2013 Second Base Rankings

By David Kerr

Second Base Rankings 2013

1. Robinson Cano
2. Dustin Pedroia
3. Ian Kinsler
4. Ben Zobrist
5. Brandon Phillips
6. Jose Altuve
7. Jason Kipnis
8. Aaron Hill
9. Rickie Weeks
10. Chase Utley
11. Neil Walker
12. Danny Espinosa
13. Dan Uggla
14. Howie Kendrick
15. Josh Rutledge
16. Dustin Ackley
17. Daniel Murphy
18. Marco Scutaro
19. Omar Infante
20. Kelly Johnson
21. Matt Carpenter
22. Gordon Beckham
23. Jedd Gyorko
24. Jeff Keppinger
25. Logan Forsythe
26. Chris Nelson
27. Daniel Descalso
28. Darwin Barney
29. Brian Roberts
30. Chris Getz

UPDATED 3/20/13:
Chase Utley rises from #12 to #10.
Logan Forsythe falls from #21 to #25.
Chris Nelson falls from #22 to #26.
Matt Carpenter makes the list for the first time at #21.
Jedd Gyorko makes the list for the first time at #23.
Maicer Izturis falls off the list.
Jemile Weeks falls off the list.

Overall Thoughts

I doubt that you could find someone other than Robinson Cano occupying the top spot at Second Base in any Fantasy Baseball Rankings headed into this season. He is far and away the best option and warrants a top five overall pick.

I prefer Dustin Pedroia over Ian Kinsler, but there is a case to be made for both when it comes to the number two spot. While Kinsler will likely have a few more home runs and steals than Pedroia, Pedroia’s batting average will be roughly 40 points higher. Pedroia is a more consistent player and you won’t get as much overall fluctuation. They’re close, but I’d play it safe and draft Pedroia.

Do you know who was second in the majors in Walks behind Adam Dunn in 2012? Ben Zobrist. There is a lot to love about Zobrist, most notably his multi-position eligibility and his on-base prowess. He will also score plenty of runs, hit 20 or so homers, and steal his fair share of bags. Zobrist is definitely a top 50 pick, so draft accordingly!

There’s a lot to like about both Jose Altuve and Jason Kipnis. Both will be solid options at second base this season, but I prefer Altuve, slightly. Kipnis will see a regression in his steals and Altuve won’t eclipse ten home runs, if he even reaches that number.

Aaron Hill has been a good fit in Arizona, so there’s strong reason to think he’ll have another solid season. Rickie Weeks will have a nice bounce back year. He was good in the final two months so expect a typical year, not the horror that was his 2012 first half.

Danny Espinosa and Dan Uggla are both average killers, but they both have value. Uggla should have some of his power return and hit between 25-30 home runs. Espinosa will give you the power/speed combo.

Chase Utley is 34 and his best days are definitely behind him. Let someone else draft his name in hope of his glory days.

I used to think that Howie Kendrick would have a true breakout season, but sadly I think he’s nothing more than a solid average guy that will hit a few home runs and steal a few bags. He has value, but he’s very bland. A guy whom I feel is very similar to Kendrick is Dustin Ackley.

Daniel Murphy is the last Second Baseman I’d want to have as my starter in a 12-team league and that is really stretching it. The rest of my offense would need to be loaded. Kelly Johnson may provide power, but will kill your average. Jeff Keppinger will give you a great average, but has little power and no speed. Chris Getz will swipe a decent amount of bags. Jemile Weeks will likely start the season in the minors due to the A’s trading for Jed Lowrie. Lowrie will be the starting Second Baseman, that is until he gets hurt.

Speaking of hurt, I can’t for get Brian Roberts! I have to think positive though, this could be the year he stays healthy and finally….. ah, forget it. He’ll be on the 60-day DL in no time.

Thanks for reading! Agree with my Rankings? Disagree? Please leave a comment. I’d love to interact with you. Look for Third Base Rankings tomorrow! Click below to follow me on Twitter!

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