2010 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 2nd Basemen
By Raymond Ayala

1. Chase Utley (PHI) – Has been a consistent fantasy performer, and his only downfall has been a little bit of an injury history. Utley is an all-around player who has also added speed to his game, with a career high 23 stolen bases last season.

2. Ian Kinsler (TEX) – Not only did Kinsler go 30-30 last season, but he also added 101 Runs to a filled stat line. While Pedroia may have had the edge in college, Kinsler has the edge in 2010 and beyond. He’ll be aiming for 40-40 this season, and by God almighty, I believe he can do it.

3. Brandon Phillips (CIN) – Believe it or not, Phillips has some pretty nice weapons around him in that Reds lineup. Phillips is another 2nd basemen who is good for all-around stats, most importantly speed. Phillips will reach All-Star status this season after he has a 30-30 season.

4. Dustin Pedroia (BOS) – Followed up his MVP-season with another fantastic year. While Pedroia may not provide much power, his average and speed continue to be his strengths. Chalk him down for a .300 average, 100 runs, and 20 SB’s.

5. Aaron Hill (TOR) – Had a surprising 2009 season last year and will now be looking to follow up last years surprise. Hill will succeed this year with another 30-100 season.

6. Ben Zobrist (TB) – He put up fantastic numbers, not to mention he is eligible at 2B, SS and OF. Even though I expect a drop off in his power numbers, he is still valuable because of his versatility, not to mention the speed he brings.

7. Robinson Cano (NYY) – He led all 2nd basemen in batting average last season, while also belting a career high 25 homeruns. In that ballpark, I would not be shocked to see Cano hit 30 bombs this year, but I look for his runs and average to drop a little bit.

8. Dan Uggla (FLA) – Uggla doesn’t get the credit he deserves. How about an average of 30 homeruns and 90 RBI’s in four major league seasons. If Uggla gets traded, that would increase his fantasy value.

9. Jose Lopez (SEA) – Had a great season in 2009, and I only expect him to improve as the Marines improve. Lopez is still young and a 30-100 season could happen in 2010.

10. Brian Roberts (BAL) – Roberts is the 2nd basemen you go to if you are looking for a consistent combination of speed and runs. Over the last three seasons Roberts has averaged 40 stolen bases and over 100 runs. Roberts at ten shows how much the 2nd base position has improved over the past three seasons.

11. Alexis Ramirez (CHW) – His first year of Major League Baseball went better than expected. His speed and power combination make him almost a certainty to go 20-20 this season.

12. Howie Kendrick (LAA) – Similar to Ramirez has the potential to go 20-20 this season. Kendrick still has yet to see more than 400 AB’s in a season, which means his numbers can only improve in 2010.

13. Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE) – Improved a lot from his 2008 seasons, and has the speed to steal 30 bags. Only problem with Cabrera is he is only good for speed and average though.

14. Rickie Weeks (MIL) – It is make or break for Weeks, and the Brewers season could depend on him. If Weeks can’t hit 20-20, his stint with the Brewers will be all but over.

15. Freddy Sanchez (PIT) – Will not start the season with the Giants due to offseason shoulder surgery. Just remember, Sanchez is a former batting champion and is easily capable of supplying your team with plenty of hits and runs when healthy.

16. Placido Polanco (PHI) – Is 2nd base eligible, making him a valuable asset to have. Polanco’s change of scenary should help his numbers, especially in the power department.

17. Scott Sizemore (DET) – Detroit has been very excited about Sizemore’s glove and his 20-20 potential. He has never logged a Major league at-bat, but expect him to compete for the Rookie of the Year award this year.

18. Martin Prado (ATL) – Had a nice season with Atlanta last year, and his numbers should improve in 2010. Prado has the potential to be a surprise player and could hit 20 homeruns with 60 RBI’s and 60 runs.

19. Ronnie Belliard (LAD) – Is the definition of consistency and had a great stint with the Dodgers, even displacing Orland Hudson at 2B. Look for him to have a solid season this year.

20. Orlando Hudson (MIN) – Hudson was a solid pick up for the Minnesota Twins this offseason. Look for him to have a bounce back year from an injury-plagued 2009 season.

Future Five to Watch
1. Brett Lawrie (MIL)
2. Todd Frazier (CIN)
3. Jemile Weeks (OAK)
4. Chris Nelson (COL)
5. Chase D’Arnaud (PIT)

2010 Fantasy Top 20 Baseball Third Basemen
By Raymond Ayala

1. Evan Longoria (TB) – While some may chose A-Rod, I like Longoria better because he is a decade younger than Rodriguez, and the baseball schedule is 162 games long. Look for Longoria to top his Homerun numbers this season, while those RBI’s stay in the same range.

2. Alex Rodriguez (NYY) – At this point all A-Rod has left to do is break the Home Run Record. He has hit for 30 Homeruns and at least 100 RBI in his last 11 seasons, and to expect different would be ridiculous.

3. Mark Reynolds (ARZ) – Another of the many duplicate names on these lists. Reynolds is the only 3rd baseman that has a shot at a 30-30 season. The good thing about him is once you draft him, you can wait a little bit before picking your next 1st basemen or 3rd basemen. His versatility is only topped in fantasy this season by V-Mart.

4. Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) – Last seasons Zimmerman is the one we should all get used to seeing. While the Nationals are still a year away from contending, Zimmerman will continue to put up 30 homerun and 100 RBI seasons in a similar way to Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria.

5. Aramis Ramirez (CHC) – The Cubs hold an option on Ramirez, and right now are probably leaning on not using it. Ramirez could quickly change those thoughts though if he reverts back to his old power-hitting self. I think he does and has a monster year with 30 plus Homeruns and 100 RBI.

6. Pablo Sandoval (SFG) – Similar to Reynolds is also 1st base eligible. Sandoval’s numbers will only increase as he continues to grow up in the major leagues. While he led all 3rd basemen in batting average last year, I expect him to focus more on power in 2010.

7. David Wright (NYM) –His speed numbers increased, but that drop in homerun total is too much of a dip to ignore. While Wright may be good for a plus .300 average and 30 plus stolen bases, I think his power numbers will be affected by Citi Field so long as he plays there. Do not expect more than 20 Homeruns from Wright this season.

8. Ian Stewart (COL) – I think Stewart’s upside this season will surprise most. While he was considered a top prospect, he has been stuck behind people in Colorado for the past 2 seasons. Now 3rd base is his, and I think a 30-homerun season out of him is not out of the question, especially since he plays his home games at Coors Field.

9. Kevin Youkilis (BOS) – When David Ortiz struggled last year it was Youkilis who picked up the slack and finished with fantastic all-around stats. While there is a chance he regresses, odds are last years numbers are a good indicator for this season.

10. Chone Figgins (SEA) – Figgins used to be more valuable when he was a super-utility player, but now he is just strictly an average-hitting third basemen with plus speed. If you are looking to fill your SB and Runs category Figgins is one of the best in all of fantasy baseball.

11. Gordon Beckham (CHW) – Some questioned the White Sox for calling up this 2008 1st round draft pick so quickly. The White Sox were rewarded as Beckham earned the AL Rookie of the Year award. While he is still young, Beckham could easily tally 20 Homeruns, 80 RBI, and 20 SB’s in 2010.

12. Alex Gordon (KC) – While he may have struggled in recent seasons, I see an inspired Gordon coming into this season with a chip on his shoulder. I believe he can hit 30 Homeruns and drive-in 100 RBI’s this year, even if he is playing for the Royals.

13. Michael Young (TEX) – Young will never be that same player that had 100 RBI’s a couple of years ago, but he is one of the best 3rd basemen when it comes to average. A .320 average, 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI are the numbers Young is capable of putting up this season.

14. Jorge Cantu (FLA) – Cantu qualifies as a 1st baseman as well. Has surprised the league with back-to-back productive seasons. While Cantu may have been garbage to the Rays, he has certainly been a prize for the Marlins. The Marlins offense this season will hinge on whether Cantu can repeat his performance from last season.

15. Chipper Jones (ATL) – Jones has struggled recently, but some new weapons should help him RBI’s increase by double digits. While his 30 Homerun 100 RBI days may be in the past, Chipper is still a quality first baseman who will be good for at least 20 Homeruns and 80 RBI, unless he is injured.

16. Casey Blake (LAD) – During his last three seasons he has come very close to the 20-80 mark. This season will be a tough one for the Dodgers, but with Manny in that lineup, it would be very hard for him to not equal his numbers in 2009. Blake is a solid regular in the Dodgers lineup though and does have big games in him.

17. Scott Rolen (CIN) – Rolen hasn’t been healthy in four seasons, and this season he will have to prove he can maintain his health. If he is healthy, I don’t see any reason why Rolen can’t hit at least 25 Homeruns and collect 80 plus RBI’s.

18. Pedro Feliz (HOU) – I think Feliz has a chip on his shoulder after the Phillies just let him go so easy. His bat is capable of a 20 Homerun 80 RBI season anytime, and in Houston I think he will thrive. Consider Feliz one of my top sleepers for 2010.

19. Chris Davis (TEX) – He is just barely 3rd basemen eligible. Davis struck out too much for the Rangers liking and he was demoted to AAA for it. He has to be careful because a bad spring training might equal top prospect Justin Smoak stealing his roster spot.

20. Placido Polanco (PHI) – Signed a new contract with the Phillies and now has to live up to it. The Phillies are different since the last time he played for them and a 15 Homerun 75 RBI season is not out of the question.

Future Five to Watch
1. Lonnie Chisenhall (CLE)
2. Pedro Alvarez (PIT)
3. Josh Bell (BAL)
4. Mike Moustakas (KC)
5. Josh Vitters (CHC)