09 Fantasy Baseball Cheat Sheet 2B Rankings

SECOND BASE (2B) RANKINGS 2009

1. Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies (30)

Even with the injury, I am still taking Utley as my #1 overall second baseman in 2009 fantasy baseball drafts. Utley’s consistency in all scoring categories combined with his place in a very potent Phillies lineup, makes him nearly a guaranteed commodity. Passing up 20-25 homeruns, 90-100 rbi, 100 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and a .300 plus batting average wouldn’t be wise.

2. Ian Kinsler – Texas Rangers (27)

While many fantasy baseball mangers will be tempted to take Kinsler as the #1 overall fantasy baseball second baseman, his injury history nearly guarantees you that he will miss at least 30 games during the 2009 season. When you compare that to Chase Utley’s probable missed games total for 2009, Utley is the clear favorite at second base. However if Kinsler can manage to stay relatively healthy and play 150 games, his numbers could approach 25 homeruns, 30 stolen bases, 80 rbi, 115 runs scored, and a batting average around .300.

3. Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox (25)

Pedroia proved his doubters wrong in 2008 with career highs across the board. At age 25, Pedroia has plenty of room to continue to improve upon his numbers in 2009. Not to mention being in a high run producing Boston offense definitely helps Pedroia’s cause as well. A 20 homerun and 20 stolen base season with over 100 runs scored and an outstanding batting average well over .300 is likely for Pedroia in 2009.

4. Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds (28)

While Phillips didn’t come close to a 30 homerun and 30 stolen base season again in 2008, a 20 homerun and 20 stolen base season isn’t exactly terrible either. If Phillips remains injury free, a 25 homerun and 25 stolen base season is likely, with great potential for another 30 homerun and 30 stolen base season in 2009.

5. Brian Roberts – Baltimore Orioles (31)

Whether Roberts remains in Baltimore or not, it really doesn’t matter in terms of his 2009 fantasy baseball potential. Something between 40-50 stolen bases with 100 runs scored and a .290 batting average is a great bet for Roberts in 2009.

6. Dan Uggla – Florida Marlins (29)

After three consecutive seasons of outstanding fantasy baseball production, I think Uggla may have finally gained the trust of fantasy baseball managers entering the 2009 season. While Uggla’s batting average isn’t great, it isn’t a complete scoring category killer either. Take Uggla’s 25-30 homeruns, 80-90 rbi, 100 runs scored and be thankful you have one of the best fantasy baseball second basemen in the league.

7. Alexi Ramirez – Chicago White Sox (27) BUST

After last year’s breakout, Ramirez will be high in 2009 fantasy baseball rankings entering the season. However just remember that last year was Ramirez’s only major league experience, and it is possible that he regresses a bit in 2009. With that said, Ramirez still has plenty of potential to increase upon his 2008 numbers, but he clearly isn’t a safe bet. There are always ‘busts’ in fantasy baseball drafts, and Ramirez could very easily be one of them in 2009. On the other hand, if Ramirez isn’t a bust, 20 homeruns, 15 stolen bases, 70 rbi, 80 runs scored, and a batting average around .290 is possible.

8. Robinson Cano – New York Yankees (26)

To say Cano underachieved and disappointed in 2008 would be a complete understatement. In all honesty, Cano was a major bust for every fantasy baseball team that took him high in their draft last year. Luckily however, the rebuilding of the Yankees roster for the 2009 season, could lead Cano to a career year in 2009 as he should have plenty of protection in the lineup. A .300 plus batting average combined with 15-20 homeruns, 80 rbi, and 80-90 runs scored seem likely for Cano in 2009.

9. Mark DeRosa – Cleveland Indians (34) BUST

After posting a career year in 2008, the Cubs quickly bailed on the 34 year old DeRosa in hopes of getting good value for him while they still could. DeRosa’s fantasy outlook for 2009 looks solid, but with a track record that includes just 13 homeruns as his career high prior to his 21 homeruns in 2008, I highly doubt DeRosa will come close to 20 homeruns again in 2009. Expect solid numbers, but not great numbers from DeRosa in 2009. His best fantasy baseball asset is definitely his versatility, as DeRosa should qualify at second base, third base, left field and right field in your league, and if an injury occurs to a starter, DeRosa can even play first base and shortstop if needed, which would give him even more position eligibility in fantasy baseball leagues for the 2009 season. 15 homeruns, 70 rbi, 80-90 runs scored, 5 stolen bases, and a batting average around .285 seems realistic for DeRosa in 2009.

10. Howie Kendrick – Los Angeles Angels (26) BREAKOUT

As usual, Kendrick once again succumb to his injury history in 2008. The potential and ability is there, but at this point, Kendrick is a huge high reward, high risk pick entering the 2009 fantasy baseball season. If you have a good starting second base option already and Kendrick is available late in your draft, he is a great sleeper pick with outstanding value and potential. 10-15 homeruns, 15 stolen bases, 70 rbi, 80 runs scored, and batting average around .310-.320 is a good bet for a healthy Kendrick during the 2009 season.

11. Jose Lopez – Seattle Mariners (25)

At just 25 years of age for the 2009 season, Lopez has shown an increase in his power numbers over the past three years. A 20 homerun and 90 rbi campaign along with a good batting average around .290 could be in store for Lopez in 2009.

12. Mike Aviles – Kansas City Royals (28)

Even though he is the Royals starting shortstop, Aviles will still qualify at second base in fantasy baseball leagues in 2009. While Aviles is anything but a proven commodity, he offers way too much potential to pass up at this point in your rankings and draft. With 500 plus at bats possible for Aviles during the 2009 season, stats in the range of 15 homeruns, 12 stolen bases, 80 runs scored, 70 rbi, and a .300 batting average is all very likely.

13. Kelly Johnson – Atlanta Braves (27)

Johnson proved in 2008 that his 2007 numbers were not just a mirage or fluke. And best of all, Johnson actually improved his stolen base total and his batting average in 2008. If Johnson continues to progress in 2009, a final stat line could include 15 homeruns, 90 runs scored, 70 rbi, 15 stolen bases, and a .285 batting average.

14. Rickie Weeks – Milwaukee Brewers (26)

Weeks has entered the past four seasons as a top sleeper and breakout pick on many fantasy baseball managers draft lists, and yet during each of those four seasons, Weeks has disappointed greatly. However with the potential and ability still there, it is astonishing as to why Weeks just cannot put it all together. Is it crazy to think that maybe, just maybe, 2009 will be his breakout year?

15. Asdrubal Cabrera – Cleveland Indians (23) BREAKOUT

Ok so Cabrera has age on his side, and he finished the 2008 season on fire while hitting .416 with 22 rbi in just 77 at bats. Unfortunately the Indians decided to trade for Mark DeRosa, whose primary position is also second base. With this in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Indians move the young Cabrera to shortstop and then move Jhonny Peralta to third base. If this does happen, Cabrera and his duel 2B/SS eligibility make him an even higher draft pick among second basemen in 2009.

16. Alexi Casilla – Minnesota Twins (25)

The starting second baseman of the future for the Twins finally took the job and ran with it last year. If Casilla can continue to get better during the 2009 season, then his stolen base total could easily approach 30 by seasons end. If you are looking for a second basemen who can get you some steals, Casilla is a great late round pick.

17. Placido Polanco – Detroit Tigers (33)

At age 33, Polanco doesn’t offer fantasy baseball teams stolen bases or homeruns, but he can contribute a solid .300 plus batting average and between 90-100 runs scored. All in all, these stats are great to have as a back option at a weak second base position in fantasy baseball leagues.

18. Ian Stewart – Colorado Rockies (24) BREAKOUT

Stewart is young, has plenty of power, and he plays half of his games at Coors Field. Looks like a breakout year could be in store for him in 2009. Stewart’s duel eligibility at second base and third base should make him a big time commodity for fantasy baseball teams looking for versatility and star potential. If you take a chance on Stewart and he comes through on his potential, he could very easily lead you to your league’s championship title in 2009.

19. Aaron Hill – Toronto Blue Jays (27)

Once considered an up and coming top flight fantasy baseball second baseman, Hill sustained a concussion in May of last year, and he was never able to return to the field in 2008. Luckily Hill is still very young, just 27 years old for the 2009 season, so if he can shake this injury, Hill will still be considered the Blue Jays second baseman of the future. The potential for 15-20 homeruns and 80 rbi while batting around .290 is possible if Hill is healthy by opening day for the 2009 season.

20. Orlando Hudson – Free Agent (31)

Up until his injury wiped out the end of his 2008 season, Hudson was actually a very solid fantasy baseball second base option in nearly all fantasy baseball league formats. Hudson is currently a free agent, but depending on where he signs, he will likely land a starting second base job based on his defense and hitting potential. 10 homeruns, 10 stolen bases, and a .290 batting average is a good bet from Hudson in 2009.

21. Kazuo Matsui – Houston Astros (33)

Matsui continued to show plenty of speed in 2008, as he managed 20 stolen bases in just 96 games. If Matsui can stay healthy and play in just 140 games during the 2009 season, he would have a realistic chance at posting 30 stolen bases with a batting average around .290. Matsui is currently the prototypical second baseman who has tons of speed but not much power.

22. Clint Barmes – Colorado Rockies (30)

A super utility man, Barmes should qualify at 2B, 3B, and SS in your fantasy baseball league for the 2009 season. With this type of versatility, the Rockies should definitely be able to find Barmes some playing time in 2009. Expect around 400 at bats with decent stats in every category, 10-15 homeruns, 10-15 steals, and a batting average around .290. Barmes is definitely a great backup option in nearly every fantasy baseball league, as he is excellent insurance to backup three positions, while just taking up one roster spot.

23. Akinori Iwamura – Tampa Bay Rays (30)

Iwamura doesn’t do anything great, but he doesn’t do anything terrible either. Placed in a solid Tampa Bay offense, Iwamura should post numbers in 2009 resembling his 2008 stats. In other words expecting 10 stolen bases, 5-10 homeruns, 80-90 runs scored, and a batting average around .280 is a solid bet.

24. Blake DeWitt – Los Angeles Dodgers (23) BREAKOUT

Originally projected as a third baseman, DeWitt will have a chance to claim the starting second base job for the Dodgers in 2009 now that Jeff Kent has retired. With 27 games played at second base already under his belt from last year, DeWitt could slide nicely into that position for the entire 2009 season. As a combo 3B/2B eligible infielder, DeWitt holds great versatility which gives him an additional advantage over other second base options in 2009 fantasy baseball leagues.

25. Alberto Callaspo – Kansas City Royals (26) SLEEPER

On a Royals team that needs talent at seemingly every position, Callaspo could finally get an everyday starting job at second base for the enter 2009 season. If Callaspo does manage to reel in a full time job, and he bats leadoff, then 20 plus stolen bases and close to 100 runs scored could be in store for him during the 2009 season.

26. Eric Patterson – Oakland Athletics (26) SLEEPER

With former starting second baseman Mark Ellis coming off of shoulder surgery, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Patterson snatch the starting second base job in spring training and not give it back. Also as a former shortstop, Patterson would have a great chance to start at shortstop should the fragile Bobby Crosby go down. At this point, it really just depends on what positions are open come spring training and opening day for the Athletics. Patterson could be a great steal, literally, in 2009 fantasy baseball drafts, as he has the potential to post 40 steals if given 400-500 at bats. Patterson’s career stolen base success rate currently stands at 79 percent, so there is plenty of reason to be excited about his potential.

27. Felipe Lopez – Arizona Diamondbacks (29)

If the Diamondbacks decide not to resign Orlando Hudson, then it looks like Lopez will open the 2009 season with the starting second base job in hand. 20 stolen bases is about all he is worth however, since Lopez does not possess very good batting average skills nor does he offer much homerun potential.

28. Anderson Hernandez – Washington Nationals (26)

The Nationals need young talent, and Hernandez at 26 years of age should be given ample time and opportunity to keep the starting second base job for the entire 2009 season. Hernandez doesn’t project to have much power or stolen base potential, however he does offers a decent batting average and the potential for a bunch of runs scored.

29. Chris Getz – Chicago White Sox (25)

With no veteran currently on the White Sox roster at second base, it looks like the young Getz will get his shot at claiming the starting second base job during spring training. If Getz is successful and he is the starter for the White Sox in 2009, expect a good batting average around .290 with a handful of stolen bases.

30. Eugenio Velez – San Francisco Giants (27) SLEEPER

Velez will be entering the 2009 season at the magic age of 27. If this means anything, a career year could be in store for the speedster. If Velez manages to win the starting second base job and nets 400-500 at bats during the 2009 season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him finish with 40 plus stolen bases by the end of the season.

31. Mike Fontenot – Chicago Cubs (29)

The Cubs second base job is virtually wide open, and with the newly signed Aaron Miles as his only real competition for the job, I think the younger Fontenot will be given a chance to show what he can do in a full time roll. 10-15 homeruns and 5-10 steals are likely if Fontenot wins the starting job.

32. Freddy Sanchez – Pittsburgh Pirates (31) BUST

Aside from a .300 batting average, Sanchez doesn’t offer much of anything in the other scoring categories in fantasy baseball leagues. Sanchez’s career high in steals is 3 during the 2006 season, and his career high in homeruns is 11 during the 2007 season. All in all, Sanchez just doesn’t have much upside for fantasy baseball teams.

33. Luis Castillo – New York Mets (33) BUST

Even as a 32 year old, Castillo still managed to steal 17 bases in just 87 games played in 2008. I am not saying there is potential for a great deal more from him in 2009, but if Castillo remains in the Mets high run producing lineup, he should be a decent source of stolen bases and runs scored for fantasy baseball teams in 2009.

34. Emmanuel Burriss – San Francisco Giants (24)

The starting second base job is shaping up to be a battle between Burriss and Eugenio Velez, and basically whoever has a better spring training will likely get the job for the 2009 season. Much like Velez, Burriss is a speedster who could easily rack up 40 stolen bases if given 400-500 at bats.

35. Matt Antonelli – San Diego Padres (24) SLEEPER

Antonelli a former 1st round pick from the 2006 draft, got his first taste of the big leagues last season. Unfortunately he had a debut that neither him nor fantasy managers will want to remember. Yet with the starting second base job looking like his future position, a good spring training may get him to that future by opening day 2009. 15 homeruns and 20 stolen bases is possible from Antonelli if given 500 at bats.

36. Daniel Murphy – New York Mets (24) SLEEPER

After a late season callup in 2008, Murphy showed the Mets and fantasy baseball teams that he could be very productive if given the opportunity. As the potential second basemen of the future for the Mets once Luis Castillo is gone, Murphy at just age 24, should see playing time at both outfield and second base during the 2009 season. It isn’t likely he claims a full time starting job in 2009, but the potential is still there, and if Murphy makes a good impact in spring training, he is an excellent sleeper candidate entering the 2009 fantasy baseball season. Murphy has the potential to post 15-20 homeruns, 20-25 stolen bases, 90-100 runs scored, 80 rbi, and a batting average around .290 in the prime of his career.

37. Jeff Baker – Colorado Rockies (28)

Baker has always been someone who has had talent, but Colorado has just never had a position open for him to play full time. Baker’s versatility to play second base, third base, first base, and even the outfield, should allow him to finally get some significant at bats in 2009.

38. Joaquin Arias – Texas Rangers (24)

With the Rangers likely to move Michael Young over to third base, Arias is the dark horse candidate that may claim the starting shortstop job if stud prospect Elvis Andrus isn’t ready to begin the 2009 season. As a fill in at second base when Ian Kinsler went down in 2008, Arias produced admirably with a .291 batting average, 4 steals, 3 triples, and 15 runs scored in just 32 games.

39. Adam Kennedy – St. Louis Cardinals (33)

Kennedy is no longer a decent source of stolen bases, and he doesn’t hit for a high batting average or posses good power numbers. Don’t draft Kennedy unless you really just want a backup second baseman that you know will get playing time.

40. Edgar Gonzalez – San Diego Padres (31)

After earning the starting second base job last year, Gonzalez was the clear favorite to once again man that position in San Diego for the 2009 season. However with the signing of David Eckstein and the progress of second base prospect Matt Antonelli, it looks like Gonzalez will have a big battle for the rights to be the 2009 opening day starter at second base in San Diego. My money is on the young and more talented Matt Antonelli claiming the full time job sometime during the 2009 season.