MLB Top Five of 2009: Second Base

Second base is probably the most overlooked of all the infield positions.

Traditionally, the second baseman has never had the power of a first or third baseman, nor the athleticism of a shortstop, despite there being a decent amount of second baseman in the Hall of Fame.

However, during the late 20th and early 21st century, baseball has seen a bit of a change in the role of the second baseman. Whereas second base used to be an afterthought in a team's offense, in many cases, the second baseman is now the offense, as well as a leader.

5. Robinson Cano—New York Yankees

The Yankees saw a bit of a regression from Cano in 2008.

The slugging second baseman experienced a noticeable drop in every major offensive statistic. He batted just .271 this past season after batting .306 and .342 for the two years prior.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, Cano's defense, which has always been average-at-best, stayed about the same.

Robinson sported a .984 overall fielding percentage for the third year in a row, while once again demonstrating that he has limited range to his right side.

By the end of the year, the struggles that Cano brought with him onto the baseball field had many Yankee fans calling for the young second baseman's head. This coming after the Yankees had failed to make the postseason for the first time in 14 years.

However, if Cano once again reveals his huge upside in 2009, he should have no problem redeeming himself in the land of the Evil Empire.

It should be noted that, had the Yankees not signed free agent Mark Teixeira in late December, Cano would probably have been slated to be the Yankees' number three hitter in the lineup, which should really give those who follow the game a clue as to how good this guy can really be.

After an offseason of winter-ball and extensive work with Yankee hitting coach Kevin Long, Cano should return to form in the upcoming season. He just has too much talent for anyone to believe otherwise.

Projected Stats for 2009: .305 BA, 18 HR, 88 RBI, .360 OBP

4. Brandon Phillips—Cincinnati Reds

Phillips seems to be a rare bright spot on a team that really has had a hard time staying relevant ever since its glory days as the Big Red Machine.

With sluggers Ken Griffey, Jr. and Adam Dunn departing via trade in 2008, it appears Phillips is slated to be the power man in Cincinnati's lineup for the upcoming season.

In addition, on a team full of youngsters, Phillips, at 27 years old, will most certainly be called upon to take on more of a leadership role in 2009.

If that is the case, then there certainly are few better players to try to emulate if you are a rookie breaking into the big leagues.

Phillips is an offensive threat in many aspects of the game. He hits for power, having hit 21 HR in 2008. and is a threat to go any time he is on base, having notched 23 steals last season.

His patience at the plate has slightly improved over the past few seasons. And, like Cano, even though there was a bit of a decline in offensive numbers from Phillips in 2008, 2009 is a new year.

Projected Stats for 2009: .280 BA, 26 HR, 84 RBI, .338 OBP

3. Ian Kinsler—Texas Rangers

After having season-ending surgery on a sports hernia in mid-August of the 2008 season, Ian Kinsler has announced that he is "ready to go" in 2009.

Since joining the league in 2006, Kinsler has emerged as one of Major League Baseball's elite second baseman.

During his first three years with the Texas Rangers, he has shown his ability to hit for power and average, while also having a knack for stealing bases—swiping 26 during his shortened 2008 campaign.

Elected to the American League All-Star Team for the first time in his career in 2008, Kinsler was beginning to receive serious consideration for the American League MVP Award before his injury, and deservedly so.

Even though he did not play a full season, Kinsler ended 2008 fourth in the American League for batting average (.319), eighth in runs (102), and tenth in stolen bases.

Assuming that Kinsler stays healthy for close to 162 game this year, there should be no reason to believe that he will not have his best season yet in 2009.

Projected Stats for 2009: .324 BA, 22 HR, 88 RBI, .380 OBP

2. Dustin Pedroia—Boston Red Sox

Dustin Pedroia showed the baseball world just what he is capable of doing in 2008—earning his first American League MVP Award after only his second full season in the major leagues.

While he posted a line of 17 home runs, 83 runs batted in, a .326 batting average, and 20 steals, much controversy surrounded the decision to select Pedroia as the MVP.

Some are quick to point to his intangibles as a key to his winning the award, while others claim that qualities such as leadership and heart should not be taken into account when considering who should receive the MVP.

However, there is no denying what Pedroia did for the Red Sox this past season. Dustin and teammate Kevin Youkilis picked up a team filled with question marks and controversy in 2008, and led it to within a game of the World Series.

Through the struggles of David Ortiz to the injuries of star players such as Mike Lowell and Julio Lugo, and, of course, through the Manny Ramirez incident, Pedroia remained a constant in the Sox lineup.

He even batted cleanup on a few occasions in the wake of Manny Ramirez's departure.

In short, he was always there when the Red Sox needed him.

With his young career barely in full swing, Pedroia's baseball skills, as well as his personality skills, should keep him a star in Boston for years to come.

Projected Stats for 2009: .330 BA, 20 HR, 86 RBI, .385 OBP

1. Chase Utley—Philadelphia Phillies

Does anyone have it better than Chase Utley?

A World Series ring, three consecutive All-Star appearances, three consecutive Silver Slugger Awards, loved by women from all around Philadelphia—yup. Life is good if you are Chase Utley these days.

One of the game's most popular rising stars, Utley's recovery from hip surgery should still allow him to be the most productive second baseman in the league during 2009.

In the last four seasons, Utley has consistently put up at least 20 home runs and 100 runs batted in.

After Jeff Kent's retirement this past week, it appears that Utley is ready to carry the torch for power-hitting second baseman—breaking the stereotype that second baseman must be quick and agile to be relevant on the field.

In addition, outside of the loss of Pat Burrell to free agency and the signing of Raul Ibanez, the World Series-winning Philadelphia Phillies' lineup has barely changed since last season. This means that Utley should once again receive plenty of protection in the order, as he will most probably bat behind Jayson Werth and in front of Ryan Howard.

Projected Stats for 2009: .304 BA, 30 HR, 106 RBI, .392 OBP