For the
first time since we’ve been posting fantasy baseball draft content, I’m ready
to declare second base as a relatively deep position. It’s not necessarily a
great talent boom that put us in this place, but in the post-steroids era, the
tenth best fantasy second basemen won’t be that far off in terms of value from
the first. Position scarcity fanatics would often have their middle infields
filled early in drafts, but even with that mindset it makes sense to wait on
second base. 2B is arguably the least stressful fantasy spot to fill this
season.
Tier-1 = The Name Brands
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R.Cano, SEA
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A.Rendon, WAS
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J.Altuve, HOU
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Cano
begrudgingly maintains the top spot on this list, even though Altuve was the
top ranked fantasy second baseman a year ago and Rendon is the best five
category producer. Seattle’s off-season additions give logical reasons to
believe Cano will put up better counting stats during his second year in a
Mariners uniform. Altuve is a likely regression candidate, but even if his
batting average drops 50 points there is higher run potential leading off for
an improved Astros club. All three of these guys are great picks in the second
round.
Tier-2 = Store Brands?
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D.Gordon, MIA
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I.Kinsler, DET
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We
almost put these players in their own tiers, but ultimately they are both
undervalued commodities. The fantasy community appears to be taking Gordon’s
speed for granted (ESPN has him ranked as the ninth best second baseman), but
the bottom line is he can single-handedly carry you in stolen bases. Kinsler is
no longer a 20-20 machine, but 30 combined homers and steals still have value.
Tier-3 = MOOKIE! and Some Other People
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J.Kipnis, CLE
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M.Betts, BOS OF
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B.Dozier, MIN
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K.Wong, STL
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D.Pedroia, BOS
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This
group carries the highest risk-reward factor of any of the tiers at second base
for a variety of reasons. Jason Kipnis hasn’t been reliable since the first
half of the 2013 season, but a return to health could mean he delivers top-20
value again. Mookie Betts isn’t eligible at second in most leagues, and isn’t
likely to get any starts there this season, so plan accordingly if you’re in a
keeper league. Brian Dozier is the most likely person in this group to hit
below the Mendoza Line, and aside from going bonkers in last year’s postseason
Wong hasn’t shown enough consistency. Dustin Pedroia is the biggest stay away
for me in this tier. He doesn’t rack up steals or homers anymore, and is value
is completely tied to whether or not he can maintain a spot in the top third of
the Red Sox lineup. He’s essentially taken on the role Derek Jeter did in
fantasy for the better part of the last decade.
Tier-4 = Not Horrendous Options
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N.Walker, PIT
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B.Zobrist, OAK
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J.Harrison, PIT 3B-OF
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D.Murphy, NYM
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H.Kendrick, LAD
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Josh
Harrison stands out as a guy you want to have on your bench with his multi-position
flexibility. Howie Kendrick could be a better version of Dustin Pedroia if he
gets to hit first or second for the Dodgers.
Tier-5 = Upside Baby!
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J.Baez, CHC SS
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B.Lawrie, OAK
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You
shouldn’t rely on either Baez or Lawrie to be your starting second baseman, but
don’t like them be un-owned at the end of your draft or auction. Baez posted a
historically inept 42% strikeout rate after getting the call to the big
leagues, but there is no middle infielder with as much power as him. If he can
bat .250 over a full season, he will eclipse 35 homers. Lawrie has been a bust
for years, and looks like the kind of player that magically turns into an
All-Star after Billy Beane signs him.
Tier-6 = Bench/Waiver Wire Guys
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C.Utley, PHI
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A.Cabrera, TB
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J.Gyorko, SD
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M.Prado, MIA 3B-OF
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B.Phillips, CIN
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A.Alcantara, CHC
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A.Hill, ARI
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