Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2012: Promising 2nd Basemen Worth a Gamble

Second base is a barren position for fantasy owners. The few top players, such as Robinson Cano, will go early. The rest are tossed into a pile for mid-round consideration. 

There are some in that jumbled pile who are young and full of promise, though. This potential makes them valuable additions, and they are well worth targeting in the mid-to-late rounds. 

Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners

Dustin Ackley can hit. The 24-year-old was called up last June and hit .273 with seven triples, six homers and 36 RBI in 333 at-bats. Ackley finished the season with a rough September, hitting just .219, but that should not be considered a sign of things to come.

He will get plenty of opportunities as the Mariners' regular starting second baseman, and he will produce. He is not going to add great power numbers, but could crack .300 this year, and that will lead to RBI and runs. 

Jemile Weeks, Oakland A's

Weeks isn't going to give you any power numbers, but this speedy 25-year-old has a ton of value on the basepaths. Last year, he had 22 steals and was caught 11 times.

Weeks also is a solid hitter. In 406 at-bats last year, he hit .303. Weeks needs to improve his eye, and if he does that, this is a player who could post over a .400 OBP.

This second baseman will get plenty of playing time and at-bats. He knows how to put the ball in play, and he knows how to make things happen when he reaches base. 

Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians

Kipnis impressed in his call-up duty last year. In just 136 at-bats, he hit .272 with 24 runs, seven HRs, 19 RBI and five stolen bases. 

Kipnis is one of the rare breed of second basemen with big-league pop in his bat. Given a full season to produce, this 25-year-old could easily belt 20 homers. 

He isn't all about power, either. Kipnis will get plenty of hits and is a legitimate threat to hit .300 this season. He also has the potential to steal 20-plus bases.