in 75 runs, but what really helps are the 20 stolen bases and the high on base percentage.
On the Rise:
Martin Prado - Now that the Braves got rid of Kelly Johnson, Prado finally get a full time job. He was given the bulk of playing time with a career high 128 games last season, and certainly played well enough to land the starting gig. In those 128 games he hit .307 with 11 homers and 48 RBI. I would expect much of the same this season, and is a good late round pick at the position or on the bench.
Scott Sizemore - The young two bagger is slotted in as the Tigers starting 2nd basemen to start the season. Sizemore has a good bat and decent power. I also think he's in a good situation for him to succeed. I wouldn't suggest starting him in fantasy, but he's a good end of the draft pick.
Asdrubal Cabrera - The As-man had a very good 2nd half last season and rebounded from a terrible first full season in 2008. It also helps that he's eligible at both second and shortstop. He only played 131 games last year, but if he can play 145+ games, look for him to score 100 runs, hit .290 with 10 homers and 75 RBI.
Howie Kendrick - Kendrick has never played more than 105 games (last season) in his 4 seasons in the bigs. Look for that to stop after he he posted a .358 average with 6 homers, 36 RBI and 33 runs in 48 post All Start games. He was essentially a full time starter from August on and really pounded the ball during that time.
On the Slide:
Placido Polanco - While he makes the transition to a hitters park in Philly, watch out for a continued drop in his production. He may not strike out, but he's seen his average drop from .341 in 2007 down to .285 in 2009. Average really is all he brings to the table as he doesn't have much power.
Freddy Sanchez - I've never been much of a Sanchez fan, and the fact that his production has slipped in each of the past 3 years doesn't help much. I don't like him hitting in San Fran either. Unless you get really stuck, stay away.
Luis Castillo - OK, Castillo has never been a good, much less decent, fantasy player. He doesn't hit for power or drive in runs. It seems like the Mets tried desperately to trade him during the off season and were unsuccessful. According to reports, he looks slow, so his bat speed and defense have suffered.
David Eckstein - Eckstein to me is like Old Yeller. They should just take him out back and put him down. I've never been a fan. At least the Padres were smart enough to put him at 2nd base, so fans don't have to cringe every time he has to make a throw from the normal shortstop position, much less deep in the hole.
Well, stay tuned for our stroll around the diamond with the 3rd base position on Wednesday and Shortstop on Friday.
