2nd Basemen Overview

2nd Base Overview:  Last year was a crazy year for second basemen.  As Robinson Cano emerged as an MVP candidate, the other 3 top 2nd basemen spent time on the Disabled List.  Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia, and Ian Kinsler all missed games and all did not produce numbers we were expecting.  That has created doubts about the top players at the position, making the position much more wide open.  Players such as Martin Prado, Neil Walker, and Howie Kendrick became very viable fantasy players.  When  you're drafting remember that Cano is a notch about everyone else, so when he goes off the board, don’t feel obligated to grab Utley or Pedroia with the next pick. 

Tier 1

Robinson Cano

Tier 2

Chase Utley

Dustin Pedroia

Ian Kinsler

Tier 3

Brandon Phillips

Dan Uggla

Rickie Weeks

Tier 4

Martin Prado

Aaron Hill

Gordon Beckham

Brian Roberts

Ben Zobrist

Kelly Johnson

Tier 5

Neil Walker

Howie Kendrick

Juan Uribe

Chone Figgins

Orlando Hudson

Danny Espinosa

Bill Hall

Dustin Ackley

Breakout: Gordon Beckham

Beckham started out last year in the worst slump, but turned it around to salvage his season.  He batted .310 in the second half and looks to be more consistent this year.  The White Sox are planning on batting Beckham 2nd, in front of Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn.  His rbi total might not be spectacular but he should produce as a very solid 2nd basemen.  

Sleeper: Dustin Ackley

The second overall pick in 2009 struggled in his first full in the minors.  Ackley batted .267 with only 7 home runs in 501 at bats.  But that doesn't show us that he was struggling to grasp his new position of second base.  Almost most players don't reach triple A in their first season, so that might be another reason for his struggles.  This year it looks like the Mariners will start Ackley at second base with a solid spring training.  He should be able to hit around .280 with double digit home runs and stolen bases.  

Bust: Chase Utley

Utley is still being viewed as option 1b. at second base next to Robinson Cano.  The truth is he shouldn't warrant that kind of consideration.  Utley has been fighting off injuries for the past four years and he will be 32 years old for the 2011 season.  He should still put up productive numbers, but anyone who invests a 2nd round pick on Utley shouldn't.  2nd base has solid depth right now and there is no need to reach on a risky stud.