I already covered my 2011 overall third base rankings, and Jeremy covered Martin Prado here, and offered some third base breakout candidates here. I am partial to Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez, but think Royals prospect Mike Moustakas can make some noise this year as well.
Here are the AL/NL-Only third base rankings, starting with the NL:
NL-Only
David Wright, NYM
Ryan Zimmerman, WAS
Aramis Ramirez, CHC
Pedro Alvarez, PIT
Casey McGehee, MIL
Martin Prado, ATL
Pablo Sandoval, SFG
Scott Rolen, CIN
Ian Stewart, COL
Chase Headley, SD
Chris Johnson, HOU
Placido Polanco, PHI
AL-only third base rankings and commentary after the jump:
AL-Only
Evan Longoria, TB
Alex Rodriguez, NYY
Kevin Youkilis, BOS
Adrian Beltre, TEX
Jose Bautista, TOR
Michael Young, TEX
Mark Reynolds, BAL
Edwin Encarnacion, TOR
Kevin Kouzmanoff, OAK
Brent Morel, CHW
Jhonny Peralta, DET
Mike Moustakas, KC
Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez could move into the top 5-6 at his position in 2011. I can see a 25-90-.260 season from him, and he could approach 30 HRs this year. Mets third baseman, to me, is the top third baseman for 2011 drafts, as he rebounded from his disappointing 2009 season with a 29-103-19 stat line.
Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval has dropped 38 pounds to get down to 240 pounds now. But will that help him bounce back at the plate? He is one to watch in spring training. Another one to watch is Ian Stewart who now has plenty of competition ready to take his spot at third base in the Rockies lineup.
In the AL, the Red Sox have a new third baseman in Kevin Youkilis, and he could easily be the second best third baseman in 2011 hitting in the new Big Red Machine lineup in Boston. I am a big fan of Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, and think he can silence the critics who say his 2010 season was contract driven.
There are several questions marks amongst the AL third baseman lead by Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. His power has dropped in each of the last three seasons, even hitting in the new Yankee stadium. He hasn't hit more than 35 HRs since 2007.
Another question mark is Blue Jays third baseman Jose Bautista who had a monster 2010 season hitting 54 HRs. Most don't think he can repeat that power output, but can he hit 40 HRs in 2011? 35? I say he hits between 30-35, but wouldn't be surprised if he hit under 30 either.
Royals third base prospect Mike Moustakas will be up by June, and should hit for power as soon as he is called up. Orioles third baseman Mark Reynolds has 30+ HR power, but I wonder how long manager Buck Showalter will run him out there if he continues to strikeout 200 times per year.