Top 15 2B for 2011

Well here is the start of my predictions.  I’m going to tell you my top players for each position.  Top 15 for C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS and then top 30 for OF, SP, RP.  So keep an eye out in the next few weeks for more to come out.

2B is a deep position.  If you do not get one of the top 5 guys, don’t worry, there will be others that have the potential to get you something close.  If you need to, play a 2B by committee and play the hotter player at the time.  There will always be injuries and there will always be that no named player you will pick up.  Keep an eye out on the waiver wire!

1.       Robinson Cano – Yankees – For the past couple years I have drafted Cano and he has proven to help me out.  I’m going to continue that (if I get the chance).  He is in a hitter’s park, on a good team, and will have plenty of RBI chances.  The only thing he lacks is speed.  His line will look like this: .320, 30 HR, 100 RBI, and 3 SB.

2.       Dustin Pedroia – Red Sox – With the addition of Crawford and A. Gonzalez I believe that Pedroia is going to return to close to his MVP season in 2008.  Last year he was on pace for a career year and an injury cut his season short.  Playing in only 75 games last season, he’s going to want to make up for lost time.  And with the lineup in Boston he will be back to those stats in no time.  He’s going to hit .310, 18 HR, 85 RBI and 20 SB.  I’ll be happy to take Pedroia in the 3rd round after Cano, Utley, and Kinsler.

3.       Ian Kinsler – Rangers – The question is can Kinsler stay healthy?  Being on the DL 4 times since 2008 needs to be considered when drafting him.  If healthy expect a good line from him, but that’s a big if!  I do like him though.  .290, 24 HR, 85 RBI, and 25 SB

4.       Chase Utley – Phillies – Utley will be the 1^st 2B taken in pretty much every league.   However I don’t think he will be the best 2B out there.  He is one heck of a player but in only 114 games last year because of injuries and with him being 32, I think he is in for a down year compared to his career average. That doesn’t mean he is going to have a bad season.  Just down.  .280, 20 HR, 80 RBI, 9 SB.

5.       Dan Uggla – Braves – With the move from Florida to Atlanta I think his totals will be down just a little bit.  If he finds his stroke in Atlanta then he could be a top 3 2B however, Atlanta is not a hitters park.  He will hit .265, 28 HR, 100 RBI, and 2 SB.

6.       Brandon Phillips – Reds – He is becoming a decent option at 2B.  If the Reds want to continue their winning ways like last year then Phillips will have to be a big part.  Last year was a down year (RBI and SB) for him so I’m expecting him to get back up around his averages for the past couple years.  .278, 19 HR, 95 RBI, and 25 SB.

7.       Ben Zobrist – Rays – Zobrist broke onto the scene in 2009 after earning everyday playing time.  However 2010 was not a good year for his average (dropping 59 points) and homeruns (dropping 17).  He is a good option with OF, 2B, and maybe 1B eligibility.  He will be a good middle round pick.  .270, 29 HR, 80 RBI, 22 SB.

8.       Martin Prado – Braves – With the addition of Dan Uggla, Prado will be the starting LF but with eligibility at 2B and 3B to start the season off.  He has been a heck of a player the past few years.   I see him hitting .310, 12 HR, 65 RBI and 5 SB.

9.       Brian Roberts – Orioles – Roberts is also coming back from an injury; playing in only 59 games.  Can he come back to what he did in the past?  He will hit .290, 7 HR, 60 RBI, and 20 SB.  If he returns to full strength he can be a top 5 2B with his SB potential

10.   Kelly Johnson – Diamondbacks – The move to Arizona proved to be a good move for Johnson last year.  But can he do it again?  I say he is going to drop a little bit.  He will hit .275, 15 HR, 65 RBI, and 9 SB.

11.   Aaron Hill – Blue Jays – In 2009 Hill had a line of .286-36 HR-108 RBI.  So his line of .205-26 HR-68 RBI was a major downfall.  Can he return to his 2009 form?  It will be tough since he is playing for the Blue Jays.  I see an increase in his average.  .265, 30 HR, 70 RBI, and 3 SB.

12.   Chone Figgins – Mariners – His first year in Seattle was a rocky one.  After being one of the top players for the Angels not many people saw the downfall.  I think Seattle is going to be a better team this year, so I’m expecting a better year for Figgins.  .265, 2 HR, 50 RBI, and 40 SB.

13.   Rickie Weeks – Brewers – I don’t see Weeks performing like he did last year.  The Brewers are a better team this season but can Weeks stay healthy?  Last year he did and that’s why he had 29 HR and 83 RBI.  He will hit .262, 20 HR, 60 RBI, and 10 SB.

14.   Gordon Beckham – White Sox – Beckham is entering his 3^rd year in the MLB and he’s been a player worth watching.  For being a mid to late round pick you should like his potential.  I think he will hit .275, 18 HR, 72 RBI, and 5 SB.  I will be happy with these stats for a late round pick.  So make sure you keep an eye on him.

15.   Howie Kendrick – Angels – Just like many of the other 2B above, can Kendrick stay healthy?  Last season was his first season staying healthy and it proved to be a good one.  I like his potential but I’m going to say hello to the injury bug again.  .305, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 10 SB in a shortened season.  If you take a flier on him he could be even better.