Scott Cunningham - Getty Images
11 months ago:
ATLANTA - JULY 5: Dan Uggla #26 of the Atlanta Braves doubles against the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field on July 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Robert, Ray and I have completed our early 2012 fantasy baseball position rankings, and now we continue our rankings coverage with AL-only and NL-only Position Rankings. 2B is a position that seems to be surprisingly deep this season, especially in the American League. While there is a lot of elite talent in both leagues, there are a lot of potential sleepers in my opinion as well. I have ranked the free agent second baseman on both lists. You can find the other lists completed so far below:
Catcher
First Basemen
AL-Only Second Basemen
1. Robinson Cano (NYY)
2. Ian Kinsler (TEX)
3. Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
4. Ben Zobrist (TAM)
5. Howie Kendrick (LAA)
6. Michael Young (TEX) - 14 starts
7. Dustin Ackley (SEA)
8. Jason Kipnis (CLE)
9. Jemile Weeks (OAK)
10. Kelly Johnson (TOR)
11. Sean Rodriguez (TAM)
12. Eduardo Nunez (NYY)
13. Brian Roberts (BAL)
14. Ryan Raburn (DET)
15. Gordon Beckham (CHW)
16. Johnny Giavotella (KCR)
17. Scott Sizemore (OAK)
18. Robert Andino (BAL)
19. Maicer Izturis (LAA)
20. Jamey Carroll (MIN)
- Someone I think could really have some great value towards the end of drafts is going to be Brian Roberts. If you can get him for the right price/draft pick, he could really pay some dividends if he can show he can stay healthy. (I know that's a long shot, but picking up Andino in case is probably a good idea as well).
- Eduardo Nunez is a sneaky sleeper as well for me, especially if he ends up getting near full-time playing time due to injuries and days off amongst the infielders. Last year he stole 22 bases in just 112 games, and there's the potential he could see that much playing time again in 2012. If he were to get a starting job (most likely via trade I would imagine at this point), he could give 30 steals.
- As has been fairly regular with 2B, there's a lot of speed to be had, but not necessarily a lot of power. After the first four, I don't really see anyone that is likely to hit more than 15 homers this season.
My NL-Only rankings and thoughts after the jump
1. Dan Uggla (ATL)
2. Chase Utley (PHI)
3. Brandon Phillips (CIN)
4. Rickie Weeks (MIL)
5. Michael Cuddyer (COL) - 17 starts
6. Aaron Hill (ARI)
7. Danny Espinosa (WAS)
8. Ryan Roberts (ARI)
9. Neil Walker (PIT)
10. Daniel Murphy (NYM)
11. Allen Craig (STL) - 8 starts
12. Omar Infante (MIA)
13. Darwin Barney (CHC)
14. Mark Ellis (LAD)
15. Orlando Hudson (SD)
16. Freddy Sanchez (SF)
17. Jose Altuve (HOU)
18. Daniel Descalso (STL)
19. Jonathan Herrera (COL)
20. Justin Turner (NYM)
21. Taylor Green (MIL)
- The only job that really seems to be open right now is the Rockies' 2B job, with Jonathan Herrera and Chris Nelson likely to get a shot at it. Even though he won't be playing there, free agent signee Michael Cuddyer still qualifies at the position in many leagues (17 starts)
- Orlando Hudson has been rumored to be on the trade block, and while a move from Petco isn't likely to improve his fantasy value much, it could tick up a little bit.
- I think Chase Utley could really have a bounceback season in 2012, and the team will be looking for him to provide production while Ryan Howard is recovering from his injury.
- The rankings really drop off her after about #10 or so, and if you miss on one of those 10, I would wait until the final rounds of your draft to see if there is a specific category you need help with.
- I lowered Allen Craig with the news that he will likely miss a major portion of the season due to a knee injury.
Why is Aaron Hill so high ?
Lesean25 - January 13, 2012
Looking again
Yeah, he’s probably too high – I think I thought he would hit for average when I did the rankings (although I’m not really sure), but he hasn’t shown he can do that in a while. He should probably be around 8 or 9 (same general area as Ryan Roberts).
Jason Hunt - January 13, 2012
Hill
I think he can put up a 15-15 season in ARI with a low BA. Not bad for a second baseman. He isn’t that much different than Espinosa and will steal more bases than Walker. Walker probably deserves to be ahead of him though.
Ray Guilfoyle - January 13, 2012
Few thoughts
Nunez will need some playing time to have any value.
Brian Roberts should only be a last round flier right now (pick and stick on the DL). He still can’t even get out of bed without feeling the effects of the concussion.
I would move Altuve up to around 12. he has some potential and a starting job.. Most the players he jumps don’t here either.
Jeff Zimmerman - January 13, 2012
Is this Jeff Zimmerman from Rotographs?
dudedudedude - January 13, 2012
yes
Ray Guilfoyle - January 13, 2012
Yes, I have been around SBN for a while.
It is tough to let go of a person’s old stomping grounds.
Jeff Zimmerman - January 13, 2012
Altuve
Have to agree with Jeff, playing time and AB’s are clutch when playing league specific.
smokeymcpots - January 13, 2012
+1
Ray Guilfoyle - January 13, 2012
Daniel Murphy
I think his value in NL-only leagues is drastically understated, granted he he cant stay healthy, he has elig at both CI spots and at 2B. So when your scuffling to find viable depth he could be a decent flier. I’m personally higher on him this year, if he can avoid the boo-boo list.
smokeymcpots - January 13, 2012
Nunez/Sizemore
While I like both players as speculative plays this year. Neither Nunez or S Sizemore are 2B eligible to start the year and neither seem like a good bet to gain eligibility at any point in 2012.
Mike Aviles however has emerged with the trades in Boston as a great guy to target late in drafts this year. He is eligible at 2B and 3B and will add SS to that fairly quickly.
Ryan Carey - February 2, 2012
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