Fantasy Baseball 2012: 2nd Base Rankings

This is the next installment of my 2012 fantasy baseball rankings series. The next position that will be ranked is second base.

This slideshow will include my projected top 20 fantasy second basemen, and projected stats will be listed for each player.

Second base has a little more depth than usual but once the good players are gone there's a major drop-off, so it would still be wise to grab one relatively early.

Let me know what you think in the comment section, and you can read my catcher and first basemen rankings.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1083138-2012-fantasy-baseball-catcher-rankings

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1084862-2012-fantasy-baseball-first-base-rankings

1. Robinson Cano, Yankees

Cano is the unquestioned top second baseman for fantasy baseball. He's an excellent hitter with power and hits in a stacked Yankees lineup.

Cano can be counted on for a .300 average and 100 RBIs, and he could possibly reach the 30-homer plateau.

Don't be afraid to use a first-round pick on Cano. He will continue to play like an MVP candidate.

Projected Stats:

.308, 103 R, 27 HR, 113 RBI, 7 SB

2. Ian Kinsler, Rangers

Kinsler managed to stay healthy for the whole season last year and had arguably the best season of his career.

Kinsler isn't showing any signs of injury, so he should be able to have another healthy and productive season for the Rangers.

His average isn't spectacular but he can hit lots of home runs, and he's capable of stealing 30 bases. 

Projected Stats:

.269, 109 R, 28 HR, 84 RBI, 24 SB

3. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

Pedroia had his best season ever with a career-high 21 home runs and 91 RBIs, and he also stole 26 bags.

His power stroke makes him worth a second-round pick, and hitting in the Red Sox lineup should help his numbers stay up.

Projected Stats:

.297, 100 R, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 20 SB

4. Ben Zobrist, Rays

Zobrist had a great rebound season last year and should do well this season with the Rays lineup improving.

Zobrist just missed the 20-20 club last season, but look for him to join it this season.

He will make a great value pick too since he is normally drafted a couple of rounds after Kinsler and Pedroia.

Projected Stats:

.277, 94 R, 21 HR, 86 RBI, 20 SB

5. Brandon Phillips, Reds

Phillips is a consistent second baseman and has excellent durability.

He should continue his production in a loaded Reds lineup, and he can hit for average. His stolen bases are a plus too.

Projected Stats:

.282, 91 R, 19 HR, 86 RBI, 13 SB

6. Dan Uggla, Braves

Uggla had a sluggish start last season before he tore it up with a 33-game hitting streak.

He doesn't hit for average, but he can hit lots of home runs and should improve his hitting with the Braves lineup emerging.

Projected Stats:

.259, 92 R, 33 HR, 90 RBI, 2 SB

7. Rickie Weeks, Brewers

Weeks won't have Prince Fielder hitting around him anymore, but he's still a good power source.

He can also steal bases, but his average is never a strength. He's also an injury risk if you draft him.

Projected Stats:

.266, 84 R, 22 HR, 71 RBI, 10 SB

8. Kelly Johnson, Blue Jays

Johnson will never be ranked this high on people's fantasy boards, but his pop makes him a great value pick.

His average can only go up from last year, and hitting in the Blue Jays lineup will give him plenty of run producing opportunities. He can steal plenty of bases too.

Drafting Johnson is low-risk and could be high-reward.

Projected Stats:

.262, 79 R, 21 HR, 70 RBI, 15 SB

9. Howie Kendrick, Angels

Kendrick had a power boost last season, hitting 18 home runs. That stat is unlikely to be repeated, but Kendrick is still a solid option at second base.

He can hit for average, and Pujols joining the Angels may give him more RBI opportunities. He can get double-digit steals too.

Projected Stats:

.283, 80 R, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 13 SB

10. Chase Utley, Phillies

Utley will never be an elite second baseman again. His injuries and aging have led to his decline.

He's still a serviceable fantasy player though, and if he can stay healthy, he will still be able to post solid numbers.

Projected Stats:

.273, 68 R, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 14 SB

11. Danny Espinosa, Nationals

Espinosa is an underrated player and fantasy option. He hit 21 home runs and had 17 stolen bases last year.

He will continue to hit for power and steal plenty of bases, although his average is a liability. If he can improve his plate discipline, he will become an even more dangerous hitter.

Projected Stats:

.247, 75 R, 20 HR, 71 RBI, 15 SB

12. Neil Walker, Pirates

Walker is a solid run producer, and the Pirates lineup is getting even better.

He's consistent and may get more RBI opportunities. Consider him a good sleeper pick.

Projected Stats:

.276, 75 R, 15 HR, 79 RBI, 7 SB

13. Dustin Ackley, Mariners

Ackley looked very promising in his debut, and it looks like he will live up to his hype. 

He won't be an elite second baseman just yet, but he will still post respectable numbers, and he's a must-have in keeper leagues.

Projected Stats:

.272, 73 R, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 12 SB

14. Jason Kipnis, Indians

Kipnis had a great debut and is a sleeper for his upside.

The Indians lineup is improving, and Kipnis has plenty of pop and speed. He had a hamstring injury last year, but it shouldn't affect him going forward.

Projected Stats:

.275, 74 R, 14 HR, 70 RBI, 16 SB

15. Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks

Hill had a strong finish with the Diamondbacks last season and will benefit from hitting at Chase Field, and the Diamondbacks lineup is stacked.

Hill will never hit 36 home runs again, but he still has plenty of pop to qualify as a serviceable fantasy option.

Projected Stats:

.250, 68 R, 17 HR, 69 RBI, 14 SB

16. Marco Scutaro, Rockies

Scutaro will be hitting in a stacked Rockies lineup.

Scutaro has a great contact rate and will have solid numbers in a hitter-friendly Coors Field. He will make a solid backup.

Projected Stats:

.287, 85 R, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 8 SB

17. Gordon Beckham, White Sox

Beckham has continued to be a disappointment, and the White Sox lineup struggled last season.

Adam Dunn and Alex Rios can only improve from last season though, so Beckham should get more help around him and improve his numbers.

Projected Stats:

.263, 62 R, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 7 SB

18. Daniel Murphy, Mets

Murphy was on his way to a breakout season until a knee injury cut it short. He can hit for average and has multiple positions of eligibility.

He won't likely hit .320 but his average will still be a strength for his owners.

Projected Stats:

.288, 61 R, 11 HR, 61 RBI, 5 SB

19. Jose Altuve, Astros

Altuve has blazing speed but will need to become a better contact hitter.

His base stealing ability puts him this high, and his average is pretty good too, but his power is thin.

Projected Stats:

.282, 65 R, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 31 SB

20. Jemile Weeks, A's

Weeks had a solid rookie year and is always a threat to steal.

His speed will help him score runs and his average is good too, but he will need to take more walks to stay in the leadoff position. 

Projected Stats:

.284, 58 R, 3 HR, 43 RBI, 27 SB