We continue our way around the diamond with our 2nd base Fantasy Rankings.
Kyle’s Top 3
1. Robinson Cano – New team, same old Robinson Cano in Seattle last year (.314/14 HR/82 RBI). Cano looked to drive the ball in gaps at SafeCo last year and I expect the same this year. He might inch closer to 20 home runs and with a much improved lineup his run total(77 in ’14) should increase as well. Solid #1 2b and a first or second round pick.
2. Jose Altuve – exploded onto the scene last year hitting .341 with 56 SBs and 225(!) hits. Those numbers are going to be really hard to repeat but look for .300+ Avg, 200+ hits and 40+ stolen bases. If Cano isn’t available and you need a second basemen don’t hesitate to pick Altuve.
3. Ian Kinsler – The power numbers are down in Detroit but the runs will approach 100 each year and could sneak close to 20 home runs. Cano and Altuve are the clear top 2 but if you get “stuck” with Kinsler you aren’t weak at that position.
Brent’s Top 3
1. Robinson Cano – With one of the games sweetest swings, you know he’s going to hit and hit well. He is no doubt the #1 2nd baseman. Last years power numbers were down but that’s due to the move to the spacious SafeCo Field as opposed to the sandbox where he used to play in the Bronx.
2. Jose Altuve – What he lacks in power numbers, he more than makes up for in average, runs and stolen bases. He can help your team in a variety of ways and is about as safe as it gets on this list besides Cano.
3. Ian Kinsler – Beginning of the second tier of 2nd basemen. With Kinsler penciled in to bat leadoff, he has a legitimate shot to score 100 runs. All while being one of only a handful of guys on this list that can hit 20+ HRs.
Best of the Rest:
4. Brian Dozier
5. Pedroia – I expect a big bounce back year from Pedroia in Boston. New faces(Pablo/Hanley) help Pedroia’s value when he gets on base in front of them. -KH
6. Jason Kipnis
7. Neil Walker
8. Chase Utley
9. Howie Kendrick
10. Dee Gordon
11. Brandon Phillips
12. Ben Zobrist
Sleepers:
Rougned Odor – Rangers starting 2B could’ve been in my top 12 but just missed the cut. Jurickson Profar is out for the year so Odor has the job to himself, has some pop for a little guy.(KH)
Rougned Odor – After putting up respectable numbers as a 20-year-old rookie in half a season, he now has the opportunity to play 2nd base in Texas full-time. Texas is really high on this kid and you could be rewarded on this late round flyer.(BH)
Nick Franklin – showed signs of being a good(not great) fantasy player in Seattle. Franklin should be the starting 2B in Tampa and if he plays a full season could hit 20 home runs but will be held back by a low average.
Javier Baez – If you can get past the strikeouts and can get him late enough, he’s definitely worth owning. His power is off the charts and if he figures it out, you’ll be rewarded tenfold.
Deep Sleeper: Jose Peraza – He could be the next coming of Jose Altuve. Second base hasn’t exactly been a tough position to crack in Atlanta so he may get an opportunity sooner rather than later. Monitor the situation because he will likely start the year in the minor leagues.
The Double Play 