By ROBERT SHAW

sportsnet.ca

In recent years the hot corner has included several of the top picks in fantasy drafts. This season there will be a tad more uncertainty.

Alex Rodriguez and Aramis Ramirez must prove their durability after missing significant portions of the past few seasons.

David Wright is coming off a disappointing season, and young talents such as Mark Reynolds, Ryan Zimmerman, and Evan Longoria must prove that last season’s impressive numbers are a trend not an aberration.

Here’s a look at the top 20 third basemen in fantasy baseball.

1) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees

A-Rod has missed some time over the last two seasons because of injuries, however, he enters the season healthy and ready to produce. A 30-homer and 100 RBI season is a given, but 45 homeruns and 130 RBI may still be in the cards as well.

2) Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays

He was very streaky last season, but when he’s on, there are few hitters than can keep up. It wouldn’t be shocking to see 40 homeruns and 120 RBI from the third year star.

3) David Wright, 3B, Mets

Mets fans take this talent for granted, but even a down season for Wright would be a career season for most others. His power should return this season, which could return Wright amongst the top 10 fantasy stars.

4) Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals

Perhaps it was Nick Johnson’s fault that Ryan Zimmerman was injured the last few seasons. After all, the Mets did prove that injuries are contagious. Regardless, a healthy Zimmerman offered up 33 homeruns, 106 RBI, and a .292 average.

5) Mark Reynolds, 3B, Diamondbacks

The surprise of last season was Mark Reynolds with 44 homeruns and 24 stolen bases. The main concern is that he hit just .260 and set a record for strikeouts in a season, which tells us that we may have just witnessed a fluke season.

6) Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants

The Kung Fu Panda was an instant fan favorite in the bay area because of his 25 homeruns, .330 average, and colorful personality. The only drawback is that Sandoval has little support in the Giants lineup.

7) Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox

Kevin Youkilis has evolved into a fine all-around player with a .300-plus average and 25-plus homeruns. The key to his season is his ability to avoid nagging injuries.

8) Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs

Injuries have limited this Cubs slugger in recent years, but whenever he returns to the diamond he rakes. 500 at bats translates into 30 homeruns and a .285 average. Let’s hope he can remain on the field.

9) Adrian Beltre, 3B, Red Sox

If you’re looking for a sleeper look no further than Adrian Beltre. While he will never repeat the production from his incredible 2004 season, Beltre should improve across the board because of his transition to a better lineup and a favorable hitter’s park. I would not be shocked if the slick-fielding third baseman belts 30 homeruns with 15 steals.

10) Chone Figgins, 3B, Mariners

The Mariners are all about small ball and now Ichiro will have some more speed joining at the top of the lineup. I’m expecting a .280 average with 35 steals for Figgins. I would prefer to draft some power at this position.

11) Ian Stewart, 3B, Rockies

A high-risk, high-rewards option at the hot corner is Rockies rising talent Ian Stewart. Though he hit just .228 on the season, Stewart did blast 25 homeruns, score 74 runs and drive in 70 RBI, while also stealing seven bases. Now that the Rockies let Garrett Atkins sign elsewhere, Stewart returns to his natural position where he could offer 30-plus homeruns if the stars align.

12) Gordon Beckham, 3B, White Sox

After a fine rookie campaign, the White Sox expect Gordon Beckham to evolve as one of the team’s top hitters in 2010. Think 20-plus homeruns, 90 runs, 85 RBI, and 15 steals for the former Georgia Bulldog.

13) Michael Young, 3B, Rangers

One of the great all-time Rangers, Michael Young responded to a transition to the hot corner with additional power. Despite missing 27 games due to injury, Young blasted 22 homeruns to complement a sterling .322 average.

14) Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves

The future Hall of Famer suffered a horrid 2009 campaign with just 18 homeruns and a .264 average. While it certainly is possible that the 37-year old legend is in decline, fantasy managers can always take the chance that he rebounds. After all, it was just two seasons ago that he established a career high with a .364 season average.

15) Chris Davis, 3B, Rangers

After a horrendous start that led to a demotion, Chris Davis batted .308 following the All-Star break and finished the season with a career high 21 homeruns. Davis has 40-homerun potential, but he has to learn to make contact more consistently.

16) Jorge Cantu, 3B, Marlins

Though the homeruns dropped from 29 to 16 last season for Jorge Cantu, the Marlins corner infielder did make some progress as he drove in 100 RBI and improved his batting average 12 points to a solid .289. At just 28 years old, it’s a shame Cantu no longer mans second base.

17) Martin Prado, 3B, Braves

The Braves ultimate utility player broke through last season with a career-high of 64 runs and 11 homeruns in just 450 at bats. Prado also owns an impressive career average of .307.

18) Brandon Wood, 3B, Angels

The Angels are hoping Brandon Wood will follow the lead of another former top prospect Kendry Morales. The Angels allowed Mark Teixeira to head east last off-season, opening up a spot for Morales at first base. The young talent came through with 30-plus homeruns in ‘09. This off-season the Angels allowed third baseman Chone Figgins to sign with Seattle, and they expect Brandon Wood to replace him. Fantasy managers should anticipate 20 homeruns from the 25-year old prospect who has struggled throughout his Major League Career.

19) Mark DeRosa, 3B, Giants

Desperate for offense, the Giants acquired former utility man Mark DeRosa. Despite a decline in average last season, DeRosa did establish a new career high with 23 dingers.

20) Chase Headley, 3B, Padres

Though it’s tough to rely on a San Diego Padres hitter other than Adrian Gonzalez, Chase Headley does possess a decent combination of power and speed. At best, Headley can post a 20-20 season.