Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Second base may be the most shallow position in fantasy baseball this season. Robinson Cano is the No. 1-ranked second baseman without a doubt. The question is, however, who is ranked after him? This question is the same fantasy owners use when deciding on tight ends in football.
Cano hit .314 with 190 hits, 27 home runs and 107 RBI. He finished top five in average, hits and RBI and top 15 in home runs. Cano did this with Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Kevin Youkilis all missing significant time. There isn’t another player out there that could have put up the same numbers without the lineup security Cano had. Even if one or two of those players were available all season, Cano could have had 35 homers and 120 RBI, maybe more.
Moving on from Cano, who is next? No other second baseman can provide these type of stats on a consistent basis. Jason Kipnis and Dustin Pedroia can get owners hits and stolen bases, but struggle with average. Matt Carpenter is a hitter that has a good average, but no power. Even with some of their flaws, those are the next three players in line.
If you are unwilling to pay a hefty price and draft a second baseman in the earlier rounds, you’ll be stuck with unproductive or aging players like Ian Kinsler or Brandon Phillips. You may find a diamond in the rough later in the draft, but finding that player may be more trouble than it’s worth.
The second to fourth-ranked second basemen can help in two or possibly three stats, but Cano helps owners in four. He’s also been known to swipe a bag or two. Despite moving to a bigger field, Cano is still a first round, top-five pick. The next closest player is not ranked in the top 20. It’s Cano or bust for owners drafting a second baseman.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
