We will be posting one of these articles everyday of the week until opening day…
1. Chase Utley – Clearly the best second basemen in all of baseball, Utley is a key reason why the Phillies have made it to the World Series two years in a row. Utley’s power numbers have been consistent and has increased his stolen base total to the point where he is now a five-tool player. Utley will most likely hit around .290, hit 30 home runs, drive in 100 RBIs and steal 20 bases. He should be drafted in the middle of the first round.
2. Robinson Cano – Thrived in hitting in the Yankees new stadium and being part of baseball’s strongest offense, Cano had a career year and should keep up his hot hitting in 2010. Cano will hit over .300, hit around 20 home runs and can score 100 runs himself. A good third or fourth pick, Cano’s reliable numbers will get him drafted early.
3. Brandon Phillips – Often overlooked playing on perennial losing Cincinnati, Phillips puts up quality five-tool numbers year after year. Phillips can hit. 270, 20 home runs, score 85 runs, knock in 85 RBIs and steal 20 bases. He’s not quite Chase Utley and the Reds certainly aren’t the Phillies, but he’s an above average player who will add stats across the board. Should be taken in the middle rounds at the latest, preferably earlier.
4. Dustin Pedroia – Had a slight down year and his batting average barely fell below .300, Pedroia is still the best hitter among smaller players in the game. The Red Sox lineup isn’t quite what it used to be but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Pedroia hit .315, 16 home runs, 80 RBIs and steal 20 bases for the third year in a row. Batting in front of Victor Martinez and Kevin Youkilis for an entire season should result in around 110 runs for Pedroia.
5. Ian Kinsler – His average dropped from .319 to an alarming .253 yet still managed to score over 100 runs and set career high in home runs and stolen bases with 31 each. Kinsler’s RBI totals have gone up all four years he has been in the league and he’s only 27. Kinsler might hit less home runs and hit for a higher average or vice-versa, but he’ll still be productive either way he goes.
