1. Chase Utley
2. B.J. Upton
3. Brandon Phillips
4. Robinson Cano
5. Rickie Weeks
6. Brian Roberts
7. Howie Kendrick
8. Ian Kinsler
9. Jeff Kent
10. Dan Uggla
11. Kelly Johnson
12. Dustin Pedroia
13. Felipe Lopez
14. Placido Polanco
15. Aaron Hill
16. Orlando Hudson
17. Mark Ellis
18. Freddy Sanchez
19. Kaz Matsui
20. Jose Lopez
21. Luis Castillo
Wow, that seems like a big discrepancy between Upton and Kinsler. If both their batting averages normalize a bit (Upton’s should fall, Kinsler’s should rise) I really don’t see them being separated by much in the counting stats.
I think Asdrubal Cabrera can sneak into that lower tier. I would take him before any of those guys. Hes hitting second for the tribe, and posted decent numbers in the minors. I think he can steal 10 bags and score 90+ runs this year. not bad for 1$ if you don’t get one of the top guys.
Steve – You have a pretty good argument. I actually do like Kinsler this season and recommend targeting him, and he only fell that far mainly b/c I’m pretty high on everyone in that second tier. Kinsler doesn’t have Upton’s power and he still can’t hit on the road, but he’s also a terrific base stealer (success rate) with surprisingly good plate discipline. Waiting until the middle rounds and then pouncing on Kinsler would be a smart move.
Donald – A. Cabrera just missed. I agree, he’s pretty comparable with the last four guys on my list. Making sure he does in fact stay in the 2 hole will be key to his fantasy success.
Very aggressive on my boy Rickie, I like it. I think he’ll blow the doors off Cano this year, though. Finally, an offseason without surgery and rehab.
Also, Ellis is a sneaky play. I would put him ahead of Pedroia. Worse situation by far, but he’s just a better overall player at this point.
Ellis is totally getting overlooked. I’m not saying he’ll do it again, but last year he basically hit .275-20-80-80-10. Not bad for someone who can be had for a buck or two or in the very late rounds.
Last year Kaz Matsui stole 32 bags. This year he is batting in front of Hunter Pence, Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, and Miguel Tejada. How can he not be higher on your list? Are you really discounting him a half dozen spots just because he got his anus fissured?
The anal fissures are one thing, his home/road splits last year is another. Coors Field really helped him quite a bit. But you’re right, he’s in a pretty good situation this year and he does have serious SB upside.