Second Basemen
March 17, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies was the only second basemen worth taking in the first or second round in the 2007 draft. But as the new season approaches, at least a handful of players have made a case for early fantasy ownership. Utley still leads the pack, but more and more quality second baseman have cropped up. While 2007 was the year of the shortstop, 2008 could very well be the time for two-baggers to step up around the league. With that in mind, Update! presents the top twenty second basemen to draft for the 2008 season:
1. CHASE UTLEY
Philadelphia Phillies
2007: .332 AVG, 22 HR, 103 RBI, 104 R, 9 SB
Comment: Despite missing 30 games in 2007, Utley still finished with superb second-base numbers. He’s the only two-bagger in fantasy worth taking in the first-round and with good reason. He’s a sure-fire bet for batting over .300 with 25-35 HR, 100-115 RBI, 105-120 runs and double-digit stolen bases if healthy for a full season.
2007: .332 AVG, 22 HR, 103 RBI, 104 R, 9 SB
Comment: Despite missing 30 games in 2007, Utley still finished with superb second-base numbers. He’s the only two-bagger in fantasy worth taking in the first-round and with good reason. He’s a sure-fire bet for batting over .300 with 25-35 HR, 100-115 RBI, 105-120 runs and double-digit stolen bases if healthy for a full season.
2. BRANDON PHILLIPS
Cincinnati Reds
2007: .288 AVG, 30 HR, 94 RBI, 107 R, 32 SB
Comment: Phillips’ 2007 numbers are even more impressive considering how atrocious Cincinnati’s offense was last season. He turns 27 in June and should only continue to improve, particularly if the Reds are healthier in 2008. And if some of their talented prospects (Jay Bruce and Joey Votto) step-up, Phillips may even top 100 RBI.
2007: .288 AVG, 30 HR, 94 RBI, 107 R, 32 SB
Comment: Phillips’ 2007 numbers are even more impressive considering how atrocious Cincinnati’s offense was last season. He turns 27 in June and should only continue to improve, particularly if the Reds are healthier in 2008. And if some of their talented prospects (Jay Bruce and Joey Votto) step-up, Phillips may even top 100 RBI.
3. ROBINSON CANO
New York Yankees
2007: .306 AVG, 19 HR, 97 RBI, 93 R, 4 SB
Comment: Most of Cano’s at-bats in 2007 were spent in the six-hole or later in the Yankees staggeringly powerful lineup, making his numbers even more impressive. Cano is 25 now, so don’t be surprised if he’s asked to bat higher in the order. Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada are not getting any younger, and Cano may already own a more dangerous bat than both players. Should Cano be moved up the batting order, he could finally top the century mark in both runs and RBI while possibly topping 20 HR as well.
2007: .306 AVG, 19 HR, 97 RBI, 93 R, 4 SB
Comment: Most of Cano’s at-bats in 2007 were spent in the six-hole or later in the Yankees staggeringly powerful lineup, making his numbers even more impressive. Cano is 25 now, so don’t be surprised if he’s asked to bat higher in the order. Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada are not getting any younger, and Cano may already own a more dangerous bat than both players. Should Cano be moved up the batting order, he could finally top the century mark in both runs and RBI while possibly topping 20 HR as well.
4. IAN KINSLER
Atlanta Braves
2007: .263 AVG, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 96 R, 23 SB
Comment: After busting out of the gates in 2007 with a white-hot April, Kinsler really slowed down. But despite his struggles, he still ended up with a solid overall fantasy line. Manager Ron Washington has indicated that Kinsler will mostly bat second as it stands, though he could also bat leadoff depending on the lineup. Kinsler turns 26 in June and should continue making strides.
2007: .263 AVG, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 96 R, 23 SB
Comment: After busting out of the gates in 2007 with a white-hot April, Kinsler really slowed down. But despite his struggles, he still ended up with a solid overall fantasy line. Manager Ron Washington has indicated that Kinsler will mostly bat second as it stands, though he could also bat leadoff depending on the lineup. Kinsler turns 26 in June and should continue making strides.
5. BRIAN ROBERTS
Baltimore Orioles
2007:.290 AVG, 12 HR, 57 RBI, 103 R, 50 SB
Comment: The switch-hitting infielder tied the American League lead in stolen bases last season (14 more than his career-high set in 2006). 2007 also marked the third consecutive year that Roberts has reached double-digit HR totals. The 30-year old speed demon will likely swap 45-plus bases again in 2008, but his run production may slip with Miguel Tejada now playing for the Houston Astros.
2007:.290 AVG, 12 HR, 57 RBI, 103 R, 50 SB
Comment: The switch-hitting infielder tied the American League lead in stolen bases last season (14 more than his career-high set in 2006). 2007 also marked the third consecutive year that Roberts has reached double-digit HR totals. The 30-year old speed demon will likely swap 45-plus bases again in 2008, but his run production may slip with Miguel Tejada now playing for the Houston Astros.
6. DAN UGGLA
Florida Marlins
2007: .245 AVG, 31 HR, 88 RBI, 113 R, 2 SB
Comment: No one’s arguing with most of his 2007, but that .245 batting average is keeping him from the cream of the second base crop. Uggla needs to figure out how to bring his home-field comfort (.275 AVG in 80 games) to the road (.216 AVG in 79 games). He no longer has Miguel Cabrera hitting behind him, which should negatively affect the quality of pitches he sees and likely bring down his run totals. But chances are the Marlins are going to turn to Uggla to drive in runs, which should help him improve his RBI numbers.
2007: .245 AVG, 31 HR, 88 RBI, 113 R, 2 SB
Comment: No one’s arguing with most of his 2007, but that .245 batting average is keeping him from the cream of the second base crop. Uggla needs to figure out how to bring his home-field comfort (.275 AVG in 80 games) to the road (.216 AVG in 79 games). He no longer has Miguel Cabrera hitting behind him, which should negatively affect the quality of pitches he sees and likely bring down his run totals. But chances are the Marlins are going to turn to Uggla to drive in runs, which should help him improve his RBI numbers.
7. PLACIDO POLANCO
Detroit Tigers
2007: .341 AVG, 9 HR, 67 RBI, 105 R, 7 SB
Comment: Polanco slotted in perfectly as the No. 2 hitter in front of the big bats of Maggilo Ordonez and Gary Sheffield last year. With the Tigers offense super-charged by the acquisitions of Edgar Renteria and Miguel Cabrera, Polanco could reach 130 runs scored. Manager Jim Leyland loves Polanco’s game, so he should stick in the two-hole for 2008, putting him in the perfect position to turn in another productive season.
2007: .341 AVG, 9 HR, 67 RBI, 105 R, 7 SB
Comment: Polanco slotted in perfectly as the No. 2 hitter in front of the big bats of Maggilo Ordonez and Gary Sheffield last year. With the Tigers offense super-charged by the acquisitions of Edgar Renteria and Miguel Cabrera, Polanco could reach 130 runs scored. Manager Jim Leyland loves Polanco’s game, so he should stick in the two-hole for 2008, putting him in the perfect position to turn in another productive season.
8. HOWIE KENDRICK
Los Angeles Angels
2007: .322 AVG, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 55 R, 5 SB
Comment: Since manager Mike Scioscia likes using aggressive base running at the top of his lineup, Kendrick may end up taking most of his at-bats in the sixth hole or farther down the lineup. It’s a shame because Kendrick showed a lot of promise in 2007. He’s got the talent to bloom anywhere in the lineup, but obviously the higher up in the order he is, the better his stats are going to be. Kendrick has decent speed, so hopefully the Angels opt to use Kendrick in the two-hole in front of Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero.
2007: .322 AVG, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 55 R, 5 SB
Comment: Since manager Mike Scioscia likes using aggressive base running at the top of his lineup, Kendrick may end up taking most of his at-bats in the sixth hole or farther down the lineup. It’s a shame because Kendrick showed a lot of promise in 2007. He’s got the talent to bloom anywhere in the lineup, but obviously the higher up in the order he is, the better his stats are going to be. Kendrick has decent speed, so hopefully the Angels opt to use Kendrick in the two-hole in front of Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero.
9. DUSTIN PEDROIA
Boston Red Sox
2007: .317 AVG, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 86 R, 7 SB
Comment: The 2007 AL Rookie of the Year winner looked like a seasoned-vet en route to a fantasy worthy regular season performance. He struggled mightily in April, leaving us to wonder how much better his numbers would have been had he got off to a hot start. With a full-season of big league play under his belt, Pedroia should be able to improve on his 2007 campaign in that especially potent Red Sox lineup.
2007: .317 AVG, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 86 R, 7 SB
Comment: The 2007 AL Rookie of the Year winner looked like a seasoned-vet en route to a fantasy worthy regular season performance. He struggled mightily in April, leaving us to wonder how much better his numbers would have been had he got off to a hot start. With a full-season of big league play under his belt, Pedroia should be able to improve on his 2007 campaign in that especially potent Red Sox lineup.
10. ORLANDO HUDSON
Arizona Diamondbacks
2007: .294 AVG, 10 HR, 63 RBI, 69 R, 10 SB
Comment: Before succumbing to a torn ligament in his left thumb, Hudson was enjoying a pretty good 2007 season. Those numbers may not leap off the page, but there’s good reason to think he will enjoy an improved 2008. Hudson becomes a free agent after the 2008 season and he has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Diamondbacks. The club has let it be known that they prefer to see how the season plays out before working out a new contract, which means Hudson will have to really show them something in order to convince Arizona to retain his services.
2007: .294 AVG, 10 HR, 63 RBI, 69 R, 10 SB
Comment: Before succumbing to a torn ligament in his left thumb, Hudson was enjoying a pretty good 2007 season. Those numbers may not leap off the page, but there’s good reason to think he will enjoy an improved 2008. Hudson becomes a free agent after the 2008 season and he has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Diamondbacks. The club has let it be known that they prefer to see how the season plays out before working out a new contract, which means Hudson will have to really show them something in order to convince Arizona to retain his services.
11. JEFF KENT
Los Angeles Dodgers
2007: .302 AVG, 20 HR, 79 RBI, 78 R, 1 SB
Comment: Kent proved there was still something left in his bat in 2007. He led the team in HR but will be turning 40 this season. Fortunately, the Dodgers have added Andruw Jones and have a new coaching staff on board, looking to create a winning atmosphere. With the development of young players like James Loney and Matt Kemp, the Dodgers lineup could be strong this season and Kent could improve on those numbers.
2007: .302 AVG, 20 HR, 79 RBI, 78 R, 1 SB
Comment: Kent proved there was still something left in his bat in 2007. He led the team in HR but will be turning 40 this season. Fortunately, the Dodgers have added Andruw Jones and have a new coaching staff on board, looking to create a winning atmosphere. With the development of young players like James Loney and Matt Kemp, the Dodgers lineup could be strong this season and Kent could improve on those numbers.
12. KELLY JOHNSON
Atlanta Braves
2007: .276 AVG, 16 HR, 68 RBI, 91 R, 9 SB
Comment: The Braves gave Johnson a chance last year and he provided strong across-the-board numbers in his first full season. Atlanta is going to have to lean more on Johnson with the loss of Edgar Renteria and Andruw Jones if they want any shot at making the post-season in 2008. He will have to improve his numbers during the last stretch of the season especially. He struggled mightily in Aug. and Sept. in 2007 (.240 AVG, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 26 R and 2 SB in 47 games).
2007: .276 AVG, 16 HR, 68 RBI, 91 R, 9 SB
Comment: The Braves gave Johnson a chance last year and he provided strong across-the-board numbers in his first full season. Atlanta is going to have to lean more on Johnson with the loss of Edgar Renteria and Andruw Jones if they want any shot at making the post-season in 2008. He will have to improve his numbers during the last stretch of the season especially. He struggled mightily in Aug. and Sept. in 2007 (.240 AVG, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 26 R and 2 SB in 47 games).
13. LUIS CASTILLO
New York Mets
2007: .301 AVG, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 91 R, 19 SB
Comment: Helton’s 30 HR days appear to be over, but he still has significant fantasy value at age 34. With players like Troy Tulowitzki, Brad Hawpe, Garret Atkins and NL MVP Matt Holliday, the Rockies have built themselves a formidable middle of the order, one that Helton stands to benefit from. Don’t be surprised if he actually improves on last season’s numbers.
2007: .301 AVG, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 91 R, 19 SB
Comment: Helton’s 30 HR days appear to be over, but he still has significant fantasy value at age 34. With players like Troy Tulowitzki, Brad Hawpe, Garret Atkins and NL MVP Matt Holliday, the Rockies have built themselves a formidable middle of the order, one that Helton stands to benefit from. Don’t be surprised if he actually improves on last season’s numbers.
14. FREDDY SANCHEZ
Pittsburgh Pirates
2007: .302 AVG, 11 HR, 81 RBI, 77 R, 0 SB
Comment: The 2006 NL batting champion was remarkably injury-prone in 2007, playing with various eye, shoulder, wrist and knee ailments. Despite all that, he missed only 15 games and finished with an impressive line. He underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season but will reportedly be at full health heading into spring training. The Pirates lineup is obviously not ideal for fantasy purposes, but Sanchez has topped 80 RBI for two straight seasons and should hit for average once again in 2008.
2007: .302 AVG, 11 HR, 81 RBI, 77 R, 0 SB
Comment: The 2006 NL batting champion was remarkably injury-prone in 2007, playing with various eye, shoulder, wrist and knee ailments. Despite all that, he missed only 15 games and finished with an impressive line. He underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season but will reportedly be at full health heading into spring training. The Pirates lineup is obviously not ideal for fantasy purposes, but Sanchez has topped 80 RBI for two straight seasons and should hit for average once again in 2008.
15. AARON HILL
Toronto Blue Jays
2007: .291 AVG, 17 HR, 78 RBI, 87 R, 4 SB
Comment: Hill reached career-high marks in HR, RBI and runs while setting a franchise record for doubles by a second baseman with 47 last year. He closed out 2007 exceptionally well, batting .406 AVG with 23 runs. Hill is in a good-enough lineup with Toronto, and since he’s still pretty young (26 in March), he could top last season’s stats.
2007: .291 AVG, 17 HR, 78 RBI, 87 R, 4 SB
Comment: Hill reached career-high marks in HR, RBI and runs while setting a franchise record for doubles by a second baseman with 47 last year. He closed out 2007 exceptionally well, batting .406 AVG with 23 runs. Hill is in a good-enough lineup with Toronto, and since he’s still pretty young (26 in March), he could top last season’s stats.
16. KAZUO MATSUI
Houston Astros
2007: .288 AVG, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 84 R, 32 SB
Comment: Matsui finally enjoyed the type of season folks expected when he arrived before the 2004 campaign by posting solid numbers in 2007. While he is no longer playing home games at Coors Field (where he batted .330 in 2007), Matsui will be joining a pretty good Astros lineup in Houston. Unfortunately, he missed 58 games last year with back and hamstring ailments and his health will likely take a couple of hits in 2008 as well.
2007: .288 AVG, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 84 R, 32 SB
Comment: Matsui finally enjoyed the type of season folks expected when he arrived before the 2004 campaign by posting solid numbers in 2007. While he is no longer playing home games at Coors Field (where he batted .330 in 2007), Matsui will be joining a pretty good Astros lineup in Houston. Unfortunately, he missed 58 games last year with back and hamstring ailments and his health will likely take a couple of hits in 2008 as well.
17. MARK ELLIS
Oakland Athletics
2007: .276 AVG, 19 HR, 76 RBI, 84 R, 9 SB
Comment: Ellis forced the Athletics to pick up his 2008 option by producing a career year. Ellis has been injury-prone throughout his career, but he showed last year that he could be a productive player when healthy. He’s entering a walk-year this season, so the motivation should be there for him to possibly top his numbers from 2007.
2007: .276 AVG, 19 HR, 76 RBI, 84 R, 9 SB
Comment: Ellis forced the Athletics to pick up his 2008 option by producing a career year. Ellis has been injury-prone throughout his career, but he showed last year that he could be a productive player when healthy. He’s entering a walk-year this season, so the motivation should be there for him to possibly top his numbers from 2007.
18. RICKIE WEEKS
Milwaukee Brewers
2007: .235 AVG, 16 HR, 36 RBI, 87 R, 25 SB
Comment: Weeks set career-high marks in HR, runs and SB, but most folks will tell you that he had a rough 2007. It’s a fair assessment to make since his batting average was simply unacceptable for most fantasy owners. Weeks was way better in the tail end of 2007 — he scored 29 runs and hit nine HR in Sept. The Brewers lineup is looking pretty good right now and Weeks is capable of having a useful season.
2007: .235 AVG, 16 HR, 36 RBI, 87 R, 25 SB
Comment: Weeks set career-high marks in HR, runs and SB, but most folks will tell you that he had a rough 2007. It’s a fair assessment to make since his batting average was simply unacceptable for most fantasy owners. Weeks was way better in the tail end of 2007 — he scored 29 runs and hit nine HR in Sept. The Brewers lineup is looking pretty good right now and Weeks is capable of having a useful season.
19. ASDRUBAL CABRERA
Cleveland Indians
2007: .283 AVG, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 30 R, 0 SB
Comment: Cabrera took over for the ineffective Josh Barfield at second base mid-August last season and put up good numbers. He hit primarily in the two-hole of Cleveland’s lineup, a spot that could see him produce big numbers in 2008. If he remains near the top of the order this season and Travis Hafner improves his game from 2007, Cabrera could stand to benefit greatly.
2007: .283 AVG, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 30 R, 0 SB
Comment: Cabrera took over for the ineffective Josh Barfield at second base mid-August last season and put up good numbers. He hit primarily in the two-hole of Cleveland’s lineup, a spot that could see him produce big numbers in 2008. If he remains near the top of the order this season and Travis Hafner improves his game from 2007, Cabrera could stand to benefit greatly.
20. TADAHITO IGUCHI
San Diego Padres
2007: .267 AVG, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 67 R, 14 SB
Comment: Iguchi was a great fantasy second baseman in 2006 and should not be written-off just because of an average 2007. Since he will be playing everyday, Iguchi could easily reach double-digit home run totals in 2008 - he had 33 dingers from 2005-2006. The Padres lineup will be better than it was last season, and if Iguchi hits near the top of the lineup, he may turn in a surprising season - especially with Adrian Gonzalez hitting behind him.
PROSPECT WATCH
IAN STEWART
Colorado Rockies
Comment: Since the Rockies signed Marcus Giles, it means that Stewart will have to compete against Giles, Jayson Nix, Clint Barmes… Let’s just say there are tons of options for Colorado at second. If Stewart plays everyday though, take an immediate flyer on him.
Colorado Rockies
Comment: Since the Rockies signed Marcus Giles, it means that Stewart will have to compete against Giles, Jayson Nix, Clint Barmes… Let’s just say there are tons of options for Colorado at second. If Stewart plays everyday though, take an immediate flyer on him.
END OF THE ROAD
JEFF KENT
Los Angeles Dodgers
Comment: Kent didn’t seem as if he was really considering retirement before the 2008 season, despite weighing the option in years past. Still, he’s turning 40 in March.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Comment: Kent didn’t seem as if he was really considering retirement before the 2008 season, despite weighing the option in years past. Still, he’s turning 40 in March.
WALK-YEAR
BRIAN ROBERTS
Baltimore Orioles
Comment: It seems inevitable that the Orioles are going to trade Roberts, with the Chicago Cubs being the front-runners to land him.
Baltimore Orioles
Comment: It seems inevitable that the Orioles are going to trade Roberts, with the Chicago Cubs being the front-runners to land him.
FAT CONTRACT
LUIS CASTILLO
New York Mets
Comment: The Mets overpaid for Castillo when they signed him to a four-year, $25 million contract. He’ll be 36 when the deal expires.
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