The position with perhaps the most depth this season will be second base. While Robinson Cano was the only player at the position worthy of an MVP award last season, Ian Kinsler, Chase Utley, and Dustin Pedroia are usually in the mix as well when healthy.
Then there’s the next tier of fantasy stars at second base, which includes Dan Uggla, Brandon Phllips, and now Rickie Weeks. It would not be surprising if any of these big talents enjoyed career-seasons in 2011.
Here’s a look at the top 10-second basemen in the Major Leagues this season.
1) Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
Once a rising prospect surrounded by stars in the Bronx, Cano is now the best player on the Yankees. An MVP candidate, Cano does it all, but steal bases.
2) Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
The usual array of injuries limited Kinsler once again last season. However, we all know what he’s capable of when healthy and that’s another 30-30 season with solid all-around production.
3) Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
It won’t be much of a transition for Dan Uggla, as he will once again face a healthy dose of pitching from the NL East. Expect the usual 30 home runs from the top slugger at the position.
4) Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
Finally healthy, Rickie Weeks reminded the Brewers of his great potential last season, by slamming 29 home runs with 112 runs and 11 steals. He is better suited for a slot in the middle of the order in order to drive in runs, but for now he’ll take advantage of the many run-scoring opportunities.
5) Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
At 29 years old, you would expect Brandon Phillips to be in his prime, and yet his production has dropped a bit each season. Regardless, he is consistent and should offer 20 dingers with 20 steals.
6) Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
Usually considered one of the elite second basemen in the game, Pedroia fails to crack the top-five this season until he proves to have overcome last season’s injuries.
7) Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
It was bad enough that Chase Utley was not very effective last season, but now the Phillies star is still dealing with knee pain, which could land him on the disabled list to start the season.
8) Martin Prado, 2B/3B/OF, Braves
While he will likely start in the outfield this season, Prado’s middle infield eligibility adds to his fantasy value. Though he still does not provide much speed, Prado added some pop to his bat, making 20-home runs a realistic target.
9) Kelly Johnson, 2B, Diamondbacks
This former Braves prospect enjoyed a career-season in 2010 with 26 home runs and 93 runs. However, buyer-beware, Johnson is very streaky, having hit just seven home runs in all of June, July, and August sandwiched in between some big months to open and close the season.
10) Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, Rays
This 29-year old utility player failed to repeat his 2009 success, as his average declined to just .238 last season. On the other hand, Zobrist did swipe a career-best 24 bases with 77 runs and 75 RBI.