FAMtasy 2nd Base Rankings

1. Jose AltuveAltuve had his strongest MLB season in 2014, leading the National League in hits (225), batting average (.341), and steals (56). Not a bad season for a guy who won’t even turn 25 until May. Altuve will bat leadoff for an up-and-coming Astros lineup in 2015.

.341 and 225 hits are a tough act to repeat for anyone, but I wouldn’t expect Altuve’s numbers to fall too far in 2015. He will be an elite source of steals and should be near the top of everyone’s list at 2nd base.

2. Robinson CanoCano’s power numbers suffered a bit after he made the switch to the West Coast prior to the 2014 season. He still had a solid contact year (187 hits, .314 BA) and should remain an elite option at 2nd base for 2015.

I would expect Cano’s HR and RBI totals to be higher in 2015. His average season as a Yankee was (.309 BA, 23 HRs, 42 doubles, 109 RBIs) and I think there’s a good chance the 32 year old comes closer to those stats in 2015. Expect .300+, ~20 HRs, and 85+ RBI for Cano.

05-08.303 BA16 HR

38 Doubles77 RBI

09-11.314 BA27 HR

45 Doubles104 RBI

12-14.314

25 HR42 Doubles

94 RBI

3. Ian Kinsler

Kinsler had a very strong first year in Detroit. Ian was able to stay healthy in 2014 which hasn’t always been the case in his career. It paid off in a big way (.275 BA, 17 HR, 40 doubles, 92 RBI, 15 steals).

If Kinsler can remain healthy in 2015, there is no reason he shouldn’t put up similar statistics. He will be a top 3 option at 2nd base for the upcoming season.

Leadoff vs. Other Lineup Spots in 2014

Leadoff .287 BA 12 HR 50 RBI

Other Spots in Lineup .262 BA 5 HR 42 RBI

4. Dee Gordon26 year old Dee Gordon broke out in a big way for the Dodgers in 2014. His reward? He was promptly dealt to the Marlins in December. As a young guy who is just starting to come into his own as a hitter, he should fit right in on this Marlins team. Gordon will bat leadoff in front of some very promising young stars.

It would be easier to trust Gordon if there was a larger sample size of success. At the very least, he should provide an elite source of steals (an NL leading 64 in 2014). Batting near the top of a suddenly daunting Marlins lineup should also set Gordon up to be near the league lead in runs scored as well. He will be a very intriguing pick in 2015.

2014 Stats

Batting Ave Doubles Triples Steals

.289 24 12 64

5. Brian DozierDozier proved that a strong 2013 season was not a fluke in 2014. He joined the 20/20 club on his way to a very strong offensive season (.242 BA, 33 doubles, 23 HRs, 71 RBI, 21 steals).

Fantasy owners would like to see Dozier’s batting average rise in 2015, but he does provide a combination of power and steals that isn’t very common today. At 27 years old, he should just be entering his prime. Dozier is near the top of the 2nd tier of fantasy 2nd basement for 2015.

6. Dustin Pedroia

Pedroia, like most of the 2014 Boston Red Sox, had a rough year (by his standards). His numbers were down across the board as he battled through some injuries and missed 27 games.

At 32, Pedroia should still be at tail end of his prime. I believe last year was an anomaly and Pedroia’s numbers should bounce back to what we’re used to seeing. Look for .290+, 10-15 HRs, 65+ RBIs, and 10+ steals in 2015.

2014 vs. 162 Game Career AverageBatting

AveDoubles Home

RunsRBI Steals

2014 .278 33 7 53 6

162 Game

Average.299 45 15 77 18

7. Jason KipnisKipnis took a step back in 2014 (.240 BA, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 22 steals) after 2 very strong seasons in 2012-2013.

I see the 27 year old as a very strong candidate for a bounce-back season in 2015. Something in the neighborhood of .270, 15 HR, 75 RBI, and 25 steals sounds about right for Kipnis in 2015. I believe that there is a good chance he outperforms his ADP this season.

Batting Ave

Home Runs

RBI Steals

2012 .257 14 76 312013 .284 17 84 302014 .240 6 41 22

8. Neil WalkerWalker had his 5th consecutive solid season at 2nd for the Pirates. He has been a very consistent and steady bat in Pittsburgh lineup throughout his career.

I see no reason why Walker, who turns 30 in September, shouldn’t be able to repeat his 2014 success (.271 BA, 25 doubles, 23 HR, 76 RBI) in 2015. He is a solid fantasy option if you are unable to grab a top tier 2nd baseman.

9. Daniel MurphyMurphy has quietly become a very solid fantasy contributor over the past 3 seasons. He has posted a .285+ BA, 37+ doubles, and double digit steals in each of the last 3 years.

Murphy turns 30 in April and should be in for another very solid offensive season. He will bring added fantasy value if he qualifies at 3rd base as he did in 2014.

Batting Ave

Doubles Home Runs

RBI Steals

2012 .291 40 6 65 10

2013 .286 38 13 78 23

2014 .289 37 9 57 13

10. Brandon PhillipsPhillips was apart of a horrible Cincinnati Reds offense in 2014. The 33 year old suffered through some nagging injuries en route to his worst statistical season since he came to Cincinnati in 2006.

Phillips may no longer be the .280+ BA, 20 HR, 20 steals guy that he used to be, but he still has plenty left in the tank. He is another solid candidate for a bounce back year in 2015. I look for Phillips to bat .260+, with ~15 HRs and 65+ RBIs. He is still very viable fantasy option at 2nd base.