Fantasy Baseball 5.0: 2nd Basemen Rankings

1. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees, Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

-Once the Yankees moved him to fifth in the batting order Cano took off and there’s no reason to believe he’ll be slowing down in 2011. Call me crazy but he is without a doubt the best baseball player in New York, which makes him the best 2^nd basemen on this list.

2. Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies, Draft Projection: 2^nd Round

-I love Chase Utley first because of his explicit video on youtube, I love him more because he’s an amazing fantasy player. He had a forgettable season last year due to some injuries but if he stays healthy he should make a lot of fantasy owners happy.

3. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds, Draft Projection: 3^rd Round

-Phillips doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for how big of a role he’s played in the Reds’ resurgence. He had a disappointing season by fantasy standards in 2010 but with the Reds defending their division crown I have a feeling that Phillips will be stepping up in a major way in the queen city.

4. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox, Draft Projection: 3^rd Round

-He’s short. So was his season last year because of a fractured left foot. Draft with caution but know if he can stay healthy he could regain his MVP form, plus he could come at a bargain. I like the little guy in 2011.

5. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers, Draft Projection: 4^th Round

-Kinsler has always been a quiet fantasy star. He doesn’t get talked about a lot for how many things he does well. Out of all the 2Bs he has the most injury issues but if he can get back to his 2009 form he could be the best 2B in baseball beside Cano (Cano will be the best no matter what).

6. Dan Uggla, Atlanta Braves, Draft Projection: 4^th Round

-The Braves made Uggla a rich man this off season after the Derek Lee trade turned out to be a disaster last season. He had one of his best seasons last year with 33 homers and 105 RBIs and should benefit by playing in the ATL.

7. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers, Draft Projection: 5^th Round

-Rickie has always been an extremely exciting player to watch and in 2011 I believe that energy will turn into excellent fantasy members. The Brewers are set for a run at the division crown and Weeks is one of the players that has to play well for them to get there. Can he perform? This terminal college student thinks so.

8. Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves, Draft Projection: 5^th Round

-Prado is a great pick because of his versatility; he will probably be eligible as an outfielder as well as 3^rd and maybe even 1^st. Some say he’s not very far away from a batting title. I’m not sold on that yet but he will be a money pick this season.

9. Kelly Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks, Draft Projection: 6^th Round

-Was a lone bright spot in the desert last year by posting career highs in runs, homers, RBIs, stolen bases and OPS (if you don’t know what OPS means then why are you still reading this?) and he should continue to build on his 79 walks last season. Johnson is due for another good season despite enduring some lengthy cold spells.

10. Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox, Draft Projection: 6^th Round

-I know he had an awful 2010, but with a revamped batting order to protect him and some experience under his belt Beckham will rebound in 2011. I’m exactly crazy about this guy but his manager Ozzie Guillen is and has expressed interest in putting Beckham at the top of the order making him a certified fantasy starter.

11. Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays, Draft Projection: 7^th Round

12. Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles, Draft Projection: 8^th Round

13. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Minnesota Twins, Draft Projection: 9^th Round

14. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels, Draft Projection: 9^th Round

15. Sean Rodriguez, Tampa Bay Rays, Draft Projection: 9^th Round

16. Freddy Sanchez, San Francisco Giants, Draft Projection: 10^th Round

17. Neil Walker, Pittsburgh Pirates, Draft Projection: 10^th Round

18. Mike Aviles, Kansas City Royals, Draft Projection: 11^th Round

19. Omar Infante, Florida Marlines, Draft Projection: 11^th Round

20. Ryan Theriot, Los Angeles Dodgers, Draft Projection: 12^th Round

21. Orlando Hudson, San Diego Padres, Draft Projection: 13^th Round

22. Eric Young JR, Colorado Rockies, Draft Projection: 13^th Round

23. Clint Barmes, Houston Astros, Draft Projection: 14^th Round

24. Mark Ellis, Oakland A’s, Draft Projection: 14^th Round

25. Ruben Tejada, New York Mets, Draft Projection: 16^th Round

26. Blake Dewitt, Chicago Cubs, Draft Projection: 16^th Round

27. Danny Espinosa, Washington Nationals, Draft Projection: 17^th Round

28. Skip Schumaker, St. Louis Cardinals, Draft Projection: 17^th Round

29. Jason Donald, Cleveland Indians, Draft Projection: 18^th Round

30. Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners, Draft Projection: 19^th Round