Wagnertalk Tickets For Less

Astros Chicago Cubs

Dr. Stat's 2009 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit: Second Basemen Rankings

It might be January, but it's not too early to start thinking about fantasy baseball and Dr. Stat is here to prepare you for draft day. Every week, I'll be posting one or two new sections of my 2009 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit until I've covered every position. Here are my early 2009 top 25 players at the 2B position. I posted my 1B/DH Rankings earlier this week.

Statistical Key: Batting Average/Home Runs/Runs Batted In/Runs Scored/Steals

Note: Assumes Standard 12-team Head-to-Head or Roto League Settings

1. Chase Utley -  Philadelphia Phillies

He may have turned 30 last month and is coming off of hip surgery, but Utley remains the epitome of what you want from the second base position. While his average dipped in 2008, he still homered a career-high 33 times and drove in 104 runs, both tops at his position. Be aware that he might not be fully recovered from the surgery by Opening Day, but don't let that stop you from making him the first 2B off the board on draft day.

2008 Stats: .292/33/104/113/14

2009 Projections: .311/31/108/111/16

2. Ian Kinsler - Texas Rangers

You could make a legitimate case for Kinsler to be ranked #1 and I wouldn't argue with you. He was having a massive season before a sports hernia derailed him after 121 games. His ability to hit for both power and average and steal bases makes him a roto beast and a 30/30 season is completely possible. If you draft him ahead of Utley, I won't blame you. He's four years younger that the Philadelphia second baseman and has the edge on the basepaths, but Utley hits for a little more power and posts a better OPS. Overall, you can't go wrong with either guy.

2008 Stats: .319/18/71/102/26

2009 Projections: .309/20/84/105/33

3. Dusin Pedroia - Boston Red Sox

Yes, he astounded us all and won the AL MVP Award. However, that doesn't automatically make him a first or second round fantasy pick. There's no denying that he posted an outstanding season, but don't get carried away. No, I'm not doubting the guy, as I think we've all learned not to do that. He's a top-35 pick in standard leagues. If your league counts statistics like total bases or extra base hits, he's even more valuable. Either way, he's the third best player at his position and should be drafted as such.

2008 Stats: .326/17/83/118/20

2009 Projections: .316/19/88/104/17

4. Brian Roberts - Baltimore Orioles

The dude gets no love, yet puts up one consistent season after another. Among all second basemen in 2008, Roberts was first in stolen bases and walks, second in doubles and triples and third in hits, runs and OBP. The only way we'd like him more is if he was traded to the Cubbies.

2008 Stats: .296/9/57/107/40

2009 Projections: .302/10/62/110/43

5. Brandon Phillips - Cincinnati Reds

His average hurts him, but he went 20-20 for the third straight season and plays in a hitters park. If only he could even out his hot and cold spells (his monthly averages ranged from .200 to .292), he'd be more reliable. A season similar to 2007, in which he hit .288 with 30 homers, 94 RBIs and 32 stolen bases, is not at all out of the question.

2008 Stats: .261/21/78/80/23

2009 Projections: .274/24/86/91/27

6. Robinson Cano - New York Yankees

Robbie's 2008 campaign was painful to watch, but he did hit .307 after the All-Star break. He'll need to remember how to hit much earlier this year to justify drafting him where I've ranked him, but I'm expecting a bounce-back season from Cano. If he doesn't have to spend the rest of the season digging himself out of a .151 April, he'll be more relaxed at the plate and therefore more productive. Last season he got drafted too high, while this season he'll likely get drafted too low.

2008 Stats: .271/14/72/70/2

2009 Projections: .289/18/81/79/4

7. Dan Uggla - Florida Marlins

After Uggla's huge first half, I recommended selling him high at the All-Star Break. He went on to post a .226/9/33 second half and led all 2B with 171 strikeouts. He's the Ryan Howard of his position, but can't be passed on because of his 30/100 potential. Just prepare yourself for plenty of swings and misses along the way.

2008 Stats: .260/32/92/97/5

2009 Projections: .268/30/93/102/7

8. Alexei Ramirez - Chicago White Sox

It would be easy to get carried away and draft this kid way too high, but control yourself on draft day. While his rookie season was undoubtedly impressive, he carries with him the risk of the dreaded sophomore slump. If he can avoid lengthy cold spells and take a few more bases on balls (one every 27 at-bats), he'll be a potent pick. Shortstop eligibility will only help matters. At 27 years old, it will be fun to watch what he can do in his first full season. Just don't overpay.

2008 Stats: .290/21/77/65/13

2009 Projections: .285/24/84/77/15

9. Jose Lopez - Seattle Mariners

Another player who doesn't get near the respect he deserves (most likely because he plays in Seattle), Lopez finished second in hits, third in RBIs, and fifth in AVG and doubles among all players at his position. At just 25 years old and coming off his best season as a pro, there's no reason to think he can't produce similar numbers in '09. He should be the second Mariners player off the board come draft day, after Ichiro of course.

2008 Stats: .297/17/89/80/6

2009 Projections: .289/19/94/86/8

10. Mark DeRosa - Cleveland Indians

The game's ultimate utility player, DeRosa's 11th major league season produced power numbers that we had never seen from him before. While he might not hit 20+ homers in his first season in Cleveland, he'll play all over the diamond and produce worthy fantasy numbers once again. You can't put a price tag on multi-positional eligibility, which is what truly makes him even more valuable.

2008 Stats: .285/21/87/103/6

2009 Projections: .281/16/76/88/4

11. Placido Polanco - Detroit Tigers

It's hard to argue with a guy who's always flirting with a .300 average and 100 runs and can be taken late on draft day. If your strategy is to get the power and RBI men earlier in the draft and fill your role positions late, Polanco is your man. He's 33 years old and his numbers will likely drop off slightly again in 2009, but he's a reliable player from a position that is anything but after the top 10.

2008 Stats: .307/8/58/90/7

2009 Projections: .310/6/55/82/7

12. Mike Aviles -  Kansas City Royals

Is this guy for real? .325/.354/.480 in 102 games? He's 5'9" and 27 years old and entering his first full season in the pros. What we appreciated about him last season was his consistency. He hit .330 in June and July, .339 in August and .308 in September. While he doesn't hit for power (he homered once every 41.9 at-bats), he's productive in the hits, average and extra-base hits categories and even sprinkles in some stolen bases for good measure. Plus, he has shortstop eligibility.

2008 Stats: .325/10/51/68/8

2009 Projections: .306/13/66/78/11

13. Mike Fontenot, Chicago Cubs- With Mark DeRosa gone, this sleeper should be the Cubs Opening Day second baseman after going for .305/9/40/42/2 in 119 games last season. I may have him ranked a bit high here, but he's shown he can hit and bats in one of baseball's best lineups.

14. Orlando Hudson, Arizona Diamondbacks- Oh, if the O-Dog could only stay healthy! Hudson played in just 107 games last season, but still posted respectable numbers. He's a top-ten 2B when he's healthy, but has averaged 135 games over the past six seasons.

15. Keylly Johnson, Atlanta Braves- An all-around decent producer at a very thin position. In a phrase, you know what you're getting when you draft him.

16. Akinori Iwamura, Tampa Bay Rays- Little pop, but finished seventh in runs, eighth in hits and first in triples among all second basemen. Unfortunately, only Uggla struck out more times.

17. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels- His M.O. is hits and average, neither of which he can give us if he can't stay on the field.

18. Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays- A concussion limited him to just 55 games in 2008. Is a season similar to 2007 (.291/17/78) in the cards?

19. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers- So much promise, yet so much disappointment. His 20-20 potential isn't worth it if he can't hit even .240.

20. Alexi Casilla, Minnesota Twins- Respectable numbers (.281/7/50/58/7) in 98 games last season, including three months over .300 until he hit .228 over his last 36 games. What he can produce over an entire season remains to be seen.

21. Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies- If he can hit over .300 again and avoid any off the field mishaps, he'll be a fine late-round pick in deep leagues.

22. Felipe Lopez, Arizona Diamondbacks- He's only hit double-digit homers once in nine seasons and can't steal bases like he used to. A revamped season in the desert is a pipe dream.

23. Jeff Kent, Free Agent- The veteran is currently a free agent will turn 41 in March. Retirement may be more likely than a full-time job anywhere, but he can still hit the baseball.

24. Kazuo Matsui, Houston Astros- Can hit and run, but has played in 100 or more games just twice in six years and never more than 114.

25. Mark Ellis, Oakland Athletics- Will surgery on his right shoulder completely kill his ability to drive the ball?

About the Author

Dr. Stat is a resident fantasy sports writer at RootZoo.com and here come his 2009 fantasy baseball projections. Keep an eye out for his up to date fantasy baseball news.

Chicago Cubs $57.8 Chicago Cubs

Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs, 5/16/2009 $14.99 CHICAGO - MAY 16: Carlos Marmol #49 of the Chicago Cubs throws the ball against the Houston Astros on May 16- 2009 at Wrigley Field in Chicago- Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Astros 5-4. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) Our outstanding framing service features quality materials and superior craftsmanship- providing you with high-end and customizable options. We feature an assortment of molding and matting choices- including black- brown- mahogany and metallic frames- archival quality standard and suede mats- and handcrafted team logos that are intricately pieced together.

Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs, 6/1/2011 $14.99 CHICAGO- IL - JUNE 01: Carlos Marmol #49 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on June 1- 2011 in Chicago- Illinois. The Astros defeated the Cubs 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) Our outstanding framing service features quality materials and superior craftsmanship- providing you with high-end and customizable options. We feature an assortment of molding and matting choices- including black- brown- mahogany and metallic frames- archival quality standard and suede mats- and handcrafted team logos that are intricately pieced together.

1955 Chicago Cubs Season $65.33 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseballs National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago. The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National League. The Cubs have not won the World Series in 102 years, a longer championship drought than that of any other major North American professional sports team, and are often referred to as The Lovable Losers because of this distinction. They are also known as The North Siders because Wrigley Field, their home park since 1916, is located in Chicagos north side Lake View community at 1060 West Addison Street. The Cubs have rivalries with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Houston Astros, and the crosstown White Sox. Author: Adriaan, Germain Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 64 Publication Date: 2011/08/03 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.15 inches

1958 Chicago Cubs Season $65.33 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseballs National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago. The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National League. The Cubs have not won the World Series in 102 years, a longer championship drought than that of any other major North American professional sports team, and are often referred to as The Lovable Losers because of this distinction. They are also known as The North Siders because Wrigley Field, their home park since 1916, is located in Chicagos north side Lake View community at 1060 West Addison Street. The Cubs have rivalries with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Houston Astros, and the crosstown White Sox. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 64 Publication Date: 2011/08/03 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.15 inches

1963 Chicago Cubs Season $65.33 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseballs National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago. The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National League. The Cubs have not won the World Series in 102 years, a longer championship drought than that of any other major North American professional sports team, and are often referred to as The Lovable Losers because of this distinction. They are also known as The North Siders because Wrigley Field, their home park since 1916, is located in Chicagos north side Lake View community at 1060 West Addison Street. The Cubs have rivalries with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Houston Astros, and the crosstown White Sox. Author: Nicolao, Hardmod Carlyle Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 76 Publication Date: 2011/08/03 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.18 inches

Chicago Cubs - Chicago Cubs Cooperstown Collage $9.99 Chicago Cubs - Chicago Cubs Cooperstown Collage - Photo

Chicago Cubs 2007 Opening Day Vs. Astros Unsigned Game Used Base $779 Sports fans here is your opportunity to own an unsigned game used base from the Chicago Cubs 2007 opening day game vs. the Astros. The product is officially licensed by Major League Baseball and comes with an individually numbered; tamper evident hologram from Mounted Memories.Â

Chicago Cubs Earrings $9.87 Chicago Cubs Earrings Chicago Cubs Dangle Earrings

Chicago Cubs Wallet $24.95 Chicago Cubs Wallet Chicago Cubs Trifold Wallet

Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs, 6/1/2011 $14.99 CHICAGO- IL - JUNE 01: Starlin Castro #13 of the Chicago Cubs hits the ball against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on June 1- 2011 in Chicago- Illinois. The Astros defeated the Cubs 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) Our outstanding framing service features quality materials and superior craftsmanship- providing you with high-end and customizable options. We feature an assortment of molding and matting choices- including black- brown- mahogany and metallic frames- archival quality standard and suede mats- and handcrafted team logos that are intricately pieced together.

Darwin Barney, Chicago Cubs, 6/1/2011 $14.99 CHICAGO- IL - JUNE 01: Darwin Barney #15 of the Chicago Cubs hits the ball against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field on June 1- 2011 in Chicago- Illinois. The Astros defeated the Cubs 3-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) Our outstanding framing service features quality materials and superior craftsmanship- providing you with high-end and customizable options. We feature an assortment of molding and matting choices- including black- brown- mahogany and metallic frames- archival quality standard and suede mats- and handcrafted team logos that are intricately pieced together.

Chicago Cubs 2009 $6.99 Chicago Cubs 2009 - Poster

SIGNED 1996 Score card LUIS GONZALEZ Chicago Cubs $10.77 SIGNED 1996 Score card LUIS GONZALEZ Chicago Cubs Here is a great item for Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Arizona Diamondbacks baseball fans and collectors! It's an AUTOGRAPHED 1996 Score set card (# 146) signed by Luis Gonzalez! The card is in NR MT condition. It's signed on the front in a black sharpie and the signature is GORGEOUS!

Chicago Cubs Pendant $13.65 Chicago Cubs Pendant Chichago Cubs Logo Pendant

MLB - Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs - Runner Mat $72.13 MLB - Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs - Runner Mat MLB - Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs - Runner Mat - Size: 29.5" x 72

MLB - Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs - Door Mat $33.88 MLB - Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs - Door Mat MLB - Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs - Door Mat - Size: 18" x 30