Fantasy Baseball 2011 Rankings: David Wright and The Top 10 Third Basemen

David Wright will set the tone for third basemen during the 2011 Fantasy Baseball season, but he'll have some competition for the top spot from Alex Rodriguez, Evan Longoria and Ryan Zimmerman.

The biggest story to watch is Jose Bautista. Can he repeat his Major League leading 54 home runs from 2010?

If he shows that last year wasn't a fluke, he'll vault into the ranks of the other "elite" third basemen.

Kevin Youkilis is also an interesting option. He played first base for most of last season, but will move to third base to make room for Adrian Gonzalez. That adds some much-needed depth to the third base position in fantasy baseball.

Though it's a pretty thin position aside from the top five, there are still some decent options to be had in later rounds.

Here are the top 10 third basemen for the 2011 Fantasy Baseball season.

10. Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 20: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants reacts during an at-bat against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Four of the NLCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at AT&T Park on October 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Ph

Kung Fu Panda had a down year in 2010, hitting only .268 with 13 home runs and 63 RBI.

That marked a significant step back from his 2009 numbers: .330, 25 home runs, 90 RBI.

Look for him to return more to his 2009 self this season, proving that 2010 was just a fluke.

9. Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates

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PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 03: Pedro Alvarez #17 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws to first base during the game against the Cincinnati Reds on August 3, 2010 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Alvarez will be the lone bright spot in Pittsburgh this season.

But, that's better than recent seasons, when there have been no bright spots in Pittsburgh.

Alvarez had 16 home runs and 64 RBI in only 95 games last season.

Look for him to continue his development and finish with around 25 home runs and 100 RBI in 2011.

8. Mark Reynolds, Baltimore Orioles

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PHOENIX - SEPTEMBER 24: Mark Reynolds #27 of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on September 24, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Mark Reynolds is what he is.

He's a guy who's going to hit 30 home runs with a .200 batting average.

As long as you can withstand his horrendous average, he can provide a ton of power to your roster.

7. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 15: Adrian Beltre #29 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 15, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Beltre would be ranked higher, except he doesn't perform well unless he's in a contract year.

With a cushy new deal from the Rangers, his motivation and production will probably drop off for a couple years.

If you can live with a .265/25/75 line, then Beltre is a good option for later rounds in the draft.

Make sure you aren't the one who drafts him five rounds too early, and thank me later.

6. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

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SEATTLE - JULY 23: Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Boston Red Sox fields a ground ball by Milton Bradley of the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on July 23, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Youkilis might not qualify for third base right away in your league, but he will by the end of the first month of the season, barring injury.

He had some problems with injuries in 2010, missing 60 games.

He was still able to hit 19 home runs and drive in 64 runs to go along with a .307 average.

Expect even more in 2011.

5. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

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TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 22: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays gets a hit during a game against the Seattle Mariners on September 22, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Matthew Manor/Getty Images)

Bautista mashed 54 home runs in 2010 to lead the Major Leagues.

With a previous career high of 16, it's reasonable to wonder if last year was a fluke.

So, if he can even hit 30 home runs in 2011, he's worth a spot on your roster.

Just keep in mind he won't hit for a high average and will only drive in as many runs as the depleted Blue Jays lineup will allow.

4. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

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ATLANTA - JUNE 28: Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on June 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Zimmerman had a down year by his standards in 2010, hitting .307 with 25 home runs and 85 RBI.

He should rebound this year personally, but the team will probably struggle in the absence of Adam Dunn.

It will be interesting to see how well Zimmerman handles being the focal point of the Nationals' offense with Jayson Werth protecting him.

3. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees hits a ground rule double in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers in Game Five of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 20, 2010 in the Bro

Everyone loves to hate on A-Rod.

But, the fact is that he's an elite fantasy third baseman.

He'll hit above .280 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI every season.

All I know is that I'd find a spot for those numbers on my team.

2. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs after hitting a two run homerun against the Texas Rangers in the 5th inning during game 4 of the ALDS at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Phot

Longoria's power numbers went down in 2010.

He hit only 22 home runs last year after hitting 33 in 2009.

With Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena gone, it will be interesting to see how much his numbers drop in 2011, or if they drop at all.

1. David Wright, New York Mets

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Third baseman David Wright #5 of the New York Mets throws to first base during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 25, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets won 5-2. (Photo by Hun

The Mets have been disappointments the last two seasons.

Wright has been a large part of that by not producing the way everyone knows he can produce.

2011 could be the year the Mets put all the talent together and make a run at a wild card spot once again.

If so, they'll need Wright to post big numbers.

I like his chances to get back on track and back to his .300/30/100+ ways.