MLB Fantasy Baseball: 2011 AL-Only Top 10 Third Basemen Rankings

Ryan LesterMar 3, 2011

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Here’s an early look at the A.L. Only 2011 Third Base rankings.

1. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Longoria’s power and speed combination make him the class of the position.

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2. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

A-Rod’s production is dropping (it should at his age), but in the Yankees’ lineup and in the homer haven that is Yankee Stadium, he remains a top-two American League third base option.

3. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

You may have to use him at the corner infield or utility slot until his gains 3B eligibility, but so what? With an offense improved by the additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, Youk has a chance to put together a pretty special season.

4. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

I am skeptical that Bautista is for real, but it’s hard to ignore 54 home runs. The outfield eligibility bolsters his value.

5. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

I’m concerned that Beltre’s groin injury could lead to a slow start, but the position thins out after Beltre. He should put up big numbers in that ballpark and lineup.

6. Mark Reynolds, Baltimore Orioles

Reynolds struggles with his average (and a high strikeout rate), but last year’s .198 was ridiculous. He was injured last year though. Better health and a change of scenery could do him good. He’s averaged 34.7 HR and 14 SB over the past three years though. At 27, he’s a good bet to bounce back.

7. Michael Young, Texas Rangers: Young is slated to hit sixth this year for the Rangers, which hurts his fantasy value. That said, Young is steady enough and the Rangers are potent enough that he should be just fine.

8. Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners

You may have to use him at 2B or MI until he gains 3B eligibility, but he’s a game-changer in the stolen bases category. Obviously, if you use him at 3B, you’ll need to get your power elsewhere.

9. Kevin Kouzmanoff, Oakland A’s

Kouz is a pretty bland choice. Power? No. Speed? No. Average? No. He has hit between 16 and 23 HR in each of the past four years with between 71 and 88 RBI. His saving grace will likely be the number of at bats he gets.

10. Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays

Encarnacion brings power to the table. Last year he hit 21 HR in 332 at-bats (15.8 AB/HR). He’s combined for just 625 AB the past two years though.

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