BY ROBERT SHAW
sportsnet.ca

1) Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies

A perennial MVP candidate, Chase Utley put up numbers very much in line with expectations. Perhaps the most impressive feat for Utley this season is his career high 23 swipes without a single failed attempt.

2) Aaron Hill, 2B, Blue Jays

The surprise of the season, Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill came out of nowhere to enjoy an MVP-caliber campaign. The 27-year old has doubled his previous career high in homeruns with 35 blasts while also establishing new highs with 100 runs, 105 RBI, and five stolen bases.

3) Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees

One of the most consistent Bronx Bombers, Robinson Cano has renewed his All-Star status with 25 home runs, 102 runs, 84 RBI and a sparkling .322 average. It's easy to forget that Cano holds an impressive .307 career batting clip.

4) Chone Figgins, 2B, Angels

Though he cooled off a bit in the second half of the season, Chone Figgins re-established himself as one of the premiere speedsters in the majors. The 31-year old career Angel has scored 112 runs with 42 steals and a .298 average.

5) Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles

It's easy to forget about Brian Roberts with all of the power second basemen in baseball these days, but the Orioles second baseman is as good as ever. The 31-year-old veteran established new career highs with 55 two-baggers and 78 RBI, though he is better known for his 29 steals and 106 runs scored.

6) Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers

Once again, injuries have slowed him down, yet at season's end, Ian Kinsler is a proud member of the 30-30 club with 31 homeruns and 30 steals. The only Major Leaguer to attain the feat this season, Kinsler combination of power and speed help to mask the disappointing .252 average.

7) Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox

Though Dustin Pedroia failed to enjoy a repeat MVP-caliber season, the Red Sox second baseman did plenty of good with 110 runs, 20 steals and a .295 average. After a power outage that limited him to four home runs in the first half of the season, Pedroia has responded with nine long balls after the All-Star break.

8) Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds

One of the streakiest hitters in baseball, it's difficult to call this season a disappointment for Brandon Phillips, considering his 20 blasts, 95 RBI and 25 steals, but you get the sense that he has even greater potential. The 28-year old should be entering his prime, but his best season came a few years back when he joined the elusive 30-30 club with 30 jacks and 32 steals.

9) Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays

One of the bigger surprises to make this list, Ben Zobrist was expected to play a utility role for the defending AL champs, however, the moment that Akinori Iwamura went down with a knee injury, Zobrist was called upon for an everyday role. Zobrist has responded with 25 home runs, 16 steals and a solid .289 average.

10) Marco Scutaro, 2B, Blue Jays

Talk about getting the most out of the least, Marco Scutaro lacks power and speed, and yet makes this list because he managed to get just enough in each category to be valuable. The 33-year-old journeyman established career highs across the board with 100 runs, 12 home runs, 60 RBI, 14 steals and a .282 average.

A Look Back (The Sportsnet.ca Fantasy Pre-Season 2B Rankings):

1) Ian Kinsler

2) Chase Utley

3) Dustin Pedroia

4) Brandon Phillips

5) Brian Roberts

6) Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins

Dan Uggla provided the expected power this season, but he regressed as an overall hitter. Considering his lack of speed, Uggla needs to hit at least .260 in order to be an effective fantasy player.

7) Alexei Ramirez, 2B, White Sox

The White Sox middle infielder enjoyed a fine season, however, the expectations were elevated after the 21 bombs, 13 steals and .290 average he offered in his rookie campaign. This season, Ramirez managed 15 home runs, 14 steals, while his average dipped to .278.

8) Chone Figgins

9) Howie Kendrick, 2B, Angels

An early season slump marred his season, as a demotion to the minor leagues was needed to get Kendrick back on track. While his season totals of 10 home runs, 11 steals and a .298 average are solid, a better sense of his potential can be found in his strong second half statistics, which include six home runs, 35 RBI, and a sterling .379 average.

10) Mike Aviles, 2B, Royals

The greatest disappointment on this list was last year's star rookie Mike Aviles. As the story usually goes for young Kansas City talents, Aviles was unable to follow up his previous success. A strained right forearm ended his season in May, when his average sat at .183. The only good news was that his replacement Alberto Collaspo enjoyed a breakout season.