Top 25 Second Basemen
2012 Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings – Top 25 Second Basemen
A few years back, Chase Utley would have been an early-round draft pick, but nowadays there are new names emerging as the top 2b fantasy baseball players
1. Robinson Cano .310 BA, 29 HR, 107 RBI – He has become the most consistent producer in one of the best offenses in the game. He doesn’t steal many bases but his power numbers make him the obvious no. 1 second baseman in the league.
2. Dustin Pedroia .304 BA, 20 HR, 90 RBI – Pedroia racked up the runs, stole a career-high 26 bags and ranked second at the position in OPS (.861). While he has the stolen bases that Cano doesn’t, his power is not that of Cano, keeping him a step behind Cano in the rankings.
3. Ian Kinsler .270 BA, 25 HR, 86 RBI – Ian Kinsler hit the 30-30 plateau for the second time in his career in 2011. He’s got the power not many second baseman have but his low average last season (.255) keeps him at no. 3.
4. Dan Uggla .243 BA, 31 HR, 82 RBI – A rough stretch last season hurt his totals but the fact of the matter is Uggla will still deliver runs, home runs and RBIs.
5. Brandon Phillips .281 BA, 18 HR, 77 RBI – Phillips has been a solid fantasy performer since joining the Reds in 2006. Expect much of the same from one of the most durable players at the position.
6. Rickie Weeks .276 BA, 22 HR, 75 RBI – When healthy he produces with the best of them but he has missed considerable time in four of the past five seasons. He’s one of the better options but you’ll want a backup plan.
7. Ben Zobrist .266 BA, 18 HR, 82 RBI – He’s a double-digit homer and a steal guy who is solid in all other categories.
8. Chase Utley .265 BA, 15 HR, 66 RBI – After four great seasons (2005-2009) injuries in the last two seasons hurt his value. If he can stay healthy he’s good for 90 runs, 20 homers, 90 RBI and 20 stolen bases.
9. Neil Walker .278 BA, 14 HR, 72 RBI – He’s entering his prime in an improving lineup. He won’t be a major run producer, but he’s definitely worth a starter position.
10. Howard Kendrick .277 BA, 16 HR, 69 RBI – See Albert Pujols…You can’t go wrong with Kendrick when you need your second baseman later in the draft.
11. Jemile Weeks .293 BA, 5 HR, 56 RBI – Weeks is the catalyst for the Oakland A’s offense. He lacks power but takes care of everything else you would need from your second baseman.
12. Dustin Ackley .278 BA, 15 HR, 61 RBI – Bank on a solid growth year on the Mariners’ top prospect. He’s got all the tools to find himself in the top 10 by the end of the year, the only problem is the Mariners don’t offer him much.
13. Danny Espinosa .243 BA, 18 HR, 63 RBI – Espinosa showed flashes of being a star in 2011. He’s not far from becoming a 25-25 guy.
14. Aaron Hill .252 BA, 14 HR, 61 RBI – He turned it on after being traded to Arizona late in the season. His 21 stolen bases were nearly half of his career totals after playing seven seasons.
15. Jason Kipnis .272 BA, 14 HR, 58 RBI – Good upside here for a young middle infielder in a young developing lineup.
16. Daniel Murphy .290 BA, 8 HR, 53 RBI – His additional eligibility gives you something to work with down the road as injuries to your starters occur.
17. Kelly Johnson .235 BA, 19 HR, 62 RBI – He’s one of the streakier batters at the positions but his bat is stronger than most second baseman. He is definitely worth the late selection.
18. Ryan Raburn .258 BA, 16 HR, 50 RBI – Raburn should get the chance to play the majority of second base for the Tigers this season. He has above average power for a second baseman, but does strikeout a lot without hitting for a good average.
19. Gordon Beckham .245 BA, 12 HR, 48 RBI – He’s capable of decent numbers across the board but hasn’t been able to prove that so far in his career.
20. Johnny Giavotella .252 BA, 7 HR, 46 RBI – The 24-year-old will have every chance to succeed in Kansas City. Keep an eye on him.
Honorable Mentions for 2B – Alexi Casilla, Jose Altuve, Mark Ellis, Freddy Sanchez, Darwin Barney, Orlando Hudson