Once one of the weaker positions in the league, second base has seen an increase in talent in recent years and there is more talent yet to come. 

Let’s take a look at how the rankings currently stand, though by year’s end there is the potential that the list will look drastically different:

  1. Robinson Cano – New York Yankees
  2. Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies
  3. Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
  4. Ian Kinsler – Texas Rangers
  5. Dan Uggla – Atlanta Braves
  6. Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds
  7. Martin Prado – Atlanta Braves
  8. Rickie Weeks – Milwaukee Brewers
  9. Ben Zobrist – Tampa Bay Rays
  10. Aaron Hill – Toronto Blue Jays
  11. Brian Roberts – Baltimore Orioles
  12. Kelly Johnson – Arizona Diamondbacks
  13. Gordon Beckham – Chicago White Sox
  14. Howie Kendrick – Los Angeles Angels
  15. Chone Figgins – Seattle Mariners

Thoughts:

  • I recently gave my thoughts on Gordon Beckham, which you can check out by clicking here.  The bottom line with him is that there is some risk involved, but he came on strong in the second half and should be a good buy as a middle infielder or low-risk option.
  • On mlb.com (click here for the article), the Brewers’ new manager, Ron Roenicke, was recently quoted as saying, “At times, you’re going to say, ‘Why are you running so much? Why are you getting thrown out trying to take extra bases?’”  That brings hope for Rickie Weeks potentially reaching the 20/20 plateau, something that was basically impossible under the old regime as they rarely were active on the base paths.  It certainly gives him a boost up in our rankings.
  • Since the last time I did the rankings, Uggla has been dealt to Atlanta.  It certainly doesn’t change his value much in either direction.  Joining Brian McCann and Jason Heyward in the middle of the order, it’s very possible he will exceed 30 home runs for the fifth straight season (almost a given) while going 90/90 as well.
  • Speaking of Atlanta, Martin Prado will be shifting to the outfield while maintaining his eligibility at 2B and 3B (and 1B if you play in a league that only requires 5 games played for eligibility).  You have to love that type of flexibility.
  • There are several young second basemen who could make an impact in 2011 including Dustin Ackley (click here for my thoughts), Brett Lawrie (click here for my thoughts) and Jason Kipnis (click here for my thoughts).

What are your thoughts on the rankings?  Who’s too high?  Who’s too low?

**** Make sure to pre-order your copy of the Rotoprofessor 2011 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, selling for just $5, by clicking here. ****

Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:

THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com