Fantasy Baseball's Top 20 Team Infields

The following slideshow represents fantasy's top 20 infields right now, a listing that surveys each team's infield-eligible stars before ranking the groups accordingly.

On the whole, the assignment was easier to pull off than the Top 15 Starting Rotations piece, since the best 20 candidates immediately jumped off the page. But the actual rankings process, aside from choosing the No. 1 quintet, was a difficult chore to navigate. But hey, that's the nature of the beast sometimes.

Enjoy the show!

20. Philadelphia Phillies

Let's be clear: If Ryan Howard (Achilles) and Chase Utley (knee) weren't battling substantial injuries, the Phillies would rank much higher. But since we can only deal with reality in this fantasy countdown, Philly's infield warrants emeritus standing at this point.

Sure, Jimmy Rollins (No. 7-ranked shortstop), Placido Polanco (career .301 average), 1B Ty Wigginton and catcher Carlos Ruiz are respectable assets in the short run, but this group's season-long standing will ultimately be determined by the health and production of Howard and Utley.

Whenever that may occur.

19. Minnesota Twins

Just like the Phillies, the Twins' status in this countdown is largely contingent on the success (or failure) of two players—catcher Joe Mauer (career .323 hitter) and first baseman Justin Morneau.

If Mauer and Morneau (53 HR, 229 RBI in 2008-09, his last two healthy seasons) aren't running at near-peak efficiency by May, it likely won't matter what Danny Valencia, Jamey Carroll, Alexi Casilla and Chris Parmelee (five HR, 13 RBI in Grapefruit League action) are bringing to the fantasy table.

18. St. Louis Cardinals

It's weird to label a championship ballclub as "scrappy" in fantasy circles, but that's the status of the Cardinals at this juncture after the offseason exodus of Albert Pujols to Anaheim.

Lance Berkman, one of fantasy's best 1B/OF hybrids, anchors a group of one- or two-category dynamos (Yadier Molina, David Freese) and one- or two-category factors in NL-only leagues (Tyler Greene, Daniel Descalso, Rafael Furcal).

All told, it's a good group with some room for growth.

17. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays probably deserve a higher slot than 17, but then again, we're talking about the same franchise that chooses to bat Jeff Keppinger in the 4-hole. So maybe this ranking balances out in the end.

Jokes aside, there's much to love about the Rays' infield, from 3B Evan Longoria (31 HR, 99 RBI in only 483 at-bats last year), 2B/OF Ben Zobrist (annual 20-20 threat), SS Sean Rodriguez (a former minor league monster) and Carlos Pena, the quintessential source for cheap corner-infield power.

The core just needs to bring it all together in one single season.

16. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays' No. 16 ranking isn't contingent on 3B Brett Lawrie becoming an immediate superstar this season, nor does it call for Kelly Johnson, J.P. Arencibia, Adam Lind, Yunel Escobar and Edwin Encarnacion to post career years.

But the kid gloves come off next season, when Lawrie and super-prospect Travis d'Arnaud (catcher) should be ready to take Toronto's infield to the next level.

15. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are no longer a top-five infield without Prince Fielder occupying first base, but this group still has plenty of short- and long-term potential for owners to embrace.

Second baseman Rickie Weeks (25-HR, 100-run, 10-steal threat) and Aramis Ramirez (my No. 8-ranked third baseman) are elite, bankable assets at their positions; catcher Jonathan Lucroy destroyed all comers in Cactus League play; and shortstop Alex Gonzalez (38 HR/144 RBI from 2009-10) may still have more sneaky-good power underneath that old Brew cap.

The real wild card is Mat Gamel, Fielder's heir apparent at first base and a potential gem for owners who waited forever to draft a 3B-eligible power hitter. Bottom line: If Gamel flirts with 22 homers, 75 RBI, 70 runs and a .285 average, his Round 24 draft price will be a heist by season's end.

14. Chicago White Sox

The corresponding picture of Paul Konerko (70 HR, 216 RBI from 2010-11) and shortstop Alexei Ramirez (targets: 17 HR, 73 RBI, 84 runs, 10 steals, .279 BA) paints an interesting picture of the White Sox.

Without these fantasy anchors injecting life into the group, Chicago's infield would be full of one- or two-category factors in AL-only leagues.

That's not to say A.J. Pierzynski, Brent Morel and Gordon Beckham won't rise up this season; it's just that I've grown weary of inflated expectations with Morel and Beckham—especially Beckham. As an Atlanta resident, perhaps I got sucked into too much hype during his time at the University of Georgia. Beckham has too much talent to rank behind Alexi Casilla in fantasy circles.

13. Cleveland Indians

The Indians may be the only team in this countdown with first and third base as their primary weaknesses. Three years ago, the franchise looked set at those positions with Matt LaPorta and Lonnie Chisenhall...but neither asset has truly panned out in the majors.

Cleveland is blessed with up-the-middle strength, though. Carlos Santana (a 30-90-90 candidate) is my No. 1 catcher, second baseman Jason Kipnis has five-category upside and Asdrubal Cabrera (my No. 7-ranked shortstop) tallied 25 homers, 92 RBI, 87 runs and 17 steals last year.

12. Kansas City Royals

My appreciation for the Royals' extensive youth movement has been well-documented in The Fantasy Blog, but the infield, on the whole, doesn't have the formidable depth yet to crack the top 10.

If catcher Salvador Perez (knee injury) hadn't been shelved for a few months. If Johnny Giavotella had authoritatively grabbed the second base job from his competition during spring training. If third baseman Mike Moustakas hadn't batted .240 in the spring (with 21 strikeouts), perhaps the Royals would have garnered a higher ranking. But right now, the group's greatness lies with Eric Hosmer (my No. 7 first baseman) and maybe shortstop Alcides Escobar, a special athlete who batted .318 and scored 21 runs in Cactus action.

Of course, it also doesn't help that Billy Butler has DH-only status for the time being.

11. Washington Nationals

Brick by brick, the Nationals are building a club that real-world fans and fantasy owners can mutually embrace. From an infield perspective, 1B/OF Michael Morse (31 HR, 95 RBI last year) and Ryan Zimmerman (No. 5-ranked third baseman) have the corner slots covered, and Danny Espinosa (20-20 potential) and Ian Desmond are one of the most underrated 2B-SS fantasy combos.

The key to the Nationals, though, may be catcher Wilson Ramos. The quicker he develops into a four-category force for Washington...the better this ranking should look in mid-May.

10. Atlanta Braves

In a strange way, Chipper Jones' spring training injury might have boosted the Braves into the top 10.

In need of a short-term replacement at third base, the club traded for Juan Francisco, a three-year washout with the Reds who posted stellar numbers for five seasons in the minors. Now, it remains to be seen if the 24-year-old Francisco is an MLB late bloomer or just a "4-A" player (guys who are too good for Triple-A, not good enough to flourish in the majors); but it was certainly a bold move for a franchise that must plan for life after Chipper in 2013.

The Braves are stacked at every other infield slot: Martin Prado (a five-category factor) has 3B/OF-eligibility; second baseman Dan Uggla has belted 30-plus homers for five straight seasons; rookie shortstop Tyler Pastornicky has three-category promise; first baseman Freddie Freeman is a healthy lock for 25 homers and 85 RBI; and perennial All-Star Brian McCann is no worse than baseball's No. 3 fantasy catcher.

9. San Francisco Giants

If this countdown was a 3-on-3 tournament, the Giants would probably warrant a spot in the semifinals. Those are the perks of having three homegrown potential superstars in the infield—Pablo Sandoval (No. 6-ranked third baseman), Buster Posey (No. 4 catcher) and 1B/OF Brandon Belt, perhaps the National League's next great pure hitter.

But alas, second baseman Emmanuel Burriss (15-steal upside) and shortstop Brandon Crawford (prospective .275 hitter) must be factored into the total survey; and right now, neither middle infielder is more than a one-category factor.

8. Arizona Diamondbacks

Just like the Blue Jays, the Diamondbacks are stacked with rock-solid assets at every infield position...so much that SS Stephen Drew (15-HR, 10-steal, 75-run potential, when healthy) may be the weak link of the group.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt has 30-homer upside, second baseman Aaron Hill could net 25 steals and 80 runs, catcher Miguel Montero remains a four-category dynamo and 31-year-old Ryan Roberts is blessed with 20-20 potential and 2B/3B versatility.

On the whole, a fantastic group to ring in the elite eight.

7. Cincinnati Reds

This lofty ranking assumes third baseman Scott Rolen (20 HR, 83 RBI in 2010) will log 500 at-bats and shortstop Zack Cozart will bring four-category respectability to his position right away. It also presumes that Devin Mesoraco, Cincy's No. 1 prospect, capitalizes on his 20-homer, 75-RBI, .300-batting potential sooner than later.

Other than that, there's nothing much to say...except that Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are arguably the most dynamic first base-second base combo in fantasy today. Phillips is an annual lock for 19 homers/19 steals and Votto is a reasonable bet to recapture the mojo from his 2010 season (37 HR, 113 RBI, 106 runs, .324 BA).

Next year, the Reds might crack the top five.

6. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

At first glance, the Angels' infield doesn't seem so special after discussing Albert Pujols (the No. 2-ranked player in fantasy) and 2B/OF Howie Kendrick (18 HR, 86 runs, 14 steals, .285 BA last year).

But Mark Trumbo (29 HR, 87 RBI in 2011) and Kendrys Morales (34 homers in 2009) also have first-base versatility, making it four mashers on the right side of the diamond with 20-homer potential.

After that, the Angels boast a group of respectable two- and three-category factors for AL-only leagues: Erick Aybar, Alberto Callaspo, Maicer Izturis and Chris Iannetta. The upside factor lies with Jean Segura, a homegrown shortstop who may heavily impact the parent club after June 1.

5. Miami Marlins

Forget about the wretched start to the season. The Marlins offer a blend of sneaky-good power, speed and versatility that few other infields can match.

With Hanley Ramirez (SS/3B-eligible around April 20), shortstop Jose Reyes (2011 National League batting champion), 2B Omar Infante and 2B/3B/OF Emilio Bonfiacio (40 steals last season), this is easily the fastest middle-infield quartet in baseball.

From a power standpoint, first baseman Gaby Sanchez (38 HR from 2010-11), catcher John Buck (36 HR from 2010-11) and Ramirez (annual 30-HR candidate) nicely compensate for the speed-first initiatives of Bonifacio and Reyes.

4. Boston Red Sox

Adrian Gonzalez (27 HR, 117 RBI, 108 runs, .338 BA in 2011) and Dustin Pedroia (No. 2-ranked second baseman) are not to blame for the Red Sox ranking below the Yankees and Tigers here, nor are many fingers squarely pointing at Kevin Youkilis and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (16 HR/56 RBI last year).

From a fantasy perspective, the platoon of Mike Aviles and Nick Punton simply cannot compete with the other shortstops from the top five. And that's to be expected, since the Bill James-inspired Red Sox are more concerned with OBP and UZR (a quantifiable defensive stat) than fantasy relevance.

3. New York Yankees

Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter may be in the autumn years of their storied careers, and Mark Teixeira may never hit .275 again, but the Yankees still boast one of the most explosive fantasy infields.

We'll start with alpha dog Robinson Cano, the top-ranked second baseman and an annual lock for 27 homers, 110 RBI, 100 runs and a .300 average. After that, Teixeira (111 HR from 2009-11), Jeter (a lock for 180-plus hits) and A-Rod (24-homer potential) all merit top-12-or-higher rankings at their respective positions.

Last but not least, catcher Russell Martin has the capacity for 18 homers, 65 RBI and 60 runs...but he'll need at least 400 at-bats to reach those attainable marks.

2. Detroit Tigers

Since this is a fantasy piece, the combined fielding percentages of Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Raburn or Prince Fielder have no effect on this ranking.

On the strength of only Cabrera (No. 1-ranked player in fantasy) and Fielder (116 HR/341 RBI from 2009-11), the Tigers would still warrant a top five ranking; but complementary parts like Raburn (20-homer candidate), SS Jhonny Peralta (21 HR, .299 BA last year) and Alex Avila (top 10 catcher) round out an infield corps that's slightly better than the Yankees and Red Sox.

The lesson here: It pays to spend money in all the right places.

1. Texas Rangers

Conservatively speaking, the Rangers have the No. 2-ranked catcher (Mike Napoli), No. 3 second baseman (Ian Kinsler), No. 3 or 4 third baseman (Adrian Beltre), No. 4 or 5 shortstop (Elvis Andrus) and a top 10 hybrid in first baseman/third baseman (Michael Young).

That vaunted five doesn't even include Mitch Moreland, a corner infielder with 18-homer, 85-RBI potential in the not-too-distant future.

Bottom line: Remember how the Phillies were the clear-cut No. 1 for my Top 15 Starting Rotations fantasy piece? Well, the Rangers may be a bigger lock for their top spot. It's an awesome group.