Fantasy Baseball is coming quicker than a Aroldis Chapman 100 mile per hour fastball. In preparation of another competitive fantasy season, check out my Top 5 Fantasy “Second Basemen” for the 2014 season.
Bonus: Fantasy baseball 2014 draft strategy: Underrated pitching sleepers
No. 5: Daniel Murphy (NYM)
He may not be the most recognizable name in Baseball, but Daniel Murphy is emerging as one of baseball's top second basemen. Murphy, 28, was second in the National League in hits with 188 during the 2013 season. He hit .286, scored 92 runs and drove in 78 RBI. What makes Murphy even better is his power. 13 home runs from a second baseman is ideal, but he slugged 38 doubles last season. He has good numbers, especially considering he plays half his games in the specious Citi Field.
Murphy does have to work on drawing walks (only 32 in 2013.) His lifetime OBP is .333. Murphy said in an interview with the New York Daily News that he hopes to have his OBP hover around .340 this season.
For those wondering, Chase Utley is my sixth best second baseman. I did not leave him off the list because I'm anti-Philadelphia baseball. Utley, who hit 18 home runs in 131 games last season, is injury prone. He hasn't played in at least 150 games since the 2009 season. His age (35) is also a factor. If I had the choice, I'd rather start Murphy over Utley.
No. 4: Brandon Phillips (CIN)
Some of you are probably thinking, “why isn't Brandon Phillips ranked higher on your list? He drove in more than 100 RBI last season.” That's true. Phillips, 32, drove in 103 RBI, along with 18 home runs during the 2013 season. He scored 80 runs and smacked 24 doubles. Those are great statistics and that's why I rank him fourth on the list. However, like Murphy before him, Phillips struggles to get on base.
Phillips had a .310 OBP last season, his lowest since 2005 as a member of the Indians. He only walked 39 times in 606 at bats. His speed also declined from 2012 (15 stolen bases) to 2013 (five stolen bases.) The argument could be made that Murphy is a better fantasy second basemen than Phillips. I put Phillips fourth on my list based on the power numbers he can provide. I expect him to hit 20 home runs and drive in 80 RBI this season. I also believe his lack of a speed in 2013 was a fluke and you should expect Phillips to steal anywhere from 10-15 bases this season.
No. 3: Jason Kipnis (CLE)
Kipnis, 26, had a breakout season in 2013. He was selected to his first all-star game and finished 11th in the American League MVP voting. He hit .286 with 17 home runs and 84 RBI in 149 games. Besides hitting for power (which includes his 36 doubles) Kipnis stole 30 bases last season. His OBP in 2013 (.366) and 76 walks proofs there is an element of patience in Kipnis' game. He is a real threat for the Indians in their lineup. There is potential for Kipnis to one day have a 30-30 season, something Fantasy owners should get note of now.
No. 2: Robinson Cano (SEA)
Cano, who signed a 10-year, $240 million contract for the Mariners this off-season, is the real deal. I remember watching him during his rookie season of 2005. Baseball analysts at the time were wondering if the Yankees should take the chance on starting a rookie second baseman. I remember thinking he was well worth the chance. His swing reminded me of Rod Carew, swift, yet powerful as it went through the strike zone.
I think Cano is the best second baseman in baseball and had he signed with the Red Sox, the Dodgers, or even the Rangers, he'd be ranked number one on this list. However, he signed in Seattle with the Mariners. Their home ballpark, Safeco Field, is one of the biggest in baseball. Cano, who hit 27 home runs and smacked 41 doubles in 2013, will not produce the same numbers in 2014. His home run and doubles production will go down. Balls that were doubles, or even home runs in Yankee Stadium, will be meager fly-ball outs in Safeco Field.
Cano chose to follow the money and no one should blame him for that. If you were offered $240 million to play Major League Baseball, wouldn't you? However his ballpark, and the lack of offensive talent around him will hurt Cano's statistics in the long run. Cano even admitted that Seattle needs another bat in addition to himself. Given his current situation, I don't think Cano will produce the same number. I expect him to hit .300, smack 19 home runs and drive in around 78 RBI. Those aren't bad numbers by any stretch, but another second baseman will do better in 2014.
No.1: Dustin Pedroia (BOS)
Pedroia will have the best season among second basemen in 2014. The 30-year old former American League MVP hit .301 with nine home runs and 84 RBI in 2013. He had 193 hits, 91 runs scored and stole 17 bases. What also continues to shock me was despite his height (five feet, eight inches) Pedroia smacked 42 doubles last season. He can hit the ball no matter where it's thrown.
Pedroia is also patient at the plate. He walked 73 times in 2013 and only struck out 75 times. Lifetime, “the Laser Show,” (one of his nicknames) has more walks (422) than strikeouts (404). Coming off a World Series Championship, you can expect Pedroia to be wanting more. I expect he'll hit .320 with 10 home runs and 90 RBI in 2014.
Would any of these players crack your Top 5 fantasy “Second Basemen?” Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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