AL - only Top 10 2b

With my Giants playoff loss to the Eagles further in the rearview mirror, it brings me to the second installment of AL-only Top 10s, the second basemen. This group, long the last group of players you would look to in terms of fantasy production, has really turned a corner in recent years, and can now provide a real edge to teams that get a top 5 player, as opposed to a bottom tier type of guy. With no further ado, I give you my Top 10 AL second basemen:

1. Kinsler, Ian - In only 120 games last year, the 2nd year player hit 18 HRs and stole 26 bags. Going into his age 27 season, and I am a big believer of this theory, he could post 30/30 at a premium position, along with an average that could be higher than his 2008 version. Very bullish on I-Kins to become a legit top of the 2nd round pick.

     PROJECTION -  .317 AVG // 28 HR // 88 RBI // 33 SB

2. Pedroia, Dustin - Hard to say that 2008 wasn't a career year, even at the age of 24. All he did was make 703 plate appearances, which somewhat inflated his counting stats. I still like him a lot as the 2nd best at the position, but there is significant downside here if he makes 60 less plate appearances.

     PROJECTION -  .317 AVG // 16 HR // 75 RBI // 18 SB

3. Lopez, Jose - The ever improving Lopez really stepped it up in 2008, hitting a career high 17 bombs and increasing his average by .45, from .252 to .297. I wouldn't be surprised by another .297 season, but I won't rule out a suprrise average north of .300, because of his relatively normal BABIP of .306. Just a slight uptick in BABIP could boost his average to the .310 range.

     PROJECTION - .299 AVG // 26 HR // 85 RBI // 4 SB

4. Roberts, Brian - Steady Eddie of second basemen, he's still cranking out 40+ seasons of stolen bags, and not hurting you much in the other categories. The only thing that makes him lower than Lopez is the constant chatter of trade talks surrounding him. Look for more of the same in 2009, but also be aware of those trade rumors when the O's realize 2009 is a lost season.

     PROJECTION -  .291 AVG // 8 HR // 52 RBI // 40 SB

5. Ramirez, Alexei - Label me as extremely suspicious of the Cuban Missile's season in 2008. His average dropped over .50 points in the 2nd half o f the season, and even though he slugged 14 HRs in the 2nd half, there is just something there that bothers me, in terms of what I would have to spend on him on draft day, in terms of draft position or auction dollars, to obtain him. However, a repeat of last season isn't completely out of the question, and that puts him here, ahead of the likes of Mike Young and Robinson Cano.

     PROJECTION -  .279 AVG // 21 HR // 75 RBI // 17 SB

6. Cano, Robinson - Immaturity is the thing I really see bothering Cano's output, or lack thereof, in 2008. That is a liability i can see past, as he has the skills to be an elite hitter, and should be solid in RBI and ok in HR.

     PROJECTION - .298 AVG // 16 HR // 75 RBI // 3 SB

7. Hill, Aaron - Two years removed from a breakout season in which he hit 17 HR and drove in 77, his 2008 was cut short due to a nasty concussion. While his K:BB rate was never great to begin with, it didn't stop him form amintaining solid across the board numbers. Look for a mild rebound to something resembling 2007

     PROJECTION -  .288 AVG // 14 HR // 72 RBI // 13 SB

8. DeRosa, Mark - With over 20 starts at a multitude of positions, he gives you great flexibility as well as decent output. I wouldn't expect numbers from 2007 that he achieved in Chicago, as the Progressive Field has been shown to be very unfriendly to RH hitters seeking the long ball.

     PROJECTION - .284 AVG // 13 HR // 74 RBI // 6 SB

9. Aviles, Mike - A .357 BABIP led to his inflated batting average of .325, as he profiles as a .275-.285 average with decent power numbers. Having premiered so late, his age 27 season was his rookie year, so the upside is very limited, and the downside is as a good backup infielder, which doesn't bode well for your fantasy squad if you are expecting an increase in his raw stats from 2008.

     PROJECTION - .282AVG // 13 HR // 56 RBI // 6 SB

10. Casilla, Alexi - A great source of cheap steals, Casilla could boost your squad up a few point if he fulfills his potential and steals 30 bags. The power is not unimpressive, as he hit 7 HRs in only 98 games last year. A full season, and he could be a legit 15 hr/20 sb guy, but that is likely a little optimistic.

     PROJECTION - .288 AVG // 12 HR // 58 RBI // 17 SB

Well, there it is, my top 10 AL second basemen. I hope you like, and I hope it stirs some discussion.....