As we enter the month of February, many of us will start participating in fantasy baseball drafts over the next two months.
This is the third in a series of rankings that will take us through each position and provide an outlook on the fantasy season as it begins this 2008 season.
Let's continue getting those draft sheets ready and find those sleepers that will make your team the envy of your league.
I will break down the players into tiers to help breakup how they might be drafted in leagues, assuming you're in a 12-team league. I will also highlight players in the top four tiers and explain their rankings.
Tier 1: Rounds 1-3
Tier 2: Rounds 4-6
Tier 3: Rounds 7-10
Tier 4: Rounds 11-15
Tier 5: Rounds 15+
One note before the rankings, I will list B.J. Upton in the outfield rankings later in this series. The second base position, typically weak, presents quality this season with more than one 30-30 threat, and many others who can handle the bat with some speed.
If you wait, there are some great value picks that could be had in the middle rounds that will provide some solid numbers.
Tier 1
1. Chase Utley, PHI – 2B Age: 30
Put up another great season for a fantasy second baseman, even though he missed a month with a broken hand. No reasons to expect any drop in production; look for him to be picked in the first round and hit .305/30 HR/110 RBI/10 SBs.
2. Brandon Phillips, CIN – 2B Age: 27
Was last year a breakout for this long-time prospect's ability, or just one of those odd statistical seasons? Phillips joined the 30-30 club last season and became arguably the top fantasy second baseman. Phillips has never showed 30+ HR power before last season and still has trouble controlling the strike zone. Still expect about a 20-20 season, .275/20 HR/85 RBI/25 SBs.
Tier 2
3. Robinson Cano, NYY – 2B Age: 26
A slow start last year didn’t stop Cano from hitting .300 for a second straight season. Cano has developed into a quality hitter who will remain, in the short-term, in the lower part of the Yankee lineup. Even hitting there, expect Cano to produce, .310/20 HR/95 RBI.
4. Brian Roberts, BAL – 2B Age: 31
Roberts may never hit with as much power as he did in 2005, but Roberts still is a valuable fantasy player. Plus, leaving Baltimore will probably lead to more opportunities to score runs and drive in runs. He has developed a high stolen base percentage that has led to 50 SB last season. Look for a stat line of, .290/10 HR/65 RBI/45 SBs.
5. Ian Kinsler, TEX – 2B Age: 26
Turned in a 20-20 season even though he missed a month due to injury. Kinsler should see a rebound on his average and continue to supply solid power. Kinsler does add some speed and will hit around .275/20 HR/70 RBI/20 SBs.
Tier 3
6. Howie Kendrick, LAA – 2B Age: 25
When healthy and given the chance to play, all Kendick does is hit and hit some more. Looks to be a consistent .300 hitter, but lacks power and has not developed base-stealing abilities. He is still 25 and has room for improvement, if healthy this season look for .320/10 HR/65 RBI/15 SBs.
7. Rickie Weeks, MIL – 2B Age: 26
Every year is supposed to be his breakout season, yet it never seems to happen. There is still loads of talent here, in this still young 26-year old. He may never be a .300 hitter, but his talent should produce .270/20 HR/55 RBI/25 SBs.
8. Dan Uggla, FLA – 2B Age: 28
Had an odd statistical sophomore season, as his batting average dipped 40 points, but his increase in power made up for that and still posted a similar OPS of .810. His .245 average and high strikeout totals are scary as he could decline, but still should be around .255/25 HR/80 RBI.
9. Dustin Pedroia, BOS – 2B Age: 25
Pedroia should continue to hit at the top of the potent Boston lineup, which means lots of runs. He is also a tough out at the plate, and should keep up his .300 average. Dustin is predicted at .310/10 HR/60 RBI.
10. Jeff Kent, LAD – 2B Age: 40
Kent is now entering the tail end of a long, productive career yet has still increased his career OPS each of his last 11 seasons! His fantasy vitals, though, have been slipping, as he has not had more than 20 HR or 100 RBI since ’05. Will still produce some quality numbers and be around, .275/15 HR/80 RBI.
Tier 4
11. Placido Polanco, DET – 2B Age: 33
Polanco may never hit many home runs, but he sure can hit! Plus, batting in the Tigers lineup won’t hurt either. Look for another solid season, .310/10 HR/65 RBI.
12. Orlando Hudson, ARZ – 2B Age: 31
Appeared in his first All-Star game last summer and went on to win his third consecutive Gold Glove. Doesn’t provide top speed or power, but should contribute .285/15 HR/65 RBI/10 SBs.
13. Kelly Johnson, ATL – 2B Age: 26
Broke through as the starting second baseman for the Braves and was an igniter to their offense, scoring 91 runs in 133 games. Has potential for more HR and SB and with his plate patience, should add around 100 runs. Look for .270/15 HR/60 RBI/15 SBs.
14. Aaron Hill, TOR – 2B Age: 26
Another young second baseman that should provide value later in your draft. Hill will probably bat seventh leading, to some RBI chances, but less runs and little SBs. He will provide some power and hit near .280/15 HR/70 RBI.
15. Felipe Lopez, WAS – 2B/SS Age: 28
Has displayed top fantasy power/speed in the past few seasons for a middle infielder, but has yet to stay consistent. In ’05 he hit 23 HR and ’06 stole 44 bases! His stock has fallen with a poor performance last year, hitting .245 and nine home runs and now is likely to win a battle with Ron Belliard for the starting position in Washington. He will produce, .265/10 HR/50 RBI/25 SBs.
Tier 5
16. Freddy Sanchez ,PIT – 2B Age: 31
17. Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE – 2B Age: 23
18. Mark Ellis, OAK – 2B Age: 31
19. Kaz Matsui, HOU – 2B Age: 33
20. Jose Lopez, SEA – 2B Age: 25
21. Luis Castillo, NYM – 2B Age: 33
22. Tadahito Iguchi, SD – 2B Age: 34
Sleepers
Rickie Weeks
Should be undervalued on draft day and could pay huge dividends if this is finally his year to bust out for his 30-30 season.
Aaron Hill
At 26, could continue to develop power numbers of a good fantasy second baseman. Has the potential for a 20HR/85 RBI season.
Next Rankings: Shortstops
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