2008 Second Base Rankings

Of course 2B is not a deep position. We all know that. That doesn't mean you have to go out and draft one of the top 5 guys early in the draft or overpay for them in an auction. There are plenty of cheap 2B out there that are going late in drafts that can give you similar numbers to all but the top 5 guys. Having said that, here are the rankings.

Top 15 Second Basemen

1. Chase Utley- PHI -One of the best hitters in the game at any position. He is the premier player at 2B by far and a big part of a very good Phillies lineup. You can't lose having him as your 2B. He was a little banged up last year, look for a strong effort this year: .305 AVG 34 HR 115 RBI 15 SB.
2. B.J. Upton- TB -This kid is going to be a great hitter for years to come. He's built like Soriano and has his power and speed too. The sky is the limit for him. He's eligible at 2B and OF where he will be playing most of the time. 100 more AB this year for him, he can put up these numbers: .308 AVG 28 HR 100 RBI 30 SB.
3. Brandon Phillips- CIN -We always knew he had potential in Cleveland but he has become a fantasy stud in Cincinnati. Last season was his best year as a pro and this season should be more of the same: .280 AVG 30 HR 95 RBI 30 SB.
4. Robinson Cano- NYY -Another one of the young 2B studs. He hits for average and power. Not sure what spot he will be in the Yankees lineup but he'll hit wherever he bats. If you want SB from you 2B, you're going to want to look elsewhere: .320 AVG 22 HR 100 RBI 5 SB.
5. Brian Roberts- BAL -This speedster is one of the few bright spots on the Orioles roster. Maybe not for long though because the Cubs are still talking to the O's about a deal for him. Depending on if he heads to the CHI or not the numbers here could be different but here are his Orioles numbers: .285 AVG 14 HR 60 RBI 45 SB.
6. Dan Uggla- FLA -His AVG dropped off big time in '07 from '06 but he hit 4 more HR. Fantasy owners want to see him pick his AVG back up and maintain the power numbers. If he does, he moves up the list. I think he'll bring the AVG back up in '08: .275 AVG 30 HR 105 RBI.
7. Ian Kinsler- TEX -This where the 2B position becomes vanilla. Kinsler is a solid player though but very streaky. That's OK for rotisserie leagues but H2H owners want him to be a little more consistent. '08 outlook: .275 AVG 20 HR 75 RBI 20 SB
8. Jeff Kent- LAD -I know he's an old man but the old man can still rake. He was a little nicked up last year and didn't reach 500 AB. He'll probably miss a few games this year too. However, when he plays, he puts up stats. Stats for '08: .295 AVG 23 HR 85 RBI
9. Howie Kendrick- LAA -He hits for a ridiculous AVG but leaves you wanting more in the power department. He probably won't get you a whole lot of SB either. He still puts up respectable 2B numbers. H2H owners may value him a little more than rotisserie owners. I think he will keep improving: .325 AVG 15 HR 70 RBI 8 SB
10. Rickie Weeks- MIL -Overrated as usual. Many experts are putting him at no. 7 or 8 2B but that's a little too high for me. He has to prove to me that he can stay healthy then maybe I'll give Mr. Glass a look. Don't get me wrong, the potential is there but the body is not. If he can stay healthy all season his numbers could be something like this: .270 AVG 20 HR 65 RBI 25 SB
11. Kelly Johnson- ATL -He was a surprised to me in '07. He had a pretty good year but very inconsistent. Very much a hot/cold player. Experts are predicting absurd numbers for him this year but I'm not going to. Nonetheless, a good year for him: .275 AVG 20 HR 65 RBI 10 SB
12. Orlando Hudson- ARI -He's coming back from a thumb injury but the fingers usually heal better than a wrist for hitters. I expect no problems with the hand for him and a normal solid season from Hudson: .295 AVG 15 HR 70 RBI 12 SB
13. Placido Polanco- DET -He locks down your BA category and scores a lot of runs. Very good dependable hitter. Detroit will score even more runs this season and Polanco should too. You would think he would be faster but I think that huge cranium slows him down. '08 stats: .340 AVG 7 HR 70 RBI 5 SB
14. Dustin Pedroia- BOS -All around solid player. Boston is lucky to have a guy like this in a lineup full of thumpers. He is coming into his second full season and should continue to improve as a player: .315 AVG 10 HR 70 RBI 10 SB
15. Aaron Hill- TOR -He was off to a torrid pace last season but just could not sustain it. He's streaky but at the end of the year, he'll but up solid numbers. He won't get you many SB but he'll drive in runs. '08 prediction: .295 AVG 15 HR 80 RBI 5 SB.

Honorable Mentions

--Freddy Sanchez- PIT -Solid 2B but won't wow you. Loses eligibility at other positions this year too. Decent numbers: .305 AVG 15 HR 65 RBI
--Kaz Matsui- HOU -I like him in HOU this year. Although COL was a nice spot for him, I think he'll continue what he did there for the Astros in '08: .285 AVG 5 HR 45 RBI 35 SB.
--Felipe Lopez- WAS -Can he put up stats again like when he was with the Reds? Maybe not but I think good stats for sure: .275 AVG 12 HR 65 RBI 30 SB
--Ty Wigginton- HOU -Eligible at 2B but will play 3B. Cheap source for power in late rounds. Full year with Houston will help: .275 AVG 25 HR 70 RBI
--Luis Castillo- NYM -If he can stay healthy, he'll take care of three categories for you. Has little value in H2H points leagues. Good value in 5x5 leagues. If he stays healthy: .300 AVG 40 RBI 100 R 25 SB
--Mark Ellis- OAK -The A's are going to be pretty bad this year but Ellis is a solid play no matter what. I like him to have another good season: .280 AVG 17 HR 70 RBI 10 SB

As you can see there are some cheap sources of stats for 2B late in the draft. Don't be afraid to hold off until the end and pick up a couple of these guys late. SS rankings will be coming soon. Keep checking back. As always, any questions, comments or rude remarks of any kind email me.