2009 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: 2B

The 2007 ROY and 2008 MVP is, simply put it, the best 2B in the league. Pedroia's speed, range, release, instincts, bat speed and pulling ability makes him one of the best players in the majors regardless of position.

In 2008 Kinsier made what should be the first of many All Star teams. He is explosive at the plate and hits for power as easy as he hits for average. He's better than average defensively. He's the total package and well on his way to becoming the best second basement in the league.

Eighth in the league with a .915 OPS and with four straight 100+ RBI seasons, Utley is a hitting machine. He is more than serviceable defensively. At just 30, he should keep bringing huge offensive numbers up for a few more years.

Roberts has a Gold Glove-type ability to go his good bat (181 hits in 2007 including 51 doubles). A true leadoff hitter who takes balls and gets on base regularly.

Phillips is one of the game's best all around second basemen. Blessed with a great bat (average 17 homers with 77 RBIs and 24 steals the past three years) and good defensive range, Phillips, who is just entering his prime, could put huge numbers this season as he moves to elite status.

Lopez hit a career-high .297 in 2008. He will never hit for power, but he does puts the ball in play. Slow of feet and with limited range, Lopez is fast becoming a defensive liability.

Cano is coming off a brutal 2007. Not only was the former All Star a disappointment in the field (he never was an stellar fielder), but his lackluster effort at the plate has relegated him to the bottom of the order. His immense talent is wasted with his poor work effort.

A former outfielder, Johnson is a better leadoff man than a second baseman. He lacks the instincts to play the position, but is very good offensively (.270 average with 13 homers). He could change positions.

Uggia possess a quick bat and the power (averages 30 homer the last three seasons) to go with it. He does strikeout a lot, which is why he will probably be number 5th hitter for the Marlins. He is better the average defensively. Has quick reflexes which helps his otherwise poor setup.

Weeks has good range, but bad instincts to play 2B and his throwing motion needs refinement. He is better than average offensively, but has not been able to show it yet. This could be his last season with the Brewers.

Kendrick has one of the best bats of any second basemen coming into the majors. Will put the ball in play. Sometimes he will lack discipline at the plate. Is a good defensive player who knows his where he is at all times. However, injuries are a concern.

Sanchez is as steady as they come. He has average range, but knows where to he needs to be. He has great instincts for the position. Was average at the plate, but his unexpected late season push (.346 after July) could mean that he has turned the corner.

Hill suffered a season ending concussion in 2008. Before the injury, Hill displayed good range and mobility on the field. Offensively, he put the ball in play more often than not. He has a very fluid swinging motion.

Matsui has only played 96 games in two years. There are a lot of questions marks with him. His range is limited despite having very good speed. He lacks explosiveness in the field and in the bases.

Polanco is one of the best 2B's in the league and also one of the less appreciated. He has very good offensive numbers over the last three seasons; hitting for averages and to all areas. However, he has slipped defensively; he isn't covering as much ground as before.

Castilla is one of the best young 2B in the majors. Fast and with good range, Castilla has all the hallmarks of a Gold Glove recipient. He isn't too shabby offensively either; posting a .281 BA since his call up in September.

Lopez is a great defender with speed and range to prove it. Had a lackluster offensive career with the Nationals but rebounded big time after signing with St. Louis last year. Very inconsistent offensive player. A high risk/low reward type of signing by Arizona.

Hudson is a better than average hitter - .304 last season with little pop. He has trouble with outside pitches. He's fast, but lacks coordination. He has good range with agility to cover a lot of ground.

Good offensive numbers (.290 with 11 homers in 2008) mask his inability to get on base consistently. He is a very consistent defender with range and agility. Barmes should improve his numbers this season.

A very tough player who plays with a football mentality. He lacks range, but is otherwise a very good middle fielder. Will strikeout a lot and his OBP is a mere .349. Not enough for a projected leadoff man.