MLB Fantasy Baseball 2011: Top 10 AL Second Basemen Rankings

Ryan LesterMar 1, 2011

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Here’s an early look at the AL-only 2011 second basemen rankings.

1. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

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Cano doesn’t steal bases, but he makes up for it with his brilliant average/power combo. He’s clearly the best of the best at second base, not only in the AL, but in all of baseball.

2. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox

Pedroia missed a good chunk of time to injury last year, but is a strong bet to get back on track. The additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez only make the Red Sox stronger.

3. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers

You know what Kinsler brings to the table. He’s a terrific power/speed combo player, but has a long history of injuries. The drop-off after Kinsler is greater than in mixed leagues, so if you like to gamble, Kinsler is your guy.

4. Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays

Hill gives you plenty of power at second base. With a BABIP of just .196, he is a virtual lock to improve. Nobody can be that unlucky two years in a row.

5. Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles

Roberts was limited to 59 games last year. He’s a good bet to bounce back, thanks to the additions the O’s made on offense (Mark Reynolds, Derrek Lee, J.J. Hardy).

6. Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners

Chone led all second basemen with 42 stolen bases last year, and it wasn’t even close. He’s switching back to third base this year, which could help him return to form. The positional eligibility will be a bonus.

7. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

Zobrist hit just .238 with 10 HRs, but he still managed to score 77 runs and drive in 75 more. He has the potential to post 90+ runs, 20+HR and 90+ RBIs with multiple position eligibility.

8. Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox

Beckham regressed in 2010 posting a .252-58-9-49-4 line after a solid .270-58-14-63-7 debut in 2009. He’s expected to hit second for the White Sox, with Alex Rios, Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin hitting behind him and Juan Pierre leading off. He has huge upside.

9. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels

Don’t expect a huge season, but he could hit near .300 with double-digit HRs and SBs.

10. Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royal

Aviles has shown that he can hit around .300. He also is capable of posting double-digit HRs and SBs.

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