With first base already tiered away, let’s take some time to look at the second basemen. Second base over the past five years has been pretty stable and the top tiers have put up some solid fantasy numbers. The top two tiers are pretty established, but this could be the year that things start to change. I find this year’s young second basemen to be intriguing and I’m anxious to see if any of them can crack into the old guard.
Tier 1
1. Robinson Cano
2. Dustin Pedroia
3. Ian Kinsler
Cano and Pedroia are great players well deserving of the top spot, but who outside of the Northeast region really wants to hear the debate again. To me, Ian Kinsler is a much more interesting player to dissect. There are not many 30/30 players on the market let alone playing in the infield. Kinsler’s numbers are right up there with Pedroia and Cano but many don’t put him their class because of his average. Kinsler’s average last year (.255) was a bit disappointing but his career BABIP points to his average rising a bit next season. Kinsler’s other knock is the injury risk, but I think its well worth the risk considering the upside he has. I project Kinsler once again to be a 30/30 guy with an average of .270. Don’t forget the numerous opportunities for runs and RBI he will get in that potent Texas lineup.
Tier 2
4. Rickie Weeks
5. Dan Uggla
6. Brandon Phillips
7. Chase Utley
8. Michael Young
Tier two, once again, is filled the established players who we would expect. All have proven to be good fantasy players but some appear to be on the down slope for various reasons. The player that I find most interesting in this group is Rickie Weeks. Weeks is coming off a good year that was shortened from that horrific ankle sprain. How that ankle wasn’t broken is beyond me, but Weeks is interesting fantasy wise because he will most likely be batting 5th this season rather than his usual spot at lead off. This change in the lineup should also bring a change in his plate approach and increase his chances for collecting RBI. Heck, someone will need to pick up in Fielder’s absence, why not Weeks. Batting 5th also allows Rickie to show case his power. The guy has great natural power and plays in a park that gives up a lot of homeruns. It wouldn’t surprise me if Weeks had a 30+ HR’s and 80+ RBI season. Not bad for a guy that could fall to the 8th round and be much more predictable than Uggla.
Tier three players are one’s I will be watching closely this year. Depending on how your draft goes you can easily find a player in this tier to fill a whole in your team. If you’re looking for power, go with Espinosa. Jemile Weeks is your need for speed while Zobrist, Ackley, Kipnis and Kendrick can provide samples in each category. Dustin Ackley has grabbed most people’s attention this offseason, but I’m surprised Kipnis hasn’t been hyped more, considering he posted a line of 24/7/19/5/.272 in only 136 at bats. Kipnis has all of the tools as Ackley and the luxury of not playing at Safeco. My guess is that Kipnis’ power numbers will come down but he should be good for 10-15 HR’s and SB’s for the year and be available much later than Ackley.
