National League Central Positional Rankings: Second Base

So here is the third part in my series breaking down the National League Central Division position-by-position.

I have ranked the starters from each team 1-6, as well as chosen who I feel is the best backup and the top up-and-coming prospect at the position.

While the first base position was stacked, second base is a different story, as there is one star player and a number of role players.

If you missed the first two in the series, I encourage you to take a look. And with that, we will get on with the rankings.

Top Prospect: Brett Lawrie, Milwaukee Brewers

2009 Stats (between Class A and Class AA)

BA: .274
OBP: .340
SLG: .436
H: 116
HR: 13
RBI: 65
Runs: 54

The 16th pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, Lawrie ended his first pro season at the Class AA level last season and seems to be on the fast track for the majors.

He is the highest-drafted Canadian position player in MLB history, and while he was drafted as a C/3B, he seems to be adjusting to second base quickly and was No. 81 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 prospects last season.

Top Backup: Mike Fontenot, Chicago Cubs

2009 Stats

BA: .236
OBP: .301
SLG: .377
H: 89
HR: 9
RBI: 43
Runs: 38

After a failed attempt as the everyday second baseman, Fontenot will return to the reserve/platoon role that he thrived in during the 2008 season, when he amassed a .305 BA, 9 HR, 40 RBI in just 243 at bats.

Last season, he posted the same amount of home runs and just three more RBI, despite recording 134 more at bats. He should still see significant action, but his niche seems to be as a reserve as opposed to an everyday player.

6. Akinori Iwamura, Pittsburgh Pirates

2009 Stats (with Tampa Bay)

BA: .290
OBP: .355
SLG: .390
H: 67
HR: 1
RBI: 22
Runs: 28

While it was not the flashiest move of the offseason by any means, the Pirates seem to have found a viable replacement for traded All-Star Freddy Sanchez in Iwamura.

While he does not justify being the team's highest-paid player, which at $4.85 million he currently is, he plays a great second base and should provide a decent average with a little pop.

5. Kaz Matsui, Houston Astros

2009 Stats

BA: .250
OBP: .302
SLG: .357
H: 119
HR: 9
RBI: 46
Runs: 56

Entering the final year of the three year, $16.5 million contract he signed back in 2008, Matsui's average dropped 43 points last season, and while he managed to stay healthy, he seems to be starting to show signs of declining.

He is still a stellar defensive second baseman, committing just six errors last season, and still provides good speed on the bases, as he was successful on 19-of-22 stolen base attempts last season, but his bat seems to be slowing.

4. Jeff Baker, Chicago Cubs

2009 Stats (between Colorado and Chicago)

BA: .288
OBP: .343
SLG: .425
H: 65
HR: 4
RBI: 24
Runs: 27

After an impressive line of .305 BA, 4 HR, 21 RBI following his July 2 trade to the Cubs, Baker has earned the starting job this year after Mike Fontenot proved to be better in a reserve role.

Baker is just a stop gap option until Starlin Castro takes over at shortstop and Ryan Theriot moves to second base, but he should give the Cubs a high average guy to perhaps fill the No. 2 spot in their lineup for the 2010 season.

3. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers

2009 Stats

BA: .272
OBP: .340
SLG: .517
H: 40
HR: 9
RBI: 24
Runs: 28

Weeks finally seemed poised for the breakout year everyone has expected last season before a torn muscle in his hand ended his season after just 37 games.

If he is going to be an impact player, he will have to do it with the bat, as he has proven to be one of the worst defensive second basemen in all of baseball.

This could be a make or break season for Weeks, because while top prospect Brett Lawrie is still just 20 years old, he was also already playing at the Class AA level last season, and could be ready by the 2011 season.

2. Skip Schumaker, St. Louis Cardinals

2009 Stats

BA: .303
OBP: .364
SLG: .393
H: 161
HR: 4
RBI: 35
Runs: 85

Good old Tony La Russa once again proved why he is among the games best minds when he moved Schumaker from center field to second base last season in order to get his bat in the lineup everyday.

He responded well, making just nine errors all season, while justifying getting everyday at bats by hitting over .300 and serving as a catalyst as the team's leadoff hitter.

1. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds

2009 Stats

BA: .276
OBP: .329
SLG: ..447
H: 161
HR: 20
RBI: 98
Runs: 78

Phillips is far and away the best second baseman in the division, and he can do it all.

He is the best power hitting second baseman this side of Chase Utley, he can steal a base, and he is a former Gold Glove winner on top of his offense.

He will be 29 when the season opens, which means he is still smack dab in the middle of his prime, and he should continue to be one of the games most productive second baseman in 2010 and beyond.