Fantasy Baseball 2011: Top 3 Value Picks at Second Base For Your Draft

The purpose of Value Picks is to point out some names that have not been getting the attention they deserve on draft day. The focus of this article will be finding value at a thin position, second base.

1. Dan Uggla—Currently ranked No. 34 by Yahoo Fantasy Baseball

Last Season’s Statistics:

Average	Runs	HR	RBI	SB
.287	100	33	105	4

Very impressive stat line for Uggla last year which left him at No. 18 in Yahoo’s 2010 rankings. In addition to his finish last year, he has now moved into the Braves lineup where he should thrive. Plan on a finish closer to last year’s 18 than the 34 Yahoo has tagged him with this season.

2. Kelly Johnson—Currently ranked No. 98 by Yahoo Fantasy Baseball

Last Season’s Statistics:

Average	Runs	HR	RBI	SB
.284	93	26	71	13

I think Johnson is getting a raw deal even from Yahoo. When it comes down to it, fantasy is all about offense. And the stats Johnson put up last year were very solid, especially for second base. The fact that he has his defensive liabilities, while soon to frustrate Diamondback fans on a regular basis, have not impact from a fantasy perspective as long as he keeps his job.

3. Brian Roberts—Currently ranked No. 104 by Yahoo Fantasy Baseball

Last Season’s Statistics:

Average	Runs	HR	RBI	SB
.278	28	4	15	12

Admittedly, those stats are probably deserving of a much lower ranking. However, Roberts was injured much of last season and only played in 59 games. Coming into this season healthy and with an upgraded lineup around him, it’s not unreasonable to expect a stat line more along the lines of his 2009 season:

Average	Runs	HR	RBI	SB
.283	110	16	79	30

Those numbers were strong enough to find him ranked as the 47th best player in Yahoo. Not bad for a player you will likely be able to grab as late as the 10th round of your draft.