Top 10 Fantasy Second Basemen for 2009
MLB Baseball's Best Led by Utley, Pedroia and Kinsler
Mar 26, 2009
1. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
Utley had hip surgery in the off-season, which led some to worry that he wouldn’t be available by Opening Day. The news out of spring training, however, is that Utley has recovered nicely from his injury and will be ready when the season starts. This is music to the ears of fantasy owners who are looking for a great all-around second baseman. Chase is productive (and consistent) in all key offensive categories and he hits in the middle of a potent Phillies lineup. Expect Utley to match his three-year averages of .310 BA, 29 HR, 103 RBI, 116 Runs and 13 stolen bases.
2. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
Pedroia won the American League MVP in 2008 on the strength of very strong across-the-board fantasy numbers (.326 BA, 17 HR, 83 RBI, 118 Runs, 20 SB). Now going into his third season, and hitting in a fierce lineup, Pedroia will likely top .300 (as he has in his first two seasons), approach 20 homers, score well over 100 runs and steal 20 bases. He’s a very good number two pick among second basemen.
3. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
Many fantasy baseball owners will struggle between Kinsler and Pedroia. The major difference between the two is that Kinsler is more injury prone. If he’s healthy, and plays 150-155 games, he’ll likely perform slightly better than Dustin. So, if you think Kinsler is in for a health year, then by all means take him over Pedroia.
4. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
Phillips didn't come close to the 30 home run-30 steal season he had in 2008, but his 20-20 season in 2008 certainly wasn't terrible. If he remains injury free, 25 home runs and 25 steals are likely, and don’t count out the possibility for another 30-30 season in 2009.
5. Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles
Roberts will steal between 40 and 50 bases and he will score at least 100 runs. He’ll also hit close to .300. His power numbers – Roberts has averaged 10 home runs and 56 RBI over last three seasons – are good enough considering his strength in the other three offensive categories.
6. Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins
Uggla will get 25-30 home runs, 90 RBI and 90 runs for sure, but will he hit over .260? If you think so, take him here.
7. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Prior to last season, Robinson Cano was consistently referred to as a guy who “will someday win a batting title”, which he almost did in 2007 when he hit .340. The next year, Cano was even more productive, batting .306 with 19 homers, 97 RBI and 93 runs scored. So what the hell happened in 2008, when he hit just .271 with 14 HR, 71 RBI and 72 runs scored? Well, the guy probably didn’t lose his ability to hit. More likely, he was a little out of shape and too laid back to be effective. He just wasn’t hungry. Expect him to be hungry again this year, and hit .300 with 18 home runs, 85 RBI, and 85 runs scored.
8. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
Ramirez has a lot of promise. As a rookie in 2008, Ramirez hit .290 with 21 home runs, 77 runs batted in and 65 runs scored. He also stole 13 bases. It’s only one season, but it’s one very good season. And don’t forget, his nickname is the Cuban Missile.
9. Kelly Johnson, Atlanta Braves
Johnson is a nice producer who, in his two full major league seasons, has averaged .278 with 16 home runs, 69 RBI, 88 runs scored and 10 stolen bases.
10. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels
The ability is there, but Kendrick is a big risk-potential big reward player who, if he can play in 140 games, will hit .300 with 10-12 home runs, 75 RBI, 90 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. Of course, Kendrick has never played in anything even close to 140 games. In his three-year career, Howie has averaged 84 games per year.
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