Top 20 NL only Third Base Rankings for 2014

Now that we have completed our consensus position rankings for 2014, it is time to address rankings for those of you in AL only and NL only leagues. I will publish league specific position rankings each day, addressing one position at a time, starting with the NL only position rankings.

In case you missed them, below you will find links to all of our consensus position rankings and projections that we have published to date:

Catcher: Part 1| Part 2

First Base: Part 1| Part 2

Second Base: Part 1| Part 2

Shortstop: Part 1| Part 2

Third Base: Part 1| Part 2

Outfielders: Part 1| Part 2| Part 3

Starting Pitcher: Part 1| Part 2| Part 3

The third base position in the National League is not as strong as in years past. Once you get past David Wright, the rest of the third baseman bring some questions for fantasy owners.

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has been a steady performer over the last few seasons, but has been very streaky in doing so. He is already dealing with soreness in his right shoulder, even after having surgery on it last offseason. I think he provides more power than Wright, but Wright offers the better batting average and double digit stolen bases, to go along with the 15-25 home runs. I don't see either getting back to the 30 home run level going forward.

I thought about ranking Pedro Alvarez at #3 in my rankings, but Matt Carpenter might be the best leadoff hitter in the NL, so he got the nod here. He will hit for a high average, score 90+ runs and offers double digit power as well, and he still has second base eligibility.

I love power hitters, and Alvarez is one of the best in baseball, but he certainly won't help you in the batting average category. Alvarez doesn't make enough contact to hit for even a .250 average, and he will have to improve his 30% strikeout rate to do so. Even with all the warts, Alvarez is one of the top 3-4 power hitters in the National League, but there is risk that comes with the power.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is the one third baseman on this list that has the potential to move into the top 5 at the position by seasons' end. He didn't hit for much power last season, but I see him doubling his 2013 home run total this season. Hitting in Coors Field certainly helps.

The sleeper on this list is Brewers corner infielder Mark Reynolds. He brings the same risk as Pedro Alvarez and has the potential to hit 25 home runs this season, and should be available very late in most drafts.

NL Only Third Base Rankings for 2014

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