BY ROB SHAW
Sportsnet.ca
A new generation of stars has taken over the hot corner in Major League baseball. While some well-known young sensations such as Ryan Zimmerman, Evan Longoria, Miguel Cabrera and David Wright make the list, there also plenty of others who first took the step to stardom this season including Pablo Sandoval and Mark Reynolds. Here's a look at the top-10 third basemen of the 2009 season:
Top 10 2009 Third Baseman
1) MIGUEL CABRERA, 1B/3B, TIGERS
The Tigers big bopper met expectations with a stellar all-around season. Despite the poor lineup support, Cabrera managed to reach the 100-RBI plateau with 33 home runs and a sparkling .329 average. Even his six steals were a bonus, as the 26-year-old sensation is on track for enshrinement in Cooperstown.
2) MARK REYNOLDS, 3B, DIAMONDBACKS
One of the greatest surprises in baseball this season, Mark Reynolds exploded with 44 homeruns and 101 RBI. While those two statistics would have been enough to draw accolades, Reynolds also shocked the fantasy world with 24 stolen bases. Despite a declining average and a soaring strikeout total, 2009 was very much a success for the third-year sensation.
3) RYAN ZIMMERMAN, 3B, NATIONALS
Finally healthy and with some offensive support in the lineup, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman enjoyed a career season with 33 homeruns, 107 runs,and 105 RBI. One of the most consistent young stars in the game, Zimmerman does everything but steal bases.
4) EVAN LONGORIA, 3B, RAYS
At just 22-years old, Evan Longoria continued to impress in his second major-league season. The Rays slugger established career highs with 32 homeruns, 98 runs, 112 RBI, nine steals and a .279 average. Impressive totals, considering he has yet to play a full season without being hampered by injuries.
5) KEVIN YOUKILIS, 3B, RED SOX
Despite missing more than 20 games due to an array of injuries, Kevin Youkilis still put up big numbers for the Boston Red Sox. The professional hitter slammed 27 homeruns with 94 RBI and a .305 average to help make up for disappointing seasons from David Ortiz and JD Drew. Fantasy managers were even offered a surprising career high of seven steals from the burly slugger.
6) CHONE FIGGINS, 2B/3B, ANGELS
One of the premier leadoff hitters, Chone Figgins held his own in fantasy baseball compared to the sluggers. After missing 40-plus games in back-to-back seasons, Figgins played regularly for the Angels this season and responded with a career-high 114 runs as well as 42 steals and a .299 average. His ability to draw walks played a large role in his success as Figgins' 101 walks lifted his on-base percentage to .398.
7) PABLO SANDOVAL, 3B, GIANTS
The Giants have a star on its hands in the form of the Kung Fu Panda. Pablo Sandoval is one of the best young hitters in the game. After hitting .345 in the final quarter of the season last year, Sandoval is hitting a crisp .330 this season. With the average comes power, as Sandoval's 24 homeruns and 89 RBI currently leads his team.
8) ALEX RODRIGUEZ, 3B, YANKEES
With two games remaining, A-Rod stands two home runs shy of a 12th straight season with 30 or more home runs and seven RBI shy of 100-plus RBI. Of course, hip surgery played a large role in his decline this season, as he missed the first five weeks of the season. Regardless, Rodriguez's 28 dingers, 93 RBI, and even 14 steals make him one of the best hitters in baseball. He's a definite first-round pick in next year's fantasy drafts.
9) DAVID WRIGHT, 3B, METS
In a season to forget, David Wright remained the consummate professional and put in a blue-collar effort for the New York Mets. The lofty Citi Field dimensions certainly took its toll, as Wright's power was limited to just 10 bombs and 71 RBI, however, with a crisp .308 average, 27 steals, and 88 runs scored, Wright remains a top-10 third baseman.
10) MICHAEL YOUNG, 3B, RANGERS
The ultimate teammate, Michael Young switched positions for the second time in his career to accommodate the Rangers. The transition from middle infielder to the hot corner was supposed to mar his fantasy value, but instead, Young adapted to the position's responsibilities. Despite missing 25 games due to injury, Young's 22 homeruns surpassed last year's total by 10. Plus his average improved nearly 40 points to .323. At 32-year's old, Young is as valuable as ever.
Preseason Top 10 Rankings
1) DAVID WRIGHT, 3B, METS
2) MIGUEL CABRERA, 3B, TIGERS
3) ALEX RODRIGUEZ, 3B, YANKEES
4) ARAMIS RAMIREZ, 3B, CUBS
While injuries always seem to hinder Aramis Ramirez, they were particularly brutal this season. In half-a-season's worth of games, Ramirez belted 15 homeruns with 65 RBI and a .316 average. He should recoup his fantasy value by next season.
5) KEVIN YOUKILIS, 3B, RED SOX
6) EVAN LONGORIA, 3B, RAYS
7) CHIPPER JONES, 3B, BRAVES
The Braves legend finally showed his age. After back-to-back seasons of establishing career highs in batting average, Jones posted just 18 homeruns, 71 RBI, and a .264 average. At 37-year's old, it's safe to say that his best years are behind him.
8) CHRIS DAVIS, 3B, RANGERS
A horrendous start to the season marred any chance of Chris Davis sticking within the top-10 third basemen. The good news is that a visit to the minor leagues has paid dividends. In 34 games since returning, Davis has six homeruns, 25 RBI, and a .310 average.
9) CHONE FIGGINS, 2B/3B, ANGELS
10) AUBREY HUFF, 3B, TIGERS
One of the least consistent sluggers in baseball, Aubrey Huff reverted back to his 2007 form with just 15 homeruns, 85 RBI, and worst of all, a .240 average. He has been particularly bad since joining the Tigers, hitting just .184 in 38 games. At 32 years old, Huff will have a difficult time convincing a Major League team to consider him as a starting first baseman next season.
