Fantasy Baseball: 6 Valuable Third Baseman Flying Under the Radar

Continuing my Under the Radar series, I move now to one of fantasy baseball's most productive positions: third base.

While third isn't necessarily a difficult position to fill, finding cheap free agent pickups can go a long way toward building a championship squad.

Here's a look at six of the most undervalued third baseman floating around the fantasy wires.

Chase Headley, San Diego Padres

Current Numbers: .257 AVG, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .384 OBP

Owned in 58 percent of leagues (Yahoo! Sports)

San Diego's Chase Headley won't be coming up in Silver Slugger talks any time soon, but he's still one of the most undervalued third basemen in the National League.

The No. 3 hitter in the Padres' order, Headley has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games and boasts an impressive on-base percentage, having already drawn 23 walks this season (good for second best in the MLB). 

Don't expect him to turn your entire season around, but he's worth serious consideration if you're lacking at third. With rookie first baseman Yonder Alonso heating up lower in the Padres' order, Headley's fantasy value should only continue to rise.

Chris Johnson, Houston Astros

Current Numbers: .295 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI, .331 OBP

Owned in 27 percent of leagues (Yahoo! Sports)

A 13-16 record is nothing to be proud of, but when you're the 2012 Houston Astros anything remotely close to .500 is pretty impressive.

The club's respectable start has been due in large to the solid play of several up-and-comers, including 27-year-old third baseman Chris Johnson.

After recording just seven home runs and 42 RBI in 2011 (107 games), Johnson has already racked up three home runs and 19 RBI through the his first 29 games of 2012.

Sure, he's no Evan Longoria or Miguel Cabrera, but who is? Considering Johnson is only owned in about one-fourth of fantasy leagues, he could be a bargain pickup for owners in need of a buy-low corner infielder.

Will Middlebrooks, Boston Red Sox

Current Numbers: .346 AVG, 3 HR, 9 RBI, .370 OBP

Owned in 36 percent of leagues (Yahoo! Sports)

What's the most impressive thing about rookie Will Middlebrooks' stat line? He has only played in six MLB games. 

Seriously...Will Middlebrooks has three home runs, nine RBI, 22 total bases and a stolen base in just 26 career at-bats.

While he's listed solely as a third baseman in most fantasy formats, he'll likely see most of his playing time in the outfield once Kevin Youkilis returns to the Boston lineup.

A powerful third baseman with outfield eligibility? That could be the makings of a serious fantasy weapon.

Robert Andino, Baltimore Orioles

Current Numbers: .314 AVG, 3 HR, 11 RBI, .358 OBP

Owned in 32 percent of leagues (Yahoo! Sports)

The 19-10 Baltimore Orioles have been one of the most surprising teams of the 2012 season, and Robert Andino has been one of their most surprising players.

After posting career-best numbers in 2011, the 28-year-old infielder looks to be well on his way to posting new career-bests in 2012.

He's no fantasy stud, but his consistency at the plate and ability to play multiple positions (2B, SS, 3B) could make him a viable fantasy option, especially in a utility role.

Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals

Current Numbers: .311 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .366 OBP

Owned in 75 percent of leagues (Yahoo! Sports)

Moustakas entered the 2012 season as one of the league's most highly-touted prospects, and after a slow start he's finally beginning to live up to the hype.

As part of Kansas City's solid young core, which includes studs like Alex Gordon, Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer, Moustakas is in a perfect situation to blossom into one of the MLB's most productive young stars.

He hits for average, he hits for power and he's more than deserving of a fantasy roster spot if you're lucky enough to land him.

Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves

Current Numbers: .295 AVG, 5 HR, 21 RBI, .341 OBP

Owned in 57 percent of leagues (Yahoo! Sports)

Chipper Jones is old...I get it. That said, he's also a first ballot Hall of Famer who's playing awfully well in his last hurrah. 

While I understand that he has only recorded 78 at-bats thus far this season, one look at Jones' stat line tells you everything you need to know.

If he's still available in your league, do yourself a big favor and try to forget about his age. 

I'd take that kind of production from a 95-year-old.

More Fantasy Advice...

For more fantasy baseball advice check out my earlier Under the Radar installments:

First Basemen Flying Under the Radar

Second Baseman Flying Under the Radar

Shortstops Flying Under the Radar

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