Here’s the 2013 LestersLegends Second Base Rankings for AL-Only Leagues.
1. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Cano was tops among second basemen in runs, home runs, RBI and batting average. He has as much of a stranglehold on the position as any player in the league.
2. Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
Kinsler has averaged 156 games the past two seasons and has played in at least 144 games in three of the past four years. His batting average has become the biggest issue rather than his health. Kinsler delivers an elite amount of runs and home runs, as well as a solid amount of RBI and stolen bases.
3. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
Pedroia took a step back last year with a .290/81/15/65/20 line in 141 games. He’s a strong bet to be among the leaders in all five categories once again.
4. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays
Zobrist can be used at second base, shortstop and outfield, which gives him great versatility. He isn’t a big average guy, but his .270 mark last year was solid. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 88.8 runs, 19.3 home runs, 82.8 RBI and 18.5 stolen bases.
5. Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians
Kipnis had a solid first half, hitting 11 home runs with a .764 OPS. His dismal second half (three home runs, .650 OPS) soiled his first full season. Still, Kipnis finished with 86 runs, 76 RBI and 31 stolen bases.
6. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels
There is nothing flashy about Kendrick, but he should be a solid contributor in all five 5×5 categories. The Angels should have a potent lineup in 2013, so a solid year should be in the cards.
7. Dustin Ackley, Seattle Mariners
Ackley will turn 25 this week. He nearly doubled his at-bats last year, and his run, home run, RBI and stolen base totals nearly matched that same proportion. Unfortunately, his average fell from .273 to .226. His BABIP was .265, which was 74 points lower than his 2011 mark. He should see improvement in that category, which should help his average and his counting stats.
8. Emilio Bonifacio, Toronto Blue Jays
Bonifacio plays all over the place, so his positional flexibility may be his primary benefit. That and his ability to steal bases.
9. Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners
Seager plays third base, but played second in 18 games last year, which gives him flexibility. He also quietly posted a modest line: .259/62/20/86/13. He has some decent pop and should benefit from the changes made to Safeco Field.
10. Omar Infante, Detroit Tigers
Infante does not excel in any category, but he’s solid across the board.
Also check out:
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings
- 2013 Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Rankings
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com