Fantasy Impact: Second Base

Second base has become a very deep position, possibly the deepest in the sport. There is more firepower at the top of the first base rankings, but you can get decent production from second base much farther down the list. I mean a guy like Clint Barmes, who hit 23 HR's, stole 12 bases with 76 RBI's and 69 Runs, solid 5 category production is ranked #31 in one 2010 fantasy baseball publication. If you want power, SB's, Batting Average or some combination of all categories, you can find it at the second base position, and you can find it late in the draft or even on the FA market even in 15 or even 20 team leagues. Here is my ranking:

1. Chase Utley- Little comment necessary.

2. Ian Kinsler- His BA fell off to .251 last year, but should bounce back. Elite production in all other categories.

3. Brian Roberts- Reliably great production in BA, SB's and Runs. Adequate in RBI's and HR's.

4. Dustin Pedroia- Was down a tick last year and still gave 5 category production.

5. Ben Zobrist- The MVP of baseball last year by WAR(Wins Above Replacement). That's helped alot by his defense, but a .948 OPS ain't too shabby. He'll be the full time 2B for TB after the Iwamura trade.

6. Brandon Phillips- reliable 5 category production with breakout potential.

7. Robinson Cano- Recovered nicely from a down year in 2008 and should continue to get better. Can't beat the park or lineup he plays in either.

8. Aaron Hill- Broke out last year after in injury in 2008. Should continue to produce if he stays healthy.

9. Asdrubal Cabrera- Career on the upward trajectory. Becoming a 5 category threat.

10. Dan Uggla- Won't give you much in SB's or BA, but his combination of plate discipline and power give you great production in Runs, HR's and RBI's.

11. Jose Lopez- Power increasing every year. Posted 25 HR's last year. Willl probably eventually move off 2B, but still has eligibility for 2010.

12. Howie Kendrick- Got sent down to the minors at one point last year, but came back strong to finish in double digits for HR's and SB's with a .291 BA. My breakout candidate for 2B in 2010.

13. Martin Prado- Should be the starting 2B for Atlanta all season. Reliable for BA and decent power. Everything else plays off that.

14. Clint Barmes- Should be the starting 2B for Colorado. The BA is shaky, but with 20+ HR's and double digit SB's he's a decent late round or FA pickup.

15. Ian Stewart- Will be Colorado's starting 3B, but should still have 2B eligibility. Has 30+ HR potential, but the BA is scary.

Honorable mention: Placido Polanco, Felipe Lopez, Skip Schumacher, Chris Gets, Orlando Hudson, Akinori Iwamura, Kaz Matsui, Rickie Weeks, Luis Castillo, Alberto Callaspo, Casey McGehee, Kelly Johnson, Freddy Sanchez.

Don't be afraid to wait on drafting a second baseman until the very end of the draft. There will still be quality there as well as on the FA market after the season starts.