By Jeremy Tiermini
Unlike past seasons, second base is fairly deep for mixed league players. Even beyond the top players like Chase Utley and Ian Kinsler, there are productive bats that can help fuel a contending fantasy team. In fact, you’ll find as much power here as you will at shortstop or third base.
The Elite
Chase Utley is a 5-category stud and will go in the first round of every draft; he is also projected as a $45 player for auction drafts. His 2010 statistics should look like this: .300, 110 R, 32 HR, 105 RBI’s, and 18 SB. There is no doubt that he is the #1 fantasy 2B.
The “Almost” Elite
If he could ever stay healthy for a complete season Ian Kinsler could surpass Utley as the best fantasy 2B in the game. He is a 30-30 threat that could top 35 HR, IF he could only stay healthy. Draft him in the second round and count on him for 140 games, with the following: .270, 100 R, 31 HR, 82 RBI, and 30 SB.
Level Three
These five 2B form a solid group after Utley and Kinsler are off the board; if you get any one of these players you have done a nice job in filling your 2B spot. Each of them offers a slightly different skill set, so select your 2B so that his stats offset the stats of the players you draft prior to them. For example, if you selected power bats in the first two rounds then make sure your 2B has SB potential.
The Red Sox are focusing on pitching and defense this season and their line-up does not have the same power potential as it has in years past. As such, I expect Boston to use the running game more. Dustin Pedroia’s value, hitting at the top of the Sox lineup, will have another solid year and, if the Red Sox go deep in the playoffs, will merit MVP consideration again. Look for .302, 115 R, 75 RBI’s, 16-18 HR and 25 SB.
He has struggled in the playoffs for the Yankees, but Robinson Cano is a solid choice for your 2B. He will hit 5th or 6th for New York, which is a good place to be. Left field in Yankee Stadium is a nice target, so Cano could challenge the 30-HR mark. Look for .305, 94 R, 97 RBI’s, 26 HR, and 5 SB.
The Reds have a solid young nucleus and should surprise in the NL Central making Brandon Phillips a great candidate to outperform his projections. Look for .275, 83 R, 22 HR, 85 RBI’s, and 25 SB, but do not be surprised if Phillips challenges the 30-30 plateau again.
Toronto is in rebuilding mode and Aaron Hill will not sneak up on anyone this season. Expect a regression in his numbers. You will be happy with .280, 85 R, 85 RBI’s, 23 HR, and 5 SB, as long as you don’t draft him expecting his 2009 production.
Speaking of regressions, I don’t expect Ben Zobrist to repeat his 2009 production. He was much better over the first half last year and if he can’t maintain his production for the entire season, he could be one of the bigger busts, at least for those who overpay or overdraft him.
The “End” Guys
These players are at the bottom part of the rankings for a 12-team mixed league and if you draft them you will still have useful production at 2B.
Brian Roberts gets knocked down quite a few spots because of the recent news about his Spring Training back injury. Keep a close eye on him during spring games to see how much he is able to play. The Orioles are not projected to be in the playoff race so they would be wise to shut him down if this lingers into the season. Even if he does make it through the entire 2010 season his stats will suffer; expect him to slide to .280, 75 R, 55 RBI’s, 4 HR, and 15 SB. If you draft him you need to have a replacement ready to go, as Roberts might not get 300 AB’s this season.
You know him and you know what to expect from Dan Uggla. You know his BA is an anchor for your team’s BA so you need to pair him with a high average hitter. Even though the Marlins spent their money after being slapped on the wrist by MLB, don’t be surprised if Florida deals him as they fall out of the playoff race. Uggla will post .256, 88 R, 90 RBI’s, 30 HR and 4 SB.
Jose Lopez has increased his HR total two seasons in a row, but I don’t expect this trend to occur. Seattle has made some nice moves and should compete in the AL West and Lopez will contribute. Expect .272, 75 R, 86 RBI’s, 19 HR, and 3 SB. If Lopez spends the entire season at 3B and loses his 2B-eligibility, these numbers won’t impress anyone at 3B in 2011.
Draft Them Late and Hope to Cash In
If you can land these players after round 15 or 16 you have a shot to land production that will bump these players towards the single-digit rounds in 2011 drafts.
Ian Stewart has power but has not hit for average. He is also the starting 3B for the Rockies, so he should lose 2B eligibility going into 2011. In the meantime, he could be one of the bigger bargains at 2B.
Injuries can kill a fantasy season and owners need to be ready to adapt quickly. I discussed Rickie Weeks’ 2009 injury previously. If he stays healthy he can be a top-6 2B. Draft him assuming he will get 350 AB’s but, over a full season, he could put up .260, 95 R, 70 RBI’s, 24 HR, 16 SB.
Martin Prado is a fantasy asset because he has 1B / 2B / 3B eligibility. He starts 2010 as the starting 2B for the Braves; if he stays there all season look for .290, 70 R, 13 HR, 55 RBI’s, and 5 SB.
The Cleveland Indians will struggle this season, as they are in rebuilding mode and, unless your last name is Sizemore or Choo, there are not many fantasy options. Asdrubal Cabrera should surprise people this year and is a solid end-of-draft pick. In AL-only leagues or mixed leagues as MI, owners will be happy with .290, 88 R, 10 HR, 65 RBI’s and 20 SB.
