Fantasy Baseball: Third Base

It's getting toward the end of the month. Burga and I have been slacking somewhat on our rankings (college), but we will get them done. Today we look at the hot corner, where there are some names that probably wouldn't be on this list last year, whether it's injury, position switch, or a breakout year. Nevertheless, some of these players could be the best hitter on your team, so don't let them get by you! Here's our take on the position.

Average Joe's Rankings:
Evan Longoria
David Wright
Ryan Zimmerman
Alex Rodriguez
Kevin Youkilis
Jose Bautista
Adrian Beltre
Casey McGehee
Mark Reynolds
Aramis Ramirez

Key Points:
• Longoria has established himself as the best at this position for certain. But look out for Zimmerman. His average has increased significantly over the past 4 seasons. Without missing time like last year, his numbers across the board should increase. David Wright goes above him because he’s the more proven player.

• A-Rod is on the back nine of his career. His average is dropping, and his OPS in 2010 was his lowest since 1997 with Seattle. But he just had his 13th straight season of at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. He’s not going anywhere soon, but if it’s a keeper league, beware of that age.
• I am fully expecting Jose Bautista to fall off the map again. Yet I ranked him 6th, largely in part that he was arguably the most productive player last year in all of baseball. So, I’m giving him the preseason benefit of the doubt, but be cautious selecting him.
• McGehee eclipsed the 100 RBI mark in his first full MLB season last year, to go with a .285 average. At 28, expect improvement. Sandoval was tough to oversee for this list, as he is in top shape this spring. But in 2010, he did not help the World Series Champions as much as he did in 2009.

Burga’s Rankings:
Evan Longoria
Ryan Zimmerman
David Wright
Alex Rodriguez
Kevin Youkilis
Jose Bautista
Adrian Beltre
Aramis Ramirez
Mark Reynolds
Pablo Sandoval

Key Points:
• Some might wonder why Zimmerman is ranked higher than Wright or even A-Rod, but I’m extremely high on him this year. Another year old, he’s got the tools to take his game to the next level. Washington’s franchise player (Steven Strasburg and Bryce Harper are pretty good, too) should look for career highs in all categories this year and challenge Longoria for the number one spot if he stays healthy.
• Alex Rodriguez is a top 10, maybe top 5 player in all of fantasy baseball when he’s healthy, which he appears to be now. Injury history is the only thing that puts him so far down the list. He reported to training camp lighter and with lower body fat, so if he stays healthy he’ll be the cornerstone of your fantasy team.
• Jose Bautista is probably the biggest question mark coming into the season. I don’t think anyone expects a repeat of last year’s 54 homer season, but 30-35 home runs with around 100 RBIs still makes this guy a great option at third base.
• Pablo Sandoval went from being one of the best breakout players in 2009 to one of the biggest busts last year. He reportedly has dropped 40 pounds in this offseason, and he’s surrounded by a championship team so if the pieces fall together he could get his average back up over .300 and help in every category minus stolen bases.