47 results - showing 1 - 47
Ordering 
Details Ratings
1. Utley, Chase  - Second Base, Philadelphia Phillies
Positives/Upside:
Despite worries over the hip, Chase punched in and churned out a vintage Utley season. A poor September took the shine off his batting average, but there's nothing here to suggest that he will be anything other than what he has been - the best fantasy second baseman in baseball, playing for a good team and in a good park. .305-100-30-110-18 in 600 AB
Negatives/Downside:
Utley is age 31 coming off a significant injury. He did fade significantly in September (batting .198 with correspondingly poor secondary numbers). He's unlikely to be perfect again in stolen bases. The addition of Placido Polanco probably batting ahead of Utley (with Shane Victorino moving back in the order) potentially is a weaker table-setter. But it's hard to be too pessimistic here. .285-95-28-90-13 in 525 AB
Analysis:
Utley set aside fears about his hip by producing another first-round level season and along with it a career high in stolen bases. Owners shouldn't worry about his batting average drop. Although it would be foolish to expect a return to the .332 of 2007, most of his drop off in 2009 was due to a .198 September when he was playing through a severely bruised foot from a foul ball. Likewise, you shouldn't expect a perfect 23 for 23 in stolen bases. Defensive metrics should generally be taken with a grain of salt, but stats like UZR and other range metrics can be used as an indicator of diminished speed. Utley's range factors were all down (UZR 10.8 down from a career high of 20.2 in 2008) but essentially equivalent to his 2006 numbers (9.3 UZR), so there doesn't appear to be any cause for concern going forward. The main question with Utley is whether to take him before or after the top two outfielders (Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp). We say bid with confidence. .295-100-30-110-15 in 600 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 4 Recommendation: Go the extra dollar

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 44
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
2. Phillips, Brandon  - Second Base, Cincinnati Reds
Positives/Upside:
At his best, Phillips will fill up all five categories. He's not elite in any one, but is very hard to find a player of such balance. .280-85-25-100-30 in 585 AB
Negatives/Downside:
If you are looking an elite source of a certain category, look elsewhere. Phillips is tailor-made for teams that build with balanced players. .270-75-18-85-20 in 560 AB
Analysis:
Phillips remains a stud player at a position that usually lacks depth (second base). Although he's been trending down in home runs for the last three seasons, Phillips remains the most reliable power option from the position behind Kinsler and Utley and is a safe source of speed. There's no question Phillips will hit the 20/20 club again in 2010, maybe even 25/25. He's the perfect player for anyone who likes to build teams on balance. Phillips will come at a price -- anything after the third round should be considered a steal. He may not be truly elite at his position, but his consistency elevates him in a class above the Pedroias, Canos, and Hills of the world. .275-80-20-90-25 in 580 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 35 Recommendation: Go the extra dollar

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 32
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
3. Uggla, Dan  - Second Base, Florida Marlins
Positives/Upside:
Uggla plays long ball as very few other second basemen can -- 2009 marked his third straight season with at least 31 bombs. He has finished at least second in homers among big league second basemen each of his four seasons and has plated at least 88 RBI in each of his four MLB seasons. More of the same should be in store for 2010, and fantasy owners should once again enjoy Uggla's penchant for power pop. .260-95-33-100-5 in 620 AB
Negatives/Downside:
What they won't enjoy is Uggla's woeful batting average, which lags well behind the average for starting big-league keystone-sackers. Uggla finished 22nd at his position in batting average last season, and with a career mark of just .257, there's not much upside here. Oh, the power will be there, but there will be a hefty price tag attached. .245-80-25-80-0 in 550 AB
Analysis:
Think of Uggla in the same terms as Carlos Pena of Tampa Bay -- they are both very good at what they can do (namely, leave the yard) and very bad at what they can't do (make contact). Both have their place in fantasy lineups, but adding either of them to your roster requires a heavy investment in high-average hitters elsewhere. With the abundance of decent options at second base this year, it's hard to recommend reaching for Uggla -- rather, wait and see if he falls too far in your draft. .250-90-30-90-3 in 600 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 65 Recommendation: Only at a discount

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 27
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
4. Weeks, Rickie  - Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers
Positives/Upside:
If you're willing to gamble on Weeks staying relatively healthy this season, he offers plenty of potential. Last year he looked well on his way to producing the kind of season many have long expected, with 9 HR and a .272 AVG in 147 AB before a wrist injury ended his season, and in preceding years he showed 20 SB ability. If you're lucky and get 500 AB from Weeks, he could reward you with 15 HR and 20 SB, making him a rather valuable 2B.
Negatives/Downside:
Unfortunately, Weeks' injury history makes him a risky proposition. It's especially troubling that he continues to have problems with his wrist, which could erode his ability to hit for power. Last year's strong start is difficult to evaluate since we have such a small sample size to work with, but seeing his line drive % come in 6% higher than his career mark, along with an elevated HR/FB figure gives one pause about getting overly excited about the hot start.
Analysis:
Don't necessarily be scared off from Weeks. If you find yourself staring at unappealing, "safe" options at 2B in the middle rounds of your draft, making an upside play on Weeks wouldn't be a bad idea. Just keep in mind that later it would be a good plan to add some insurance at 2B. .255-80-12-60-18 in 400 AB.
Recommended Draft Position: 153 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 17
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
5. Hudson, Orlando  - Second Base,
Positives/Upside:
Hudson's biggest strength is that he is a known quantity virtually guaranteed of giving fantasy owners across-the-board stats that are adequate for a 2B. He'll steal a few bases, hit some HRs, post a good average, and score his share of runs. If things break right for him in his new home this season, he could bat around .300 with more than 80 runs.
Negatives/Downside:
Hudson is headed back to the stronger league for 2010, which will be a tougher place to reverse the dip in line drive % and boost in K% he suffered last year. Since Hudson doesn't have one or two particularly strong categories, it's important he offer at least average production across the board, requiring some good fortune.
Analysis:
If you're not interested in playing for upside at 2B, Hudson is a consistent, reliable guy who will give you decent numbers and won't kill any categories for you. Just don't pay a premium for name recognition and a catchy nickname. .285-80-10-60-10 in 580 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 218 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 12
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
6. Prado, Martin  - First Base•Second Base•Third Base, Atlanta Braves
Positives/Upside:
Prado played the super-utility role to perfection for the Braves last season, and his season's line of .307-64-11-49-1 in 450 AB brought a smile to his fantasy owners as well. Prado projects as the Braves' everyday second baseman in 2010, and his numbers should improve a it as a result. .305-85-15-75-3 in 500 AB.
Negatives/Downside:
Prado will not help your fantasy cause one bit in the stolen base department. .285-55-10-60-1 in 450 AB.
Analysis:
Prado is a great "filler" pick as your draft winds down. He's similar to Placido Polanco in that he does everything except steal bases. His position eligibility and multi-category contributions make him a must-own in every format -- just make sure you have a few speedsters in your fold. .295-70-13-65-2 in 475 AB.
Recommended Draft Position: 221 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 12
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
7. Barmes, Clint  - Second Base•Shortstop, Colorado Rockies
Positives/Upside:
Barmes will hit 20+ dingers and steal around double digit bases. Along with it, he'll provide servicable totals in runs and RBI.
Negatives/Downside:
His average is troublesome and he'll go through peroids where he'll absolutly sink your team.
Analysis:
Barmes, like many Rockies, is a very streaky player, but he will be able to contribute towards your power numbers. He also possess multiple position eligibility, which can come in handy when injuries start to hit.
Recommended Draft Position: 220 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 11
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
8. McGehee, Casey  - Second Base•Third Base, Milwaukee Brewers
Positives/Upside:
McGehee wasn't really on the radar heading into 2009, but ended up being an able producer at 3B. He's also eligible at 2B - a definite plus. If he can approach last year's numbers, he'll be a fantasy asset with dual eligibility.
Negatives/Downside:
Most think McGehee's 2009 was a bit of a fluke. He's already 27, so it's likely this represents his peak - a position buoyed by his high BABIP and lack of tremendous minor league track record. If Mat Gamel shows he can be adequate at 3B, he may nudge McGehee out of a starting spot.
Analysis:
At least to begin 2010, McGehee figures to be an asset who's eligible at two infield spots and can provide a little pop. It'd be a good idea to roster another option to safeguard against McGehee likely taking a step back. .260-50-12-50-0 in 420 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 246 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 10
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
Positives/Upside:
At his best, Johnson can provide some help in all five categories.
Negatives/Downside:
When Johnson's average dipped down to the sun .230 region he became one of baseball's most unproductive players.
Analysis:
Kelly Johnson will provide a decent average from the bottom of the line-up along with a little bit of pop and speed. He has a chance for a nice rebound year in Arizona.
Recommended Draft Position: 251 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 9
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
Positives/Upside:
Sanchez has always been a stallwart in average. He should land in the .300+ range, which should lead to a very respectable amount of runs scored.
Negatives/Downside:
The Giants aren`t really a running team, so whatever speed Sanchez still has will go to waste. Also, don`t count on any power stats what so ever.
Analysis:
The light hitting Sanchez will provide a decent source of average and runs hitting at the top of the Giants`line-up.
Recommended Draft Position: 252 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 9
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
11. Matsui, Kazuo  - Second Base, Houston Astros
Positives/Upside:
Injuries limited Matsui to just 132 games last season, but the veteran still managed to steal 19 bases and swat a career-best nine homers. He carries a career batting average of .271 into the 2010 season, and should again put up solid numbers if he can remain healthy. .280-75-8-50-20 in 485 AB
Negatives/Downside:
Remaining healthy has been a problem for Matsui his entire career, and the fact that he's 34 years old doesn't help his prospects for playing a full season in 2010. He batted just .250 last season, and he may well have begun his career decline. .260-55-5-35-15 in 400 AB
Analysis:
The Houston second baseman is a last-resort option at middle infield if you're lacking speed. Second base is fairly deep this year, and there are more reliable options than Matsui available late in your draft. .270-60-7-55-18 in 420 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 300 Recommendation: Only at a discount

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 5
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
12. Castillo, Luis  - Second Base, New York Mets
Positives/Upside:
Same old Luis. The Mets have no obvious alternative here, so you can count on a decent amount of average, steals and runs to fill your middle infield. .300-80-1-45-20. 525ABs
Negatives/Downside:
He no longer has any ability to drive the ball, so any RBI are mainly an accident of circumstance. He's another year older so you can't rule out a drop off in average and steals. Castillo is obviously not the future for the Mets, so if they drop out of contention expect the Mets to experiment with second base (and other positions). .280-65-1-35-10. 450ABs
Analysis:
Castillo is an excellent roster filling choice for those people who operate under the "get something" principle of end-of-draft strategies. The idea is that rather than get a player who is mediocre in everything, you get a player who functions well in a category or two. A single player won't kill you in a category, but a good steals total, or an extra three or four points of average might score you some crucial points. Castillo fits this to a T by being a reliable .290-.300 hitter every single year since 2001 except 2008's injury-shortened campaign. After his hip issues, he's no longer the 40+ base-stealer he once was, but he still is capable of getting 20 bases. Castillo's value takes something of a hit because he's another year older and with a healthy Mets roster he may spend more time towards the bottom of the lineup than before. .290-75-1-35-20. 475ABs
Recommended Draft Position: 335 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 5
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
13. Ryan, Brendan  - Second Base•Shortstop, St. Louis Cardinals
Positives/Upside:
Ryan had a fantastic 2009 in which he hit .292 and stole 14 bases in just 390 at bats. He is a cheap source of steals, and proved last year that he can swing the stick enough to post a strong average. He won't fit a lot of homeruns, but should score a decent number of runs as a member of a pretty strong Cards' line-up.
Negatives/Downside:
Ryan was never a prospect and his minor league numbers suggest that Ryan is not someone who can conistently post an average near .300. Even his 14 stolen bases seem like an overachievement since he only topped that total once in the minors. Ryan's value to a further hit when the Cards recently signed Felipe Lopez, who could easily steal at bats from both Ryan and Skip Schumaker.
Analysis:
There really isn't anything about Ryan to get excited about. He has limited upside, and isn't really worth your time unless you are desperate for a cheap source of steals. .275-45-3-35-10 in 350 at bats
Recommended Draft Position: 336 Recommendation: Only at a discount

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 5
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
14. Lopez, Felipe  - Second Base, Arizona Diamondbacks
Positives/Upside:
He has the ability to hit .300 and hit close to 10 homeruns and steal 10 bases. He has a lot more upside than most guys you can get for $3-4.
Negatives/Downside:
There is only one spot for Lopez and Skip Schumaker to share, so at bats won't be plentiful. He hit .310 last season, but is only at career .269 hitter.
Analysis:
Lopez can be an asset in 2010. However, until a clearer picture of how the Cards plan to use him, he remains big question mark. He makes for a solid middle infield target just in case he gets lost of at bats. .275-65-8-50-8 in 450 at bats
Recommended Draft Position: 356 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 4
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
15. Baker, Jeff  - First Base•Second Base, Colorado Rockies
Positives/Upside:
The Cubs enter the season a little unsettled at 2B. Baker should get every opportunity at the bulk of at-bats after performing well upon arrival in North Side. He profiles as someone who can provide a little pop from 2B who is also eligible at 3B. While he slugged only 4 HR in 2009, he showed in 2008 he could do better, and a dip in his HR/FB rate last season supports the notion that he will hit for a bit more pop in 2010.
Negatives/Downside:
His .288 last season appears to have been inflated by a high BABIP; look for something more in line with his 2008 average of .268. He has stolen bases at a 100% success rate in his career, however he's only attempted 7 steals; he's not a runner. Finally, there's a real risk Baker splits time with Mike Fontenot, and by year's end, prospect Starlin Castro could force his way up, meaning Ryan Theriot could also be in the mix for action at 2B.
Analysis:
There's a real temptation to project Baker's strong 2009 stint with the Cubs into a full season's complement of ABs and conclude he could be an asset at 2B. However, Baker really is more utility player than legitimate starter. If he begins the season as the nominal starter, look for some correction in his average from last season, a little pop, and no steals - numbers that will make him an inviting target to be nudged aside as the season wears on. .265-40-9-35-1 in 300 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 354 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 4
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
16. Uribe, Juan  - Second Base•Third Base, San Francisco Giants
Positives/Upside:
He is a source of cheap power and plays for a team lacks exactly that. He hit .289 last season.
Negatives/Downside:
He doesn't figure to see regular at bats unless injury strikes. His .289 average in 2009 is 32 points higher than his career average.
Analysis:
Uribe is a solid middle or corner infielder in NL only leagues, who could really pay off if he finds his way into the line-up one way or another. Don't bother in mixed leagues. .260-45-15-50-2 in 350 at bats
Recommended Draft Position: 355 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 4
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
Positives/Upside:
Belliard is a solid, if unspectacular performer. Expect more of the same with Dodgers and a slight bump for the improved team that surrounds him. .285-70-10-50-2. 550ABs
Negatives/Downside:
Batting at the bottom of an NL lineup in front of a pitcher, even a good one is a poor formula for a player whose primary skill is getting on base. He may have some opportunities to drive in runs, but that is about it. He is highly unlikely to produce any speed or contribute to batting average over a full season. .270 - 50-7-45-3. 475ABs
Analysis:
Belliard returns to the Dodgers for 2010 and presumably to a starting second base job. He'll be 35 the first week of the season and he was terrifically effective for the Dodgers, batting over .350 with 8 homes runs over the last two months of the season after being acquired. Those two months are probably a fluke, or perhaps the adrenaline that flows after getting out of a poor situation in Washington. In any case none of his peripheral numbers support that kind of productions for any sustained period of time, but he is still a pretty good hitter. His value takes something of a hit in 20-game eligibility leagues where he loses both first and third base eligibility. Still, it's not a big hit as he was not a plus producer at either position. Belliard almost certainly returns to the back of the Dodgers order, so moderate your expectations of the career .275 hitter with no speed. .275-60-10-50-3. 500ABs
Recommended Draft Position: 374 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 3
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
18. Iwamura, Akinori  - Second Base, Pittsburgh Pirates
Positives/Upside:
Good on-base percentage and nestled in between the few good hitters that the Pirates possess, Aki should be good for good average, runs and perhpas even 10/10. .290-90-10-50-10. 625ABs
Negatives/Downside:
Iwamura will rise or fall according to the fortunes of the Pirates. That's a bit scary. .280-70-5-35-5. 550ABs
Analysis:
Iwamura was really a pretty credible low-end middle infield option in Tampa when he was playing. He was not a great baserunner, but still stole a few bags, hit a few home runs and got on base enough to score 82 and 91 runs in his two full seasons. A lot will depend on where he bats in the order, but if Iwamura can stay on the field (and he didn't have any problems prior to last season, nor in Japan), he looks to provide the same sort of numbers. For what it is worth, he has been batting second in the Pirates order this spring. Aki is an excellent end game play for middle infield. .290-90-7-45-10. 600ABs
Recommended Draft Position: 373 Recommendation: Go the extra dollar

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 3
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
19. Bonifacio, Emilio  - Second Base•Shortstop•Outfield, Florida Marlins
Positives/Upside:
Bonifacio wore several hats (and gloves) for the Fish in 2009, playing the utility role well and providing some cheap speed for his Fantasy owners. He figures to again be the Marlins' Swiss Army knife in 2010, and should also be a source of cheap stolen bases in most Fantasy drafts. .265-65-4-35-20 in 400 AB.
Negatives/Downside:
After a scorching start, Bonifacio pulled the ripcord and never regained the kind of form he displayed in the first two weeks of the season. He enters 2010 without a starting job, and could lose playing time if outfielder Chris Coghlan returns to second base. .255-45-2-30-15 in 300 AB
Analysis:
Bonifacio appears to be on the bubble with the Marlins this season; his utility role could quickly be reduced if either Logan Morrison or Gaby Sanchez make the club, and if Coghlan moves back to the infield. Until he earns a steady job, Bonifacio is best left to NL-only leagues. .260-50-3-33-15 in 325 AB
Recommended Draft Position: 376 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 3
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
20. Young, Eric  - Second Base, Colorado Rockies
Positives/Upside:
speed. Young could challenge 50 SB with regular playing time.
Negatives/Downside:
He doesn't have a starting gig, which makes him pretty useless for fantasy purposes.
Analysis:
Young possesses a world of speed but finding a role outside of pinch runner will be necessary for him to have significant fantasy value.
Recommended Draft Position: 406 Recommendation: Buy at cost

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 2
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
21. Fontenot, Mike  - Second Base, Chicago Cubs

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
22. Miles, Aaron  - Second Base•Shortstop, Chicago Cubs

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
23. Burriss, Emmanuel  - Second Base•Shortstop, San Francisco Giants

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
24. Frandsen, Kevin  - Second Base•Shortstop, San Francisco Giants

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
25. Loretta, Mark  - Second Base,

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
26. Velez, Eugenio  - Second Base, San Francisco Giants

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
27. Giles, Marcus  - Second Base, Philadelphia Phillies

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
28. Hu, Chin-Lung  - Second Base•Shortstop,

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
29. Durham, Ray  - Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
31. Antonelli, Matthew  - Second Base, San Diego Padres

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
32. DeWitt, Blake  - Second Base•Third Base,

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
33. Gonzalez, Edgar  - Second Base, San Diego Padres

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
34. Andino, Robert  - Second Base, Florida Marlins

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
35. Eckstein, David  - Second Base•Shortstop, San Diego Padres

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
36. Ojeda, Augie  - Second Base•Shortstop•Third Base, Arizona Diamondbacks

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
37. Richar, Danny  - Second Base, Cincinnati Reds

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
38. Bourgeois, Jason  - Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
39. Quintanilla, Omar  - Second Base•Shortstop, Colorado Rockies

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
40. Newhan, David  - Second Base, Houston Astros

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
41. Iribarren, Hernan  - Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
42. Valentin, Jose  - Second Base, New York Mets

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
43. Smith, Jason  - Second Base, Houston Astros

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
44. Rivas, Luis  - Second Base•Shortstop, Chicago Cubs

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
45. Maysonet, Edwin  - Second Base, Houston Astros

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
46. Denker, Travis  - Second Base, San Diego Padres

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
47. Martinez, Ramon  - Second Base, New York Mets

Baseball Player Info

NL
Editor rating $ 0.0
User rating $ 0.0 (0)
 
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