Here are the detailed player rankings for the second basemen. Growing in depth over the past few years, second base is now much more talent-laden than third or shortstop.
1) Chase Utley- Missed time with an injury last season, but was still producing at his ever-reliable rate. If his ground ball percentage spike and his fly ball percentage drop continue into this season, his power might dip. However, that’s the only chink in this armor.
2) Robinson Cano- Back to back incredibly consistent seasons, both producing great numbers. Has one of the most stable skill sets in baseball now, and the only place he falls short of Utley is in SB. Can’t go wrong here.
3) Dustin Pedroia- or D-Piddy as I like to call him. (I know, one day it WILL stick), had an otherwise solid season shortened thanks to a fractured foot. Look for him to return to form this season, especially in the revamped Red Sox lineup.
4) Ian Kinsler- We all know what he can do when he is healthy, question is, will he stay healthy? If you’re betting on yes, draft with full confidence as the skill set is still in full bloom.
5) Brandon Phillips- It’s clear now that his monster 2007 was more of an aberration than anything else, and I am concerned with his four year home run to fly ball ratio trend, along with his alarming rate at which he hit ground balls last year. Power might be slipping away.
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6) Rickie Weeks- Was a monster in 2010, and finally flashed the potential we all had been waiting for. Again, staying healthy will be his biggest obstacle, and if he continues to his so many ground balls, it will be hard for him to maintain an average over .270.
7) Dan Uggla- Monster season across the board was a consequence of an inflated batting average. That average will drop back to previous levels this year, and naturally the runs and RBI’s should follow. Regardless, you cannot deny the sheer power. Just don’t draft him with Adam Dunn.
8) Ben Zobrist- Statistically an off year, but by further investigation, Zobrist was one of the more unluckiest players in the league last year. A terrible BABIP should correct, and his BA will resurface. Combine that with a correction in his HR/FB%, and you’re looking at a perfect buy low candidate, ladies and gentleman.
9) Martin Prado- He doesn’t do anything spectacular across the board, yet he doesn’t hurt you anywhere either. And depending on your league, he normally comes with added positional eligibility.
10) Kelly Johnson- Went from being one of the unluckiest players in 2009 to one of the luckiest in 2010. Two incredible contrasts in stat lines. I’m projecting something in the middle of the two for 2011.
Check out the rest of the second base rankings at MSF Fantasy Sports.
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Statistics provided courtesy of FanGraphs
