FanHouse positional rankings were compiled by averaging the individual rankings of each member of the Fantasy FanHouse staff. There's a three-headed monster at second base. The difference in our staff average ranking between Chase Utley, Dustin Pedroia and Ian Kinsler was closer than the top three at any other position in fantasy baseball. Obviously, this means you don't have to take a second baseman in the first round to get an upper-echelon stud, but there is a significant drop after Kinsler.
More comments after the rankings.
1. Chase Utley, Phillies
2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3. Ian Kinsler, Rangers
4. Brandon Phillips, Reds
5. Brian Roberts, Orioles
6. Dan Uggla, Marlins
7. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
8. Robinson Cano, Yankees
9. Jose Lopez, Mariners
10. Kelly Johnson, Braves
11. Rickie Weeks, Brewers
12. Howie Kendrick, Angels
13. Mike Aviles, Royals
14. Mark DeRosa, Indians
15. Placido Polanco, Tigers
16. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates
17. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays
18. Kaz Matsui, Astros
19. Mark Ellis, A's
20. Orlando Hudson, Free Agent
21. Mike Fontenot, Cubs
22. Felipe Lopez, Diamondbacks
23. Akinori Iwamura, Rays
24. Blake DeWitt, Dodgers
25. Luis Castillo, Mets
26. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians
27. Clint Barmes, Rockies
28. Alexi Casilla, Twins
29. Alberto Callaspo, Royals
30. Emmanuel Burriss, Giants
31. Ronnie Belliard, Nationals
32. Ronny Cedeno, Mariners
33. Matt Antonelli, Padres
34. David Eckstein, Padres
35. Ray Durham, Free Agent
• We've discussed this position as shallow before, and I mentioned a drop after the Big Three in the intro here. Don't let that confuse you into overpaying for Utley, Kinsler or Pedroia, though. Starting with Phillips -- who we love for a huge bounce-back season -- numbers four through nine are all very viable starters in most leagues. The drop-off after that is the really significant one.
• Keeper league fantasy owners have been pining after Kendrick for years. He's certainly shown the ability to put up a very helpful batting average, but what else? He hasn't been able to keep himself on the field, hit for power or steal many bases. Of course, he's only 25 years old this year, so he's overdue for a breakout.
• As much as I am a personal fan of his, it's pretty obvious to me that DeRosa simply cannot even come close to repeating the numbers he threw up last season. As a 33-year-old, he set career highs in runs (by 25), home runs (by eight), RBI (by 13), slugging percentage and OPS. Now he's headed to the American League at age 34. I wouldn't expect more than 12 homers, 70 RBI, and a .280 average.
• Deep sleeper? Eckstein isn't going to hold down the fort too long in San Diego. Once they are knocked from the race, say, mid-May or so, they'll hand over the reins to Antonelli. The 23-year-old has shown 20-20 potential in the minors.
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