Third Basemen
March 15, 2008
By: Chris Starbonell
Update! Writer
Three third basemen (Alex Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera and David Wright) dominated fantasy baseball in 2007. But while those big names get all the love, there were plenty of other great producers at the position (After all, the third-base pool did feature an NL Rookie of the Year and a World Series MVP). It will be interesting to see what 2008 holds in store. So with that in mind, Update! presents the top twenty third basemen:
1. ALEX RODRIGUEZ
New York Yankees
2007: .314 AVG, 54 HR, 156 RBI, 143 R, 24 SB
Comment: It’s difficult to imagine A-Rod actually repeating his astounding success from last season, but there’s no doubt that he will perform like a fantasy first-rounder. He inked a massive 10-year, $275 million contract after a tumultuous offseason. With Joe Girardi now managing the team, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if he runs the Yankees like a National League team, meaning Rodriguez should top 20-plus stolen bases again in 2008.
2007: .314 AVG, 54 HR, 156 RBI, 143 R, 24 SB
Comment: It’s difficult to imagine A-Rod actually repeating his astounding success from last season, but there’s no doubt that he will perform like a fantasy first-rounder. He inked a massive 10-year, $275 million contract after a tumultuous offseason. With Joe Girardi now managing the team, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if he runs the Yankees like a National League team, meaning Rodriguez should top 20-plus stolen bases again in 2008.
2. MIGUEL CABRERA
Cincinnati Reds
2007: .320 AVG, 34 HR, 119 RBI, 91 R, 2 SB
Comment: No longer toiling away in the anemic Florida Marlins offense, Cabrera will get his just reward batting in, arguably, the best lineup in baseball. Now, it’s not as if his numbers suffered terribly last season, but Cabrera’s elite talent can now be put to greater use. He should easily top his career-high 112 runs with protection in the lineup and his HR and RBI totals could see significant increase as well.
2007: .320 AVG, 34 HR, 119 RBI, 91 R, 2 SB
Comment: No longer toiling away in the anemic Florida Marlins offense, Cabrera will get his just reward batting in, arguably, the best lineup in baseball. Now, it’s not as if his numbers suffered terribly last season, but Cabrera’s elite talent can now be put to greater use. He should easily top his career-high 112 runs with protection in the lineup and his HR and RBI totals could see significant increase as well.
3. DAVID WRIGHT
New York Mets
2007: .325 AVG, 30 HR, 107 RBI, 113 R, 34 SB
Comment: Wright had solid totals across the board last season, but fantasy owners get most excited when eyeballing those stolen base numbers. Wright managed 14 more swiped bags in 2007 than 2006, and with the way the Mets value their base running, those numbers should see a rise. One negative to be mindful of is the Mets offense, which actually appears to be bit worse heading into 2008 with defensive minded back-stop Brian Schneider replacing Paul Lo Duca and a likely platoon situation in right field bwteen Ryan Church, Endy Chavez and Carlos Gomez. Despite all this, the 25-year old Wright continues to make giant strides.
2007: .325 AVG, 30 HR, 107 RBI, 113 R, 34 SB
Comment: Wright had solid totals across the board last season, but fantasy owners get most excited when eyeballing those stolen base numbers. Wright managed 14 more swiped bags in 2007 than 2006, and with the way the Mets value their base running, those numbers should see a rise. One negative to be mindful of is the Mets offense, which actually appears to be bit worse heading into 2008 with defensive minded back-stop Brian Schneider replacing Paul Lo Duca and a likely platoon situation in right field bwteen Ryan Church, Endy Chavez and Carlos Gomez. Despite all this, the 25-year old Wright continues to make giant strides.
4. RYAN BRAUN
Milwaukee Brewers
2007: .324 AVG, 34 HR, 97 RBI, 91 R, 15 SB
Comment: Braun is an appropriate last name for the powerful 24-year old. The NL Rookie of the Year only played 113 games last season, but you wouldn’t guess it looking at his numbers. There may be some out there who worry about a sophomore slump, but he’s the real deal. His defense is suspect at best, but in fantasy baseball who really cares?
2007: .324 AVG, 34 HR, 97 RBI, 91 R, 15 SB
Comment: Braun is an appropriate last name for the powerful 24-year old. The NL Rookie of the Year only played 113 games last season, but you wouldn’t guess it looking at his numbers. There may be some out there who worry about a sophomore slump, but he’s the real deal. His defense is suspect at best, but in fantasy baseball who really cares?
5. ARAMIS RAMIREZ
Chicago Cubs
2007: .310 AVG, 26 HR, 101 RBI, 72 R, 0 SB
Comment: Ramirez failed to top 30 HR for the first time in four years, but considering he missed 30 games, he still ended up with a favorable stat-line. The arrival of Kosuke Fukudome should provide either solid protection or more RBI opportunities, depending on how the Cubs set their lineup. Ramirez isn’t an old horse or anything (he’s turning 30 in June) so fantasy owners shouldn’t expect any type of decline.
2007: .310 AVG, 26 HR, 101 RBI, 72 R, 0 SB
Comment: Ramirez failed to top 30 HR for the first time in four years, but considering he missed 30 games, he still ended up with a favorable stat-line. The arrival of Kosuke Fukudome should provide either solid protection or more RBI opportunities, depending on how the Cubs set their lineup. Ramirez isn’t an old horse or anything (he’s turning 30 in June) so fantasy owners shouldn’t expect any type of decline.
6. GARRETT ATKINS
Colorado Rockies
2007: .301 AVG, 25 HR, 111 RBI, 83 R, 3 SB
Comment: His overall 2007 numbers don’t tell the whole story — Atkins labored through the first-half of the season, hitting .259 in 84 games. After the All Star break, he flashed his stuff (.349 AVG, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 40 R and 0 SB in 73 games). One has to assume that he was pressing early last season trying to build on his 2006 performance, meaning he could really put his skills on display in 2008.
2007: .301 AVG, 25 HR, 111 RBI, 83 R, 3 SB
Comment: His overall 2007 numbers don’t tell the whole story — Atkins labored through the first-half of the season, hitting .259 in 84 games. After the All Star break, he flashed his stuff (.349 AVG, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 40 R and 0 SB in 73 games). One has to assume that he was pressing early last season trying to build on his 2006 performance, meaning he could really put his skills on display in 2008.
7. CHIPPER JONES
Atlanta Braves
2007: .337 AVG, 29 HR, 102 RBI, 108 R, 5 SB
Comment: Jones played in 134 games last season, his most since 2004. Some of you may be wondering what is going to keep him from injury-risk headache in 2008? The answer, friends, is his 2009 option. Chipper needs at least 450 plate appearances for his 2009 option to be vested, meaning he’ll have to play at least 100 or so games this season. He’s already said he wants to play past 2009, so he’ll be motivated to show the Braves that they should give his 35-year-old body (will be 36 in April) a contract extension.
2007: .337 AVG, 29 HR, 102 RBI, 108 R, 5 SB
Comment: Jones played in 134 games last season, his most since 2004. Some of you may be wondering what is going to keep him from injury-risk headache in 2008? The answer, friends, is his 2009 option. Chipper needs at least 450 plate appearances for his 2009 option to be vested, meaning he’ll have to play at least 100 or so games this season. He’s already said he wants to play past 2009, so he’ll be motivated to show the Braves that they should give his 35-year-old body (will be 36 in April) a contract extension.
8. RYAN ZIMMERMAN
Washington Nationals
2007: .266 AVG, 24 HR, 91 RBI, 99 R, 4 SB
Comment: Zimmerman’s 2007 numbers aren’t ugly or anything, but for someone as talented as him, they are a bit disappointing. There’s reason to hope in 2008, however. The Nationals have made a number of moves to add offense, acquiring Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge and Paul Lo Duca to their lineup. With another year of experience under his belt and an improved offense (at least on paper), expect Zimmerman to surpass 100 runs and RBI while raising his batting average significantly.
2007: .266 AVG, 24 HR, 91 RBI, 99 R, 4 SB
Comment: Zimmerman’s 2007 numbers aren’t ugly or anything, but for someone as talented as him, they are a bit disappointing. There’s reason to hope in 2008, however. The Nationals have made a number of moves to add offense, acquiring Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge and Paul Lo Duca to their lineup. With another year of experience under his belt and an improved offense (at least on paper), expect Zimmerman to surpass 100 runs and RBI while raising his batting average significantly.
9. CHONE FIGGINS
Los Angeles Angels
2007: .330 AVG, 3 HR, 58 RBI, 81 R, 41 SB
Comment: Figgins labored through the first two months of the season, hitting .160 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R and 5 SB in 26 games. From June on, however, Figgins was an animal (.380 AVG, 2 HR, 52 RBI, 70 R and 36 SB in 89 games). Had he not stunk so bad to start the season, Figgins probably would’ve enjoyed the best year of his career. He fits in perfectly with manager Mike Scioscia’s offense and if he hits the ground running in 2008, the speedy Figgins should be a great fantasy player.
2007: .330 AVG, 3 HR, 58 RBI, 81 R, 41 SB
Comment: Figgins labored through the first two months of the season, hitting .160 with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R and 5 SB in 26 games. From June on, however, Figgins was an animal (.380 AVG, 2 HR, 52 RBI, 70 R and 36 SB in 89 games). Had he not stunk so bad to start the season, Figgins probably would’ve enjoyed the best year of his career. He fits in perfectly with manager Mike Scioscia’s offense and if he hits the ground running in 2008, the speedy Figgins should be a great fantasy player.
10. MIKE LOWELL
Boston Red Sox
2007: .324 AVG, 24 HR, 120 RBI, 79 R, 3 SB
Comment: Lowell did the right thing by staying in Boston: Fenway Park has been a boon to his fantasy value. Lowell hit at an astounding .373 clip with 14 HR, 73 RBI, 53 R and 3 SB in 77 games at home last season. On the road, however, it was a different story. Lowell had a .273 AVG, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 26 R and 0 SB in 77 games. Had he signed with a different team, he probably wouldn’t even be on this list. But just because he re-upped with Boston does not mean he will necessarily duplicate 2007’s great stats. While all signs seem to point to another productive year with the Red Sox offense, it may be prudent to expect him to top last year’s numbers.
2007: .324 AVG, 24 HR, 120 RBI, 79 R, 3 SB
Comment: Lowell did the right thing by staying in Boston: Fenway Park has been a boon to his fantasy value. Lowell hit at an astounding .373 clip with 14 HR, 73 RBI, 53 R and 3 SB in 77 games at home last season. On the road, however, it was a different story. Lowell had a .273 AVG, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 26 R and 0 SB in 77 games. Had he signed with a different team, he probably wouldn’t even be on this list. But just because he re-upped with Boston does not mean he will necessarily duplicate 2007’s great stats. While all signs seem to point to another productive year with the Red Sox offense, it may be prudent to expect him to top last year’s numbers.
11. ALEX GORDON
Kansas City Royals
2007: .247 AVG, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 60 R, 14 SB
Comment: Okay, the .247 average certainly has to improve, but he will be 24 in Feb. and should have his first-year jitters behind. Gordon has elite potential. Unfortunately, he’s really going to have to prove himself early in 2008. New manager Trey Hillman is leaning towards batting Gordon seventh in the Royals lineup, meaning if Gordon wants to move up in the batting order, he’s going to have to give Kansas City a reason.
2007: .247 AVG, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 60 R, 14 SB
Comment: Okay, the .247 average certainly has to improve, but he will be 24 in Feb. and should have his first-year jitters behind. Gordon has elite potential. Unfortunately, he’s really going to have to prove himself early in 2008. New manager Trey Hillman is leaning towards batting Gordon seventh in the Royals lineup, meaning if Gordon wants to move up in the batting order, he’s going to have to give Kansas City a reason.
12. ADRIAN BELTRE
Seattle Mariners
2007: .276 AVG, 26 HR, 99 RBI, 87 R, 14 SB
Comment: Last season’s 14 swiped bags were the most Beltre’s recorded since reaching 18 in 1999. Plus, he’s made it two consecutive seasons topping double-digit steals — a fantasy X-factor. Losing Jose Guillen’s big bat puts a slight damper on things, but Beltre has been good for 20-plus HRs and at least 80 RBI since 2003. Why would he stop producing now?
2007: .276 AVG, 26 HR, 99 RBI, 87 R, 14 SB
Comment: Last season’s 14 swiped bags were the most Beltre’s recorded since reaching 18 in 1999. Plus, he’s made it two consecutive seasons topping double-digit steals — a fantasy X-factor. Losing Jose Guillen’s big bat puts a slight damper on things, but Beltre has been good for 20-plus HRs and at least 80 RBI since 2003. Why would he stop producing now?
13. JOSH FIELDS
Chicago White Sox
2007: .244 AVG, 23 HR, 67 RBI, 54 R, 1 SB
Comment: His overall season numbers may look just average, but Fields’ power was on full display in the second-half, when the rookie swatted 18 HR. His batting average may hover around the .250 range, but he has 30-plus HR power. The White Sox offense, who were third to last in runs scored (693) and last in team batting average (.246) last season, are going to be better with the additions of Orlando Cabrera and Carlos Quentin. The only thing that may be standing in Fields’ way is Joe Crede (who many expect to be traded before the season starts).
2007: .244 AVG, 23 HR, 67 RBI, 54 R, 1 SB
Comment: His overall season numbers may look just average, but Fields’ power was on full display in the second-half, when the rookie swatted 18 HR. His batting average may hover around the .250 range, but he has 30-plus HR power. The White Sox offense, who were third to last in runs scored (693) and last in team batting average (.246) last season, are going to be better with the additions of Orlando Cabrera and Carlos Quentin. The only thing that may be standing in Fields’ way is Joe Crede (who many expect to be traded before the season starts).
14. TROY GLAUS
St. Louis Cardinals
2007: .262 AVG, 20 HR, 62 RBI, 60 R, 0 SB
Comment: Fantasy owners might be feeling hesitant in wanting any part of Troy Glaus (you know, the whole performance enhancement and injury thing). But there’s no reason Glaus can’t have another productive season if he stays healthy. He had 75 homeruns in the previous two seasons before 2007 and could exceed his draft day value by the end of 2008 with the Cardinals.
2007: .262 AVG, 20 HR, 62 RBI, 60 R, 0 SB
Comment: Fantasy owners might be feeling hesitant in wanting any part of Troy Glaus (you know, the whole performance enhancement and injury thing). But there’s no reason Glaus can’t have another productive season if he stays healthy. He had 75 homeruns in the previous two seasons before 2007 and could exceed his draft day value by the end of 2008 with the Cardinals.
15. HANK BLALOCK
Texas Rangers
2007: .293 AVG, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 32 R, 4 SB
Comment: When you realize that he played in just 58 games last year, his numbers look mighty fine. He’s expected to be fully healthy for this season and the two-time All-Star is still just 27 years old. Don’t worry. There’s plenty left in the tank. Don’t forget that Blalock had 86 HR between 2003 and 2005, and with the Rangers offense looking better than it did last season, Blalock could re-establish himself as a worthy fantasy third baseman.
2007: .293 AVG, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 32 R, 4 SB
Comment: When you realize that he played in just 58 games last year, his numbers look mighty fine. He’s expected to be fully healthy for this season and the two-time All-Star is still just 27 years old. Don’t worry. There’s plenty left in the tank. Don’t forget that Blalock had 86 HR between 2003 and 2005, and with the Rangers offense looking better than it did last season, Blalock could re-establish himself as a worthy fantasy third baseman.
16. SCOTT ROLEN
Toronto Blue Jays
2007: .265 AVG, 8 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R, 5 SB
Comment: Following a nice 2006 season — one that saw him total 24 HR, 95 RBI and 94 runs — Rolen really stumbled in 2007. There’s reason for optimism though. The trade to Toronto will be a fresh start for the five-time All Star, who has had his share of differences with Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa. Rolen missed 50 games last year, but if he can stay healthy, he should be more productive this season than in 2007.
2007: .265 AVG, 8 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R, 5 SB
Comment: Following a nice 2006 season — one that saw him total 24 HR, 95 RBI and 94 runs — Rolen really stumbled in 2007. There’s reason for optimism though. The trade to Toronto will be a fresh start for the five-time All Star, who has had his share of differences with Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa. Rolen missed 50 games last year, but if he can stay healthy, he should be more productive this season than in 2007.
17. EDWIN ENCARNACION
Cincinnati Reds
2007: .289 AVG, 16 HR, 76 RBI, 66 R, 8 SB
Comment: Encarnacion had plenty of up and downs in 2007, with the lowest point of the year being his demotion to the minors in May. But he finished the season strongly, hitting nine HR and 35 RBI in the last two months of the season while batting a healthy .320. As long as the Reds keep him in the everyday spot at third, the 25-year old should be a productive fantasy option. Of course, they’ve removed him from the role before, so he may always be one bad week away from a benching.
2007: .289 AVG, 16 HR, 76 RBI, 66 R, 8 SB
Comment: Encarnacion had plenty of up and downs in 2007, with the lowest point of the year being his demotion to the minors in May. But he finished the season strongly, hitting nine HR and 35 RBI in the last two months of the season while batting a healthy .320. As long as the Reds keep him in the everyday spot at third, the 25-year old should be a productive fantasy option. Of course, they’ve removed him from the role before, so he may always be one bad week away from a benching.
18. AKINORI IWAMURA
Tampa Bay Rays
2007: .285 AVG, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 82 R, 12 SB
Comment: The Rays decided in early Dec. to use Iwamura as their starting second baseman, but fantasy owners will have the flexibility to use him at the third base position. In April, before succumbing to a strained oblique, Iwamura was terrific for Tampa Bay, hitting .339 with 15 runs in 18 games. If he’s healthy all season, he should be a solid asset for batting average and run totals, while chipping in some stolen bases too.
2007: .285 AVG, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 82 R, 12 SB
Comment: The Rays decided in early Dec. to use Iwamura as their starting second baseman, but fantasy owners will have the flexibility to use him at the third base position. In April, before succumbing to a strained oblique, Iwamura was terrific for Tampa Bay, hitting .339 with 15 runs in 18 games. If he’s healthy all season, he should be a solid asset for batting average and run totals, while chipping in some stolen bases too.
19. CASEY BLAKE
Cleveland Indians
2007: .270 AVG, 18 HR, 78 RBI, 81 R, 4 SB
Comment: While Blake is usually on-and-off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues year-to-year, he’s had at least 17 HR since 2003 and has topped 80 runs three times during that span. He’s definitely a streaky hitter and has hot and cold spells throughout the season, but he could finish 2008 with some pretty good numbers in Cleveland’s lineup.
2007: .270 AVG, 18 HR, 78 RBI, 81 R, 4 SB
Comment: While Blake is usually on-and-off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues year-to-year, he’s had at least 17 HR since 2003 and has topped 80 runs three times during that span. He’s definitely a streaky hitter and has hot and cold spells throughout the season, but he could finish 2008 with some pretty good numbers in Cleveland’s lineup.
20. KEVIN KOUZMANOFF
San Diego Padres
2007: .275 AVG, 18 HR, 74 RBI, 57 R, 1 SB
Comment: Kouzmanoff was a popular sleeper pick heading into 2007 fantasy drafts, but he started the season off incredibly poorly in 2008, hitting a ghastly .113 in April. As the season wore on, Kouzmanoff improved noticeably, putting a cap on his 2007 season with a .371 batting average in Sept. At age 26, this may truly be his break out season.
PROSPECT WATCH
EVAN LONGORIA
Tampa Bay Rays
Comment: In Sept., manager Joe Maddon stated that there was a 50-50 chance Longoria would start the season as the starting third baseman. You’ve got to love those odds, he’s too talented to sit all year.
Tampa Bay Rays
Comment: In Sept., manager Joe Maddon stated that there was a 50-50 chance Longoria would start the season as the starting third baseman. You’ve got to love those odds, he’s too talented to sit all year.
END OF THE ROAD
NOMAR GARCIAPARRA
Los Angeles Dodgers
Comment: He’s just too fragile at this stage of his career to rely on and might not play everyday by the end of 2008.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Comment: He’s just too fragile at this stage of his career to rely on and might not play everyday by the end of 2008.
WALK-YEAR
CASEY BLAKE
Cleveland Indians
Comment: He’s hit 28 HR and 88 RBI with Cleveland before, so in a contract-year, he could turn it up.
Cleveland Indians
Comment: He’s hit 28 HR and 88 RBI with Cleveland before, so in a contract-year, he could turn it up.
FAT CONTRACT
ALEX RODRIGUEZ
New York Yankees
Comment: This was a no-brainer. A-Rod hit a major-pay day with the 10-year, $272 million contract. He can make up to $305 million with incentives.
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