Fantasy Baseball 2012: Positional Draft Tiers—Second Base

Here's a look at the four tiers of second base prospects in 12-team mixed roto leagues. Thanks to an infusion of potential stars—Dustin Ackley, Jason Kipnis, Neil Walker, Jemile Weeks, Ryan Roberts—this position doesn't seem so anemic anymore.

Two general rules: You'll have approximately 37 picks to land one of the four elite talents; and for the love of Damaso Garcia...try to avoid Tier IV guys in mixed-league drafts:

Tier 1

• Robinson Cano, Yankees (fingers crossed for 10 steals -- a Round 1 pick)
• Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
• Ian Kinsler, Rangers (a good bet for 29 HRs/114 runs)
• Dan Uggla, Braves

Tier 2

• Brandon Phillips, Reds
• Ben Zobrist, Rays
• Rickie Weeks, Brewers
• Neil Walker, Pirates (has capacity for 15 HRs, 80 runs, .290 batting)
• Dustin Ackley, Mariners
• Jason Kipnis, Indians
• Howie Kendrick, Angels
• Danny Espinosa, Nationals
• Ryan Roberts, Diamondbacks
• Sean Rodriguez, Rays
• Michael Cuddyer, Rockies (played 17 games at this position last year; check your specific league for eligibility rules)

Tier 3

• Chase Utley, Phillies (injury concerns prompt tier drop)
• Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks
• Kelly Johnson, Blue Jays
• Gordon Beckham, White Sox
• Omar Infante, Marlins
• Jemile Weeks, Athletics
• Johnny Giavotella, Royals (a potential two-tier jumper by 2014)
• Darwin Barney, Cubs
• Justin Turner, Mets
• Jose Altuve, Astros
• Orlando Hudson, Padres
• Ryan Raburn, Tigers (has 2B/OF eligibility)
• Mark Ellis, Dodgers
• Marco Scutaro, Rockies (Colorado's starting second baseman, should have full eligibility by mid-April)

Tier 4

• Mike Aviles, Red Sox
• Freddy Sanchez, Giants
• Jack Wilson, Braves
• Chris Nelson, Rockies
• Angel Sanchez, Astros
• Wilson Valdez, Reds
• Ramon Santiago, Tigers
• Ryan Adams, Orioles
• Robert Andino, Orioles
• Jamey Carroll, Twins
• Skip Schumaker, Cardinals
• Chris Getz, Royals
• Maicer Izturis, Angels
• Jonathan Hererra, Rockies
• Aaron Miles, Dodgers
• Brian Roberts, Orioles (concussion problems and leg injuries have derailed his career)

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.