2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 7 Must-Draft Second Basemen

The fantasy baseball podcasts, draft magazines and manifestos are popping up once again, with Opening Day just months away and draft fever in the air—which means it's time for some position rankings.

Second base isn't just where you hope to get by the third date, it's also a position that has long been considered lacking depth in the world of fantasy.

This season, however, there is some quality talent at the position—don't let your league-mates trick you into thinking there hasn't been an uptick in draftable second basemen for 2012.

Here are seven second basemen you want to make sure join your roster come draft day.

Robinson Cano

New York Yankees star Robinson Cano is the unquestioned top pick at his position this season, and I don't think there can be too much opposition to that statement.

Cano plays on one of the most offensively stacked lineups in the MLB, which gives him plenty of chances to put runs and RBI on his stat line. Oh, and he's a pretty good source for home runs, too.

The six-year veteran has put together back-to-back seasons with 100-plus RBI and almost 30 dingers. Throwing out 2008, Cano has continued to progress in almost every offensive category since his rookie season. He's in the prime of his career, and fantasy managers are going to want to make sure they grab the Yankees slugger.

Ian Kinsler

The schtick with Texas Ranger Ian Kinsler is that his batting average is too brutal to bear even with his production; but all that means is you should draft a high average guy in the rounds after you grab this stud.

Coming from a Kinsler owner, I can tell you that there will be times where he'll go 0-for-4 or 2-for-5. That being said, the 0-for-4 nights aren't too troubling because you know he's got a good chance of going out the next night and getting you a couple of steals or a home run.

There aren't too many guys at second base who can give you 20-plus homers and 20-plus steals, but Kinsler is one of them. The career-long Ranger has put together double-digit outputs in both categories, every season excluding 2009.

The Arizona native has been stigmatized by fantasy baseball managers for his low batting average, and for that reason there's a good chance you can get Kinsler after the first big names at second base go off the board.

Dustin Pedroia

Boston Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia is actually very similar to his Rangers counterpart. Basically, if you're an owner who can't stand low batting averages from star players, then draft Pedroia.

While he won't beat out Kinsler in the home run or stolen base category, Pedroia blows him away in batting average, with a career .305 to his name.

The Arizona State alum has a knack for getting somewhere between 15-20 homers and around 20 steals a year, achieving this feat three of the past four seasons.

Like Kinsler and Cano, the lineup makes you feel secure drafting him, too. The Red Sox boast one of the most high-profile lineups in the league, with Adrian Gonzalez, David Ortiz and Carl Crawford to help Pedroia offensively.

Dan Uggla

Oh boy, even Ian Kinsler thought Dan Uggla had a rough year average-wise last season.

The Atlanta Braves' second baseman was easily one of the biggest disappointments leading into last year's All-Star Break, but afterwards Uggla came back with a vengeance, racking up 24 home runs from July through the rest of the season.

Look, when you draft this guy you know you're going to get hurt a little in the batting average category. Uggla's a career .258 hitter, and that isn't going to change—but when he's not doing his best Mario Mendoza impression, he's easily one of the best sources for power at his position.

Brandon Phillips

In the realm of baseball, there are a few sure things with Brandon Phillips. First: He's probably going to shoot his mouth off sometime between April and September. Second: He's going to produce somewhere as good or better than he did the last several seasons.

The Cincinnati Red doesn't come to mind right off the bat when people think of studly second basemen, but he should. Phillips has had at least 17 homers and double-digit steals every year since 2006, with at least 75 RBI in all but one season in that time frame.

The Reds' No. 4 isn't the sexiest name on the draft board, but for those who enjoy safety and sure-things when they're on the clock, just look for Phillips, Brandon.

Dustin Ackley

The big-name call-ups always deliver more sizzle than steak, but Dustin Ackley burst onto the scene when he got his call to the majors, and is a solid pick if you're looking for a starting second baseman.

Ackley hit for an impressive .273 in the bigs last season and only struck out 79 times over 333 plate appearances. His stat line of six home runs, 39 runs and six steals aren't going to blow you away, but keep in mind he is a member of the Seattle Mariners.

While I don't think the sophomore Mariner is going to go all Buster Posey in his second year, once he leaves the draft board I'm waiting on second basemen for a long, long time.

Chase Utley

With his constant trips to the disabled list, it's getting harder and harder to like Chase Utley; but you can't deny his production.

Many who took a shot on this Philadelphia Phillies star last season were rewarded with only a .259 batting average and a decent 14 stolen bases to justify their countless months of stashing him on the DL.

Utley is great when he's on the field, but the last two seasons he's only played in 218 games, which rightfully earns him the injury flag on draft day. With all that being said, I think if you're willing to roll the dice on him, he'll be available after most of the guys on this list are off the board, but he has the potential to outproduce a good amount of them.