Fantasy Baseball 2012: AL-Only Third Base Rankings

Here are the 2012 LestersLegends third base rankings for AL-only leagues.

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

He was probably the top first baseman before the Prince Fielder signing. Now that he’s moving over to the hot corner, he easily tops this shallow position.

2. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

Proved that 2010 was not a fluke with 43 home runs last year. His 3B/OF eligibility is a bonus.

3. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Had a down year, but still mashed 31 HRs. His four-year average of 28.3 HRs and 100.3 RBI speaks for itself.

4. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

He was limited to 124 games last year, but still managed 32 HRs and 105 RBI. Expect big things if he can stay healthy.

5. Brett Lawrie, Toronto Blue Jays

Sparkled in his 150 at bats, hitting .293 with 26 runs, nine HRs and 25 RBI.

6. Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox

The Greek God of Walks hit just .258 with 17 HRs. He has yet to play 150 games in a season and has missed 102 games over the past two years. When he plays, he’s effective, but you’ll need a contingency plan.

7.  Michael Young, Texas Rangers

The dude doesn’t age or slow down. You’re not going to get home runs from him, but expect a .300-plus average and a solid number of runs and RBI.

8.  Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

It’s hard not to consider A-Rod a top-10 third base option (mixed leagues), but he will turn 37 and hit just 16 home runs in 99 games. Plus, he was brutal during the postseason. Regression has clearly begun.

9.  Mark Reynolds, Baltimore Orioles

The average is going to be brutal (.238 lifetime hitter), but he has averaged 38.3 HRs over the past four years. Unfortunately, the stolen bases have taken a hit.

10.  Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals

He wasn’t entirely impressive, hitting .263 with a .675 OPS. He finished strong though, hitting .352 with four HRs and 12 RBI in September.

11.  Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays

He will be used primarily at designated hitter but will also get some time at both corner infield positions.

He can also provide home runs, though he doesn’t tend to drive many runs in. He hit .272 last year, but regression in that category is likely for the career .260 hitter.

12.  Danny Valencia, Minnesota Twins

He regressed from his 85-game debut in 2010 to post a .246-63-15-72-2 line. There is definite room for improvement, he’ll just need to work on his consistency.

Also check out:

• 2012 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
• 2012 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings
• Additional 2012 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Options
• 2012 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers