Top 10 Second Basemen in MLB
We’ve ranked Catchers and First Basemen, now we’ll continue to move around the diamond. There are a ton of underrated players at second–a position that just doesn’t get enough credit. Props to the NL on its strong presence, as just three of the ten are AL players. Here’s the Top 10 Second Basemen in MLB:
1. Robinson Cano, NYY – After a fantastic 2010 that saw him finish third in the AL MVP race, the Yankee Second Baseman climbs to the top of our list. Just 28 this season, Cano is entering his prime.
2. Chase Utley, PHI – While it might be a surprise to see Utley anywhere but #1 on this list, a series of injuries have slowed this NL slugger. After back-to-back 30+ HR seasons, Utley played just 115 games last year. Now, this spring he’s already reporting tendinitis in his knee.
3. Dustin Pedroia, BOS – The 2008 AL MVP has an OPS+ of 127 last season. Problem is, he was only healthy enough to play 75 games. If he gets healthy, he’s going to be an on-base machine for the Red Sox.
4. Dan Uggla, ATL – Atlanta found the RH power hitter they needed by trading for Uggla, who has hit 30+ HRs in each of the last four seasons. The 30-year-old saw it all come together last year, when his average climbed to .287.
5. Ian Kinsler, TEX – Kinsler has some pop in his bat, but–excuse me if you’re tired of hearing this–he struggled with an ankle injury last season, and only played 103 games. When he’s healthy, he’s a deadly hitter in a strong lineup. His career .822 OPS is strong for a Second Baseman.
6. Rickie Weeks, MIL – Everyone knows he has had the skill set to be great, it was just a matter of time before it all came together. Well, last season it did. Weeks stayed healthy all year and ended with an OPS+ of 125. Milwaukee took note and signed him to a healthy extension.
7. Kelly Johnson, ARI – Always an intelligent hitter, his streaky nature never gelled in the Atlanta lineup. After a trade to the DBacks, Johnson was one of few bright spots on a bad team in 2010. His slash line (.284/.370/.496) was fantastic, and should continue to climb as he gains confidence.
8. Brandon Phillips, CIN – Full of intensity (remember his fight with Yadier Molina?), this Cincinnati All-Star doesn’t get on-base at a high rate, but he does pack a good deal of power for a middle infielder. Hitting in the same line-up as Joey Votto and Jay Bruce also gives him the chance to rack up a high Runs total.
9. Neil Walker, PIT – There’s no doubt in my mind this 25-year-old will climb the list at a rapid rate in the near future. In his 110-game rookie season last year, Walker had a strong debut OPS of .811. As he gets more comfortable with Major League pitching, that’s only going to get better.
10. Orlando Hudson, SD – Don’t let the fact that he’s playing for his fourth team in four years fool you, the O-Dog is a solid player. Though he doesn’t hit for much power, he’s great with his glove and has a .358 OBP over the last five seasons.
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Why is there never any depth at this position?
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With all due respect, the bottom of this list is poor at best. How you have Neil Walker, Orlando Hudson, and Kelly Johnson on your top 10 but not Howie Kendrick is simply insane. The top is right, the bottom is nuts!
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What? No Alexi Casilla?
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[...] Second Basemen never seem to get enough credit. That's why we're going to show you the best ten in the league.Source:http://thedugoutdoctors.com/2011/03/top-10-second-basemen-in-mlb/ [...]
[...] Source:http://thedugoutdoctors.com/2011/03/top-10-second-basemen-in-mlb/ [...]
It’s weird to see Chase Utley not in the #1 position; however, I agree with your reasoning. Injury is creeping up on him and I suspect it will keep him out a decent amount this upcoming season.
As for Kinsler, being a Rangers fan, I could see him at least in the #3-4 position. He’s had his battle of injuries, but based on his offseason conditioning exercises, I think he’s going to have a great season with minimal injury. As for the pop in his bat, you couldn’t be any closer to the truth and definitely a batter to lookout for when he’s 100% healthy – and lookout for those stolen bases.
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[...] seem to get enough credit. That's why we're going to show you the best ten in the league.Source:http://thedugoutdoctors.com/2011/03/top-10-second-basemen-in-mlb/ Posted by ltrawler at 2:54 [...]
Why is there never any depth at this position?
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No Luis Castillo on the list?
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[...] bigs, McGehee was able to hit 23 HRs while driving in 104.You can also read our rankings for C, 1B, 2B and SS.Check us out on Twitter @DugoutDoctors Loading… /**/CommentsFeel free to leave a [...]
[...] be gone before you know it.The links to every other position’s ranking can be found here: 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, C, NL OF, AL OF, AL SP, NL SP.Now, let’s see how every team’s bullpen stacks [...]
Kevin Kouzmanoff is missing from this list.
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why Alexi Casilla is missing in the list, i think Orlando Hudson, Neil Walker,and Kelly Johnson are not that good players to have them in the top 10 list. Anyway the explanation is bit compromising.
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