Here are my rankings for second base. I ignored guys like Prado and Theriot who qualify due to 2010 but are projected to play other positions in 2011. I fully expect some rankings to be shocking, but that's the fun of making lists. May the debate begin!
Tier One
Chase Utley (16.39) - He's been a top 2B for years, and the thumb injury shouldn't change things for 2011.
Dustin Pedroia (30.78) - Anjother guy injured in 2010 , but I'm not worried. BOS lineup adds value to his 15/20 ability.
Robinson Cano (9.47) - Great year plus NYY player overvalue means he might go earlier than I like.
Dan Uggla (49.14) - Consistency is worth paying for. Bank on 30 HR, but AVG will fall, as it does every other year.
Kelly Johnson (113.56) - This might surprise, but he was making gains before awful 2009. I think he's legit, though expect something between 2008 and 2010 for power.
Tier Two
Ian Kinsler (50.33) - Were he ever healthy, he'd be higher. Don't reach too high and expect 2009 AB, stats.
Aaron Hill (166.32) - He had a horrendous BABIP (.196) due to awful LD%. Improved in second half, so AVG will bounce back. Given bad 2010, ADP value could be high. An Uggla a few rounds later?
Brandon Phillips (36.17) - The 50% GB doesn't bode well for return to 30 HR, and his CS was high in 2010. 20/20 maybe, but not more.
Neil Walker (321.74) - Young talent who will go unnoticed because he's in PIT. I could see a 20/10 year, so combined with bad-team anonymity, he's a great sleeper pick.
Gordon Beckham (218.22) - Second half is tempting to gamble on, but no guarantee here. Not sure he'll hit 20+ HR in 2011, but I'd take his upside over older, injury-risk guys.
Tier Three
Brian Roberts (128.04) - Injury to back may not affect his running (see second half 2010), but he's aging, and risk in health doesn't seem worth the possible 30 SB if healthy.
Howie Kendrick (226.15) - Will never be the AVG champion, but he's Polanco with a bit more HR/SB potential. AVG could easily bounce back to .290s, and 10/15 is serviceable.
Rickie Weeks (42.49)- Great ability, never healthy. I don't see the AB repeating, and drop in SB is worrisome. I see 20/10 at best, and that's if he's healthy. Be wary of bad AVG potential.
Chone Figgins (95.87) - Getting older, so I'm waiting for the SB to drop. In 5x5 he's got more value than this, but otherwise I'm not excited anymore.
Mike Aviles (172.81) - May play 3B in 2011, but I don't see Getz taking 2B from him. Kendrick potential with fewer R/RBI due to worse team.
Gambling Tier
Omar Infante (289.44) - Okay, he's likely the starter, but FLA, low HR/SB doesn't excite. More likely to increase SB numbers than HR, and AVG is likely to fall to .290-.300.
Sean Rodriguez (381.02) - With so many multi-position guys in TB, will he get enough AB? Power and speed enticing, but struggles could reduce playing time. Potential 15/20 if starter.
Jose Lopez ()- I like him if (big IF) he is full-time in COL, but Wigginton could affect that. Proven power potential, but not worth it in OBP leagues.
Danny Espinosa (395.27) - A power/speed guy who can hopefully get enough AB in WAS to matter to fantasy managers. The AVG might hurt, but 20/20 upside says gamble for MI slot.
Bill Hall ()- HOU claims he'll see most of the 2B starts? Hey, this late in the draft, a guy who could hit 15+ HR is worth a flier.
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