2012 Fantasy Baseball Additional Second Base Options

We already looked at the LestersLegends’ top 15 fantasy baseball second basemen for 2012, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t additional options if you choose to wait on filling your second base slot to address other positions. Alternatively, many leagues offer middle infield slots, which put these options on your radar.

If you are looking for power out of the second base slot, Kelly Johnson and Aaron Hill, who were ironically swapped for each other last year, can both answer the call. They aren’t without their shortcomings though.

Johnson is my preference of the two, despite hitting .222 last year. He scored 75 runs, hit 21 HRs, had 58 RBI and stole 16 bases. In 33 games with Toronto he hit .270 with 16 runs, three HRs, nine RBI, and three stolen bases. He posted a .284-93-26-71-13 line in 2010, so a return to form in his new home isn’t out of the question.

Hill posted a .246-61-8-61-21 line for the year. The change of scenery also served him well as he hit .315 with 23 runs, two HRs, 16 RBI and five stolen bases in his 33 games for Arizona. He has the power, but has now combined to hit .225 the past two seasons.

Hill’s teammate Ryan Roberts plays third base, but has second base eligibility. He posted a solid .249-86-19-65-18 line. He was up and down though and his numbers tailed off at the end of the year.

Detroit’s Ryan Raburn gives you second base, outfield and possibly third base eligibility. He had decent pop with 14 HRs in 387 at bats, but his .256-53-14-49-1 line doesn’t exactly jump out at you.

Another option that was solid at times last year was Darwin Barney. He had a terrific first half hitting .306 with 40 runs in 294 at bats for the Cubs. Unfortunately he hit a wall, and batted .238 with 26 runs in 235 second half at bats. He provides little power or speed so he’s not an ideal option.

Gordon Beckham struggled again for the White Sox posting a .230-60-10-44-5 line. He did hit 14 HRs in 378 at bats as a rookie in 2009, but has failed to meet that standard in the past two seasons.

Also check out:

• 2012 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• Additional 2012 Fantasy Baseball First Base Options