Hyatt's Fantasy Baseball Guide: 2B

Ok, let's be honest here.  There's the top 6, a couple sleepers, a few one trick ponies (contributes in one or 2 categories), but not much else here.  2B may be the shallowest position in Fantasy Baseball.  But the crop we have now has something past crops have not; POWER!!! There are as many as 10 guys going yard 20 or more times this year.  So let's get to the Rankings.

1st Tier (Rounds 1-6):

1. Ian Kinsler- Most people like Utley here, but Kinsler does everything Chase does, but steals way more bases, and he'll score as many if not more runs.  He's probably going to hit for a better average too.  he's my #1 guy, even though I'm going to get him in the early 2nd. i'm not worried about his health.

2. Chase Utley- There is nothing wrong with Chase Utley and the production he puts up at 2nd.  I'd just like to get some more SBs from the position.  He's a great player, but i'm not putting a 1st round pick into him

3. Dustin Pedroia- Half step down from Kinsler in steals, and a full step down from Chase in power, but he's elite. 

4. Brandon Phillips- If he could just hit above .290, he'd cause a decent debate about who's the best 2B in the NL.  But 30/30 still is great.

5. Brian Roberts- Here's his line: 90 R, 10 Homers, 40 SB, .290 Ave.  That's what he'll give you.  More runs if he's in a Cubs uniform, but not much change otherwise. The reason I say 90 as opposed to 100 R is that Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora will regress.

6. Dan Uggla- You may be scared of the .260 average, but he's raise his OBP-BA by 25 points every year.  He won't do it again this year, but his walk rates are much better.  Oh, and he'll jack 30 homers for you. 

The next guys (6-12):

7. Alexei Ramirez- Ok kid, do it again.  He'll make the top 6 a top 7 if he repeats his 20 homer with an around .300 average again.  I just want to see it again.  If you want to take him, it will cost you a 5th or a 6th rounder.

8.Jose Lopez- Quietly had a solid season.  He's won't get you too many SBs or Runs, but he's a decent option if you miss out on the top guys.

9.  Mark Derosa- A solid but unspectacular 2B for you.  Not much in the way of SB, which I feel is a need, but he isn't a team killer.

10. Howie Kendrick- A one trick pony, but it's quite a trick if he can keep healthy.  If you are looking for Mike Young without the modest power or health, he's your man. 

11. Robinson Cano- See what a horrendous April can do?  Now's the time to buy low on this guy, but again, no speed here.

12. Rickie Weeks- Want to take a calculated risk?  I suggest getting weeks, and another decent 2B for insurance.  But when he goes 25/30 for you with a .280 ave and 110 runs, be sure to know who told you first.

13. Kazuo Matsui- He's good for .290 and 25 steals, not much else though.

3rd Tier (Rounds 12-18):

14. Kelly Johnson- Not bad at anything, but not good at anything either.  Just a solid guy who won't kill or help your team.

15. Placido Polanco- He'll hit over .300, but won't do much else.

16. Alexi Casilla- In less than 100 games, he had 100 hits and 50 RBIs.  May be worth stashing as a backup or  if you have an MI position.

17. Orlando Hudson- the O in O-Dawg stands for Ouch.  If he would stay healthy, you're looking at 100 runs, 20 homers, and a .300 average.  He won't though.

Others worth a flier: Emilo Bonifacio, Matt Antonelli

It's deeper than Catcher, but I don't want to get stuck with anyone not in the top tier.  Comments are welcome.