This half of the middle infield is starting to gain some depth. There are some surprising picks late in the draft and some elites for the first few rounds. Either way there are plenty of choices.
1. Chase Utley - Until Ian Kinsler can play 150+ games the top spot remains with Utley. He's shown no problem from the hip and is again a first rounder for sure.
2. Ian Kinsler - Don't forget to grab a backup later on as you just can't count on Kinsler to get a full season. That shouldn't be a problem though as his numbers in 130 games still give you amazing numbers.
3. Robinson Cano - Another beneficiary of the Yankee Stadium effect and finally reached that 20+ homer plateau. Solid four categories on a great team to pad his runs and RBIs.
4. Aaron Hill - Are you going to overpay for the career year? He has power, but I wonder if he can top 30 again.
5. Dustin Pedroia - His average fell and that was the only negative. The average should be back up and he will be top 5 at second again.
6. Brandon Phillips - Another one of those guys who can't supply strong run totals since he can't get on base very well. Power and speed is still very good while average is neither very good or bad.
7. Ben Zobrist - He won't have enough games to also get short stop at the start of 2010, but he does have outfield. He finally got a chance in 2009 and is worth the investment.
8. Brian Roberts - He has lost 10 steals per year for three straight years. I don't think he'll lose another 10, but at 32 it's not likely he gains 10 either.
9. Dan Uggla - If he gets moved it's possible his numbers could get better, but assuming he's in Florida for 2010 his power will not disappoint hitting 31+ homers for 3 straight seasons.
10. Jose Lopez - He's only 26 and getting better with power increases two years in a row. If he could ever learn to get on base better he would add run totals and be close to the top 5.
11. Asrubal Cabrera - We are leaving the elite guys and going for guys who specialize in a few things. Cabrera is a 2B/SS guy with good speed average and runs, but nothing elite.
Best of the Rest
12. Casey McGehee
13. Ian Stewart
14. Rickie Weeks
15. Howie Kendrick
16. Felipe Lopez
17. Alberto Callaspo
18. Orlando Hudson
19. Clint Barnes
20. Placido Polanco
