Fantasy Baseball 2008: Top Second Basemen

Catchers and First Baseman are out of the way, and now it's time to analyze, predict, and prophesize possibly the weakest position in baseball: Second Base. The position lacks depth, but it's been gaining in draft status, with a few proven stud veterans and hot prospects.

Take a look at the top 5 second baseman going into the 2008 fantasy baseball season...

1. Chase Utley

Chase Utley continues to be the top 2nd baseman in the majors. He can hit for power, hit for contact, and is even an excellent baserunner. For the third straight season, he's hit at least 100 RBI's, and hit 22 home runs in an injury-shortened season. He hit well for average, with a career best .332 in just 132 games. If he remains healthy, and that's a big if coming off a broken hand, he'll produce even better numbers. Some experts are even projecting him to be the third straight Philly to win the NL MVP award.

Projected Stats: .322 AVG, 30 HR, 108 RBIs, 120 Runs, .390 OBP, 15 SB

2. Brandon Phillips

Brandon Phillips really burst onto the scene in 2007, stunning many people with his .288 AVG, 30 HRs, 94 RBIs, and 32 SBs. He is a serious threat to have a 30-30 season for the second straight year, and at 26, he is just entering his prime. Although he does not strike out much, he is still not a very patient player, as he amassed only 35 walks the entire season. Brandon Phillips is a good player and one of the best possible pickups for a keeper league, and has serious all-star potential.

Projected Stats: .280 AVG, 34 HR, 102 RBIs, 115 Runs, .340 OBP, 37 SB

3. Robinson Cano

Robinson Cano has established himself as a catalyst on the New York Yankees, making many of the fans forget about the departure of Alfonso Soriano. His minor league coach even said that on any other team, he could be batting anywhere from leadoff to third. He hit a career best 19 Home Runs and 97 RBIs in a healthy, productive season. He is a young superstar that has a great future in front of him, and maybe even as a Yankee legend.

Projected Stats: .317 AVG, 22 HR, 106 RBIs, 105 Runs, .365 OBP, 7 SB

4. Brian Roberts

Even with all the accusations coming to the surface after Brian Robert's mention in the Mitchell Report, he is still one of the premier second baseman in the MLB. Although he is not much help to a fantasy team in the RBI department, he is a speed demon with a keen eye and bat. He broke out with 50 stolen bases, and had an above average .290 batting AVG last season. Even with all the HGH rumors and a tarnished reputation, he will put up the same aboce-average numbers as he's been doing season after season. The rumors that have been circulating about a possible trade to the Cubs could only help his numbers in a NL lineup.

Projected stats: .298 AVG, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 101 Runs, .375 OBP, 45 SB

5. Jeff Kent

Possibly the most consistent second baseman currently in the MLB, Jeff Kent came back after a sub-par 2006 season. Although he turns 40 in March, he still has the ability to hit 20+ HRs and possibly top the 100 RBI plateau. His .302 AVG of last season is close to what you can expect for the 2008 season. The only possible drawback to drafting Jeff Kent is that he may not play that many games, due to the Dodgers looking at potential younger talent.

Projected Stats: .301 AVG, 24 HR, 94 RBI, 85 Runs, .360 OBP, 2 SB

One to watch out for:   Dustin Pedroia

After a great AL Rookie of the Year season in Boston, Dustin Pedroia looks to be the permanent fixture in a second base problem that has plagued the Red Sox for years. He is more of a contact hitter than a power hitter, but Pedroia will seriously help you in the hits, doubles, and AVG department. Dustin Pedroia also gets on base a lot, so this diminuative sophomore might be a steal in many drafts.

Projected Stats: .324 AVG, 11 HR, 78 RBI, 80 Runs, .360 OBP, 12 SB