Getting ready for fantasy baseball - Third Baseman

By: David Lister

We are in the golden age of the third baseman. This year there are quality offensive players at the hot corner of all types: vets (Chipper Jones), prospects (Ryan Zimmerman, Ryan Braun and Alex Gordon), base stealers (Chone Figgins) and of course, power guys (Alex Rodriguez).

Four guys (A-Rod, David Wright, Braun, Miguel Cabrera) look like they will go in the first round of most fantasy drafts, but there will be plenty of other options later in the draft. Regardless of when you draft a third baseman, you should have no trouble finding and keeping an above-average fantasy player at the position.

No doubt starters-

Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

There’s little left to say about A-Rod. He’s easily the most consistent fantasy player available, so if you have the first pick in your draft he’s a no-brainer.

David Wright, New York Mets

For the past three years, Wright has hit at least .300 with more than 26 homers and 100 RBIs each year. When you consider he has 71 steals over those three years as well, Wright is as close to a sure-fire first rounder as their is.

Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

We’ve already established there is no sophomore slump for offensive players, so you shouldn’t worry about Braun’s youth. His 2007 162-game stats are astounding - 49 homers, 139 RBI and 22 steals - and if Braun slips to the second round don’t hesitate in drafting him.

Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

Cabrera has essentially been Albert Pujols with a little less power over the last three seasons. I doubt a move to Detroit will effect his numbers much, so .320, 30, 100 is a reasonable expectation.

Second Tier-

Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves

It’s actually tough to say Chipper is a second-tier anything. He’s hit at least .324 each of the last two years and provided power as well. But both injuries and age (36) are huge problems.

Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs

Ramirez slips to the second tier because of injury concerns. He’s missed 30 or more games twice in the last three years, so that has to be a concern. What isn’t a concern is his production when healthy, making Ramirez a second-to-fourth round pick.

Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies

His numbers dipped slightly in ‘07 (.301, 25, 111), but if Atkins can put up those numbers consistently few will complain. The .112 point drop in his OPS (.853 from .965) is a slight concern, though.

Chone Figgins, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Chone came to fame as a utility man, but in 2007 he spent most of his time at 3B and it looks like he’ll start the ‘08 campaign there as well. I doubt he’ll hit .330 again, but as long as he gets 600 plate appearances, he’ll give you 50 steals and 100 runs scored.

Adrian Beltre, Seattle Mariners

Beltre will never be a great player, just a nice one who had one great season. He’ll hit for some power and knock in some runs, but Seattle’s ballpark will always limit his ceiling.

Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

Zimmerman’s only 23, but he’s no longer a prospect (1325 MLB at-bats). That being said, it’s still unclear what we can expect from him. He hasn’t yet hit .300 or 30 home runs, but his potential means he’ll be gone before round 10.

Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox

If you think Lowell will go .324, 21, 120 again, then good luck with that. He will be a run producer with some power, but clearly a second-tier third baseman.

Edwin Encarnacion, Cincinnati Reds

Encarnacion has always hit for some average and some power, but neither at elite levels. He’s a mid-to-late round pick, but probably no better than a back-up fantasy 3B.

Hank Blalock, Texas Rangers

Blalock was hurt last year, but appeared to finally appeared to be returning to his 2002-03 numbers. Still, since ‘03 he’s done nothing but decline, making him a risky fantasy starter.

Troy Glaus/Scott Rolen

Both of these guys have been bad the past couple of years, and we’ll see if either can turn it around in ‘08. Beware of drafting either too early, their names are bigger than their stats.

Prospects-

Josh Fields, Chicago White Sox

You can’t mention Fields without talking about Joe Crede, the Sox incumbent third baseman. Sox GM Kenny Williams has said the two won’t be on the roster together, but there’s been no trade yet. Fields hit 23 homers in only 373 at-bats last year, so his upside is very intriguing.

Kevin Kouzmanoff, San Diego Padres

Kouz has always hit at every level, though some doubt his ability at the major-league level. I don’t, and think he’ll give you average with some power somewhat late in the draft.

Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals

Year one was disappointing, apparently hitting major league pitching isn’t easy. Gordon will be a star, but in two or three years. This year he should be okay, but not a consistent starter.

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David Lister is the web editor for the National Sports Review. You can reach him at chicagosportsreview@gmail.com. Go Cards.

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