2009 Fantasy Baseball Preview: Second Basemen

It seems that in every generation there's a unique second baseman that jumps to the forefront of the position for a decade.

Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg, and Robbie Alomar were great offensive and defensive middle infielders. Jeff Kent has been the best offensive second baseman of the ten years.

Now it appears the torch has been passed to Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox.

As rare as it is in the world of power-hitting giants for a little guy to be a big name, Pedroia silenced everyone by winning the Most Valuable Player Award in the AL in 2008.

But, other than Pedroia, who else is out there when puttng together your fantasy roster? Let's take a look at nine other names you should know.

10. Kelly Johnson, Atlanta Braves

Johnson's name showed up in a handful of trade rumors this winter, with either him moving positions or cities. But, as we're on the brink of spring workouts beginning, he's still the second baseman in Atlanta.

A full season without Mark Teixiera might impact his numbers, but that could be offset by the arrival of Yuniel Escobar at short.

2009 Projections:
.285 avg
85 runs
17 home runs
75 runs batted in
15 stolen bases
.345 on-base percentage

9. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

I can guarantee you one of two things will happen in 2009: Cano will return to his All Star form, or he won't be a Yankee on August 1st.

With the additions of Mark Teixiera, CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, the Yankees have reloaded everything but their checking account this winter. Cano should benefit and bounce back nicely.

2009 Projections:
.295 avg
90 runs
19 home runs
85 runs batted in
3 stolen bases
.345 on-base percentage

8. Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles

Roberts is a legit leadoff man who led second basemen in stolen bases last year with 40. The wild card for Roberts is where he'll be after the trade deadline. He's in the final year of his contract and, at age 31, should have a line of teams begging for his services in June and July.

The projections below could dramatically change if he's dealt to a contender (Chicago Cubs? anyone not heard that rumor this week?) in the middle of the season.

2009 Projections:
.295 avg
105 runs
10 home runs
59 runs batted in
45 stolen bases
.380 on-base percentage

7. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox

Ramirez might have run away with the Rookie of the Year Award in the AL last year if Tampa didn't need a third baseman. He played shortstop in Cuba in 2007, center field in Spring Training, and second base after starting the year on the bench.

He might be the starting shortstop for the Sox in 2009, but he'll be eligible at second because it was his primary position last year. Because of his ability to start at multiple positions he'll have added value.

2009 Projections:
.295 avg
80 runs
28 home runs
90 runs batted in
25 stolen bases
.310 on-base percentage

6. Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners

Here's one of the biggest sleepers in fantasy baseball for 2009. Lopez was a ghost on a miserable Seattle team last year that, while nobody was watching, put up solid numbers.

In 2009, he should grow on his success from last year. Watch for a potential All Star Game appearance from Lopez this year.

2009 Projections
.305 avg
85 runs
24 home runs
100 runs batted in
3 stolen bases
.320 on-base percentage

5. Mark DeRosa, Cleveland Indians

(tears from a Cubs fan)

DeRosa was as good an offensive second baseman as there was outside of Philadelphia last year for the Cubs. He also spent time in the outfield and at third base, where he'll start the season for the Indians.

If DeRosa hits second in between Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez, Travis Haffner and Kelly Shoppach, he could have a monster year. His ability to play multiple positions enhances his fantasy value as well.

2009 Projections:
.290 avg
115 runs
27 home runs
80 runs batted in
3 stolen bases
.385 on-base percentage

4. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds

Phillips finds himself as the elder statesman on an exciting, young team. With him finding a place to bat between the likes of Jay Bruce, Edwin Encarnacion, and Joey Votto, Phillips should see his numbers bounce back from a tumultuous 2008.

2009 Projections:
.285 avg
105 runs
29 home runs
88 runs batted in
28 stolen bases
.328 on-base percentage

3. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

Kinsler disappeared into the shadow of Josh Hamilton's legend in 2008, but was quietly racked up the second best batting average among qualifying second basemen (.319).

After the departure of Milton Bradley to free agency, Kinsler's role looks to evolve in many of the same ways Michael Young's has in Texas. He should be a solid fantasy option at second base for years.

2009 Projections:
.305 avg
115 runs
20 home runs
75 runs batted in
30 stolen bases
.385 on-base percentage

2. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Philles*

The big question with Utley, and why his name carries an asterisk, is his playing time in 2009. He had hip surgery after becoming a World Champion and, though Charlie Manuel says Opening Day should, he should see more days off in 2009.

2009 Projections:
.285 avg
90 runs
25 home runs
90 runs batted in
5 stolen bases
.395 on-base percentage

1. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

I've already made Yankees' fans mad and bored everyone else with the love for this guy on the opening slide.

2009 Projections:
.320 avg
110 runs
14 home runs
74 runs batted in
24 stolen bases
.390 on-base percentage