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Fantasy baseball player profiles: MLB - Second Basemen
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Quick Jump: Fantasy Baseball Player Profiles
Robinson Cano, 2B, New York Yankees
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 625 | 105 | 192 | 31 | 104 | 4 | .307 | .368 | .536 | .904 |
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Power swell worked in tandem with Robinson Cano's elite contact rate. Reputation helped increase walk rate. If his fly-ball rate keeps growing, though, some BA helpers might decline concordantly. Small warning sign is decreasing clip vs. LHPs, but power surge against them has surfaced. His elite four-category performance justifies his frequent draft placement atop keystoners and in the mixed first round.
Chase Utley, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 473 | 76 | 124 | 17 | 68 | 15 | .262 | .369 | .446 | .815 |
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Physical punishment might be taking its toll on Chase Utley. His knee condition urges caution, especially in a deep position class. A strong September reminded us of what he does when all is right. BA should still be serviceable - not like '07, but his small CT% boost offers confidence. Would be considered a top mixed 2B if health wasn't an issue, but that's clearly not the case.
Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Boston Red Sox
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 549 | 86 | 162 | 15 | 73 | 21 | .295 | .367 | .464 | .831 |
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Lineup spot might change AB total, but if Dustin Pedroia sits at either leadoff or No. 2, his runs will reach '09 levels. Evident trade-off: increasing ISO causing BA to drop a little. Bright side: High contact rate sustains .300 hovering with 20-20 promise. Maybe healing foot keeps his SB down, but he's more than capable of reaching 20 again if healthy and not batting third. Still a top-five keystoner wherever his skills trend toward.
Dan Uggla, 2B, Atlanta Braves
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 585 | 75 | 138 | 26 | 85 | 3 | .236 | .335 | .419 | .754 |
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Dan Uggla's power isn't going away anytime soon. He hits plenty of FB (despite dip) and has a favorable history at this new home. His BA won't stay at its 2010 level, thanks to lofty BABIP, but his Aug. and Sept. LD rates give hope for a BA of at least '08. Declining K% positive but not a cure-all for BA. Still a stable commodity worth full investment.
Brandon Phillips, 2B, Cincinnati Reds
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 595 | 95 | 163 | 19 | 71 | 16 | .274 | .321 | .435 | .756 |
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Brandon Phillips might be becoming a better bet to raise his BA than his HR total. Even with dropping LD rate, note rising CT%, last 2 years of BB/K competence, rising GB rate and continued nagging injuries. SB accuracy an issue, too. 20-20 stock in jeopardy, but still a reliable all-around contributor among keystoners.
Ian Kinsler, 2B, Texas Rangers
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 615 | 109 | 161 | 22 | 70 | 23 | .262 | .339 | .439 | .778 |
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Ian Kinsler's skills aren't completely settled. One year, it's HR. The next, BA. Last year, injuries messed it all up. The DL baggage won't go away. Fortunately, he regained SLG and HR/FB in second half. 30 HR unlikely w/o another overhaul. Think closer to 20-20 profile that might be a value.
Martin Prado, OF, Atlanta Braves
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 560 | 79 | 168 | 14 | 65 | 12 | .300 | .356 | .461 | .817 |
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Martin Prado's CT% can't get much better, which isn't a bad thing, because it's elite. His BB/K drop aside, Prado's BA is a nearly guaranteed .300. Keep an eye on how he responds early on to rehabbing his groin and hip injuries, but for his price, he's a gift, especially with his positional eligibility. Already with a rock solid BA foundation ... building on 15 HR next? Former part-timer with more experience ... we've seen it before. If he can generate more FB, it'd be likelier.
Rickie Weeks, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 214 | 20 | 48 | 9 | 25 | 0 | .224 | .288 | .388 | .676 |
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Rickie Weeks finally stayed healthy, which maximized his power. Expecting him to approach 20 SB again is unsafe in this offense. Though power is real, high GB% makes 29 lofty. His low CT% and LD%, and high K%, will keep his BA low. Drafting him without addressing injury is risky. There's little profit potential now that we have seen him play a full season.
Aaron Hill, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 584 | 78 | 162 | 22 | 77 | 16 | .277 | .331 | .474 | .805 |
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Aaron Hill is good for 20-plus HR. FB% jack extreme but not out of character. LD% drop a possible result of P exposing pull-happy tendencies. Good news: His BA won't be .205 again, thanks to high CT% and likely LD rebound (it has to go up, right?). Hints of a consolidation of 2009 and 2010 make Hill a fantastic buying opportunity.
Kelly Johnson, 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 448 | 60 | 105 | 14 | 50 | 13 | .234 | .324 | .386 | .710 |
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Kelly Johnson was slightly fortunate on his FB, but it wasn't an extreme jump from his best HR years. He owns that skill. His BA bump boasts better liner support; his BABIP reached similar levels in his previous two full seasons, so a correction isn't a given. If you're waiting on a 2B, he isn't a bad target thanks to potential draft-room skepticism.
Ben Zobrist, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 564 | 86 | 151 | 19 | 78 | 16 | .268 | .371 | .457 | .828 |
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Ben Zobrist will see plenty of AB, regardless of position. BABIP correction adds to tempered BA bounce back. It will be somewhere between '09 and '10, though, and CT% bump adds optimism. His 20-20 profile hasn't gone away. Buy-low intrigue.
Brian Roberts, 2B, Baltimore Orioles
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 369 | 50 | 102 | 6 | 33 | 15 | .276 | .320 | .393 | .713 |
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Injuries have been scattered throughout Brian Roberts' career, but he hasn't missed that much time as a result. His ailments finally took a big toll on him last year; a premature return from a herniated disc in his back may have played a part. His walk rate and batter's eye won't hurt his average. His numbers weren't terrible when he finally returned to the field at the end of the year. You should be able to get him on the cheap in drafts, making him a great value pick, assuming his back and concussion issues are a thing of the past.
Chone Figgins, 2B, Seattle Mariners
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 124 | 12 | 26 | 1 | 8 | 4 | .210 | .272 | .282 | .554 |
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Chone Figgins' SB were fine, but Seattle slew his plate crossings thanks to its inept sticks. In theory, that has nowhere to go but up - but has Seattle improved by adding Jack Cust and Justin Smoak? Plus, the thumpless Figgins typically posts high BABIPs; he dipped there, too, as justified by his season-long line-drive rate. But he made better contact in the final 3 months, so there's room for him to rebuild one of his assets. He'll have a fling with 2B eligibility in a year of a deep keystone class. Despite the R insecurity and his limited fantasy profile, there's mixed middle-round swipes value here. Some might let him fall to an MI spot.
Gordon Beckham, 2B, Chicago White Sox
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 529 | 67 | 130 | 15 | 59 | 6 | .246 | .312 | .378 | .690 |
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Gordon Beckham's ugly 1H showed his floor, not his norm. In 2H, especially after swing adjustment, recaptured his punch, FB% until HBP on hand halted progress. Repeat of '09, in a full season, not far off. A prime buying opportunity among mixed MIs.
Neil Walker, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 544 | 85 | 148 | 19 | 75 | 9 | .272 | .332 | .447 | .779 |
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Neil Walker surprised a bit last year. Post-hype prospect had BABIP help but made hard and enough CT, so it wasn't farfetched. The 26-year-old's competency with FB also keeps 20 HR possible for a full season. Here's a potential MI profit.
Danny Espinosa, 2B, Washington Nationals
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 528 | 57 | 124 | 15 | 54 | 20 | .235 | .311 | .398 | .709 |
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Danny Espinosa has a 20-SB profile with power that could come in handy for a mixed MI. His FB patterns back up his growing power, as well. His BA will probably hurt, but where you can grab him as a mixed MI, his power-speed pair is worth a sleeper-style speculation.
Howie Kendrick, 2B, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 564 | 63 | 158 | 11 | 68 | 15 | .280 | .324 | .413 | .737 |
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In Howie Kendrick, you pretty much know what you're getting: poor plate discipline and minimal power combined with above- average contact. Moving to the leadoff spot this year could do wonders for his discipline, but such a move appears doubtful. A batting title looks to be a bit ambitious considering his high ground-ball rate. However, his BA could easily rebound closer to his '09 levels; his BABIP being lower than normal supports this. Kendrick's consistency makes him a candidate for a breakout year, but you shouldn't be paying for that possibility.
Sean Rodriguez, 2B, Tampa Bay Rays
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
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Sean Rodriguez is a good-looking hitter, but there are flaws in his game. PCL environment inflated 2009 homer output. Contact rate and ability to hit RHPs are concerns. He began to drive the ball regularly in the second half, a positive sign that aligns with minor league performance. There's upside, but make sure your expectations don't ignore risk and aren't overzealous.
Mike Aviles, 2B, Kansas City Royals
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 313 | 34 | 80 | 7 | 38 | 9 | .256 | .286 | .390 | .676 |
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The BA-centric Mike Aviles finished 2010 strong. He left the yard 8 times altogether, though, and his modest FB%l growth and flashes of power in recent years aren't enough to believe in an explosion. He's the front-runner for 3B work and might slide to 2B when Mike Moustakas arrives, but that's hardly cemented. AB and multi-positional eligibility are valuable in AL-only setups, and sure, Aviles can post a helpful clip with some SB. But there are more well-rounded options at both second base, where he's eligible, and third base, where many expect him to earn eligibility and are drafting him for it. Besides his .357 BABIP-fueled .325 clip in '08, his peak line wasn't all that good. How much do you want to spend on hope for improvement of a shaky foundation of skills and playing time?
Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 2B, Minnesota Twins
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
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Fantasy baseball interest in Japanese imports has dwindled in the past couple of years. Tsuyoshi Nishioka, 26, won't change that trend. He batted .300 or better in three of the past four years in Japan. He might approach that mark in the U.S., but he won't hit for power. He could steal 20 bases, but the Twins aren't all green lights. He might play every day, but until last year, Nishioka hadn't played a full season's worth of games because of injuries. There's little mixed league upside for this second baseman. In AL leagues, his stable skill set is attractive for its apparent safety.
Juan Uribe, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 211 | 21 | 48 | 5 | 27 | 1 | .227 | .292 | .351 | .643 |
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AB fuel Juan Uribe's value, 20 HR contribution. He'll start, so that helps. BA won't return to '09 without similar BABIP help, even after BB/K jump. 2010 was his ceiling, so don't pay for more.
Orlando Hudson, 2B, San Diego Padres
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 352 | 47 | 101 | 10 | 52 | 2 | .287 | .363 | .449 | .812 |
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Orlando Hudson's CT% and LD% jumped, but his BB/K dropped for 3rd straight year. BA unlikely to repeat .305 ('08), which gives him little value outside of R. With little hope for SB increase, he's just another boring option.
Jose Lopez, 2B, Colorado Rockies
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
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Jose Lopez had a power growth lined up but tanked. Weak BB/K, OBP caught up with him. Still some promise here, especially in Coors Field. CT% rose, LD rate was sustained. Position switch might've messed with him. AB key to making him a mixed flier.
Freddy Sanchez, 2B, San Francisco Giants
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
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For Freddy Sanchez, pencil in a helpful BA and an injury that will cost him some time. He's coming back from shoulder surgery this time. You'll have to backfill at least a portion of his season if you roster him. At least he posts solid CT% and LD% to back up his clip. Too bad BA is biggest part of his value, and he becomes useless if that base dips.
Omar Infante, 2B, Florida Marlins
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 523 | 63 | 146 | 9 | 51 | 14 | .279 | .312 | .405 | .717 |
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Omar Infante's lineup spot still good, for now. Solid liner rate, steady escalation. Expect that to drop off from last year's mark. Marlins' poor plate discipline may be little more uncomfortable environment, untested as everyday player for full season, no special skills. Solid player who could grow into ideal No. 2 hitter, i.e. Placido Polanco, perhaps.
Mark Ellis, 2B, Oakland Athletics
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 426 | 61 | 108 | 6 | 33 | 6 | .254 | .323 | .352 | .675 |
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Despite history of injuries, Mark Ellis not challenged for AB. There's AL-only value in that, especially with likelihood of useful BA improving, thanks to CT%, LD%. But 2007 numbers? Unlikely - FB% dip continued to put dent in already questionable HR. Age limits upside.
Scott Sizemore, 2B, Detroit Tigers
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 326 | 48 | 82 | 9 | 43 | 5 | .252 | .335 | .399 | .734 |
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Last year was a poor time to buy Scott Sizemore, who was many a fantasy man's sweetheart sleeper. The coupon is still valid, and this year is a better one in which to use it; he's fighting for a roster spot. Sizemore broke his ankle in 2009 and came to DET camp healthy but not at full strength. He thoroughly disappointed, statistically. Even DET seem to feel as if they overestimated his potential. But he regained his strength at AAA and hit .298 with 9 HR in 299 AB; he rapped 8 hits (2 HR) in 28 at-bats in September for Motown. Jim Leyland has raved about the difference in Sizemore between this year and last. Carlos Guillen (knee) is uncertain for OD. The rest of Sizemore's keystone komp doesn't compare to his combo of good D and .285-15 potential. He'll run some, too.
Blake DeWitt, 2B, Chicago Cubs
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
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Blake DeWitt probably won't be a full-timer. He doesn't have much pop in his stick. But he has flashed elite BB/K and had a small CT bump. He tweaked his swing last season - maybe it'll show positive results. Don't draft him to find out; you can wait.
Dustin Ackley, 2B, Seattle Mariners
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2011 Fantasy Baseball Projections
| AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| 618 | 89 | 160 | 14 | 52 | 16 | .259 | .335 | .392 | .727 |
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Dustin Ackley has had a clear, hard time adjusting to farm levels at first. AFL gave him a chance to feel good about it. Give him a month or two before a big-league impact. He draws enough BB to carry hope for useful BA this year, but not enough seasoning yet to bank on that. Numbers may not look great at the end, for a stretch, they will be playable.