The Top 5 Keeper Second Basemen usually has to take into account who will score the most runs, steal a number of bases, and still be able to put up a few good power numbers. As this is fantasy baseball, defense doesn’t need to be taken into account (unless your league scores that), and most of the time it is hard to find a 2nd baseman that can really hit the long-ball. The young crops of 2nd basemen out there have a mix of traits to offer, but there are indeed a couple that are distanced from the pack.
#1 Keeper Second Baseman — Fantasy Baseball 2009 – Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
Chase Utley is far and away the best 2nd baseman on the market, and is worthy of a high pick as a result. Last season he put up a .292 average to go along with 33 home runs, 104 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Those are astounding (and Hall of Fame type) statistics that he is good for every season. Expect him to put up 115+ runs, 100+ RBI, 30+ home runs, and 15+ stolen bases for each of the next 3 to 5 years.
#2 Keeper Second Baseman — Fantasy Baseball 2009 – Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
Winning the American League MVP as a second baseman is pretty impressive, and his 2008 statistics were as well, when he posted a .326 batting average, 17 home runs, 83 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. He also had 118 runs scored as well as 213 total hits. Those numbers will be easy for him to duplicate, and his power numbers could increase as he gets a better feel for the game. Now the full time guy for Boston, he can just worry about putting up the numbers now.
#3 Keeper Second Baseman — Fantasy Baseball 2009 – Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
Kinsler had an injury shortened 2008 campaign, but the young second baseman has the goods needed to be a 5-tool player on the diamond. He is not only good for runs and steals, but the power numbers as well, and playing a summer in Texas could really pad his statistics. Expect Kinsler to consistently put up a .290 – .300 batting average, 75-100 RBI and 100+ runs every season. If he tries, he is good for 30+ stolen bases as well, making him even more valuable.
#4 Keeper Second Baseman — Fantasy Baseball 2009 – Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
Ramirez still isn’t very well known, but he made his mark in the playoffs a couple of times for the White Sox. In his first season, he put up 21 home runs and 77 RBI in just 136 games, and looks like he could hit .300 as a full time player. Look for Ramirez to duplicate those statistics over the next few seasons, and as the full-time guy in Chicago now, he could easily put up 30 home runs one of these seasons.
#5 Keeper Second Baseman — Fantasy Baseball 2009 – Jose Lopez, Seattle Mariners
Lopez is only 25 years old, and seems to be getting better every season. He has already been an All-star, and the underperforming Mariners seem to hide what Lopez can do. In 2008, he put up a .297 batting average along with 17 home runs, 89 RBI and 80 runs scored. At 25 he still has his prime hitting years ahead of him, and as the full time second baseman for the Mariners could be an absolute steal in keeper fantasy drafts.
Source of Statistice: www.mlb.com
