Article by Anthony Cavalcante
Elite Players
1. Miguel Cabrera
Miguel
Cabrera is not only the best 3rd baseman in fantasy baseball, but he’s
also the best player. Coming off of an MVP season while winning the
triple crown, Cabrera will try to duplicate his amazing numbers, and
who’s to say he can’t? He puts up similar numbers every year. Cabrera
consistently hits above .320 with 30+ homers and 100 RBIs, and he can do
so much more than that. He easily should be the first player off the
boards and if someone is dumb and doesn’t take him first, then
congratulations, you just got the best player in fantasy baseball.
Very Good Players
2. Adrian Beltre
I
don’t know how it happened, but Beltre became one of the best third
basemen the past few seasons. He’s almost a guarantee to hit 30 homers.
100 RBIs, and a .300 batting average. That’s good enough to make him one
of the first 3rd basemen off the board on draft day.
3. David Wright
Wright
hasn’t been playing up to his ability during the past few seasons. He
has proved that he’s good enough to hit for a very high average, as well
as hit 30+ homers and drive in 100+ runs. He also could steal 20 bases.
He still has been playing great, but not as good as he could. After
Cabrera, he’s as good as anyone at third. Take him and hope that he
plays his best. Either way, he’s a top 5 option.
4. Evan Longoria
Longoria
is a tremendous player. He was injured last season so his value is
going to fall, but he’ll bounce back. He should hit around 30 homers and
100 RBIs with a decent batting average. He’s no longer a first round
pick, but he’s still a top 5 option at 3rd base.
5. Hanley Ramirez
Hanley
used to be the easy choice for first player drafted in fantasy
baseball. After one injury plagued season and one off year, his value
has greatly fallen. I wouldn’t be surprised if he bounces back this
year, though. If after the top 4 3rd basemen are off the board Hanley is
still there, don’t hesitate to draft him. He could still put up first
round numbers. He’s even more valuable at shortstop, which he is once
again eligible at.
Good Players
6. Ryan Zimmerman
I
always thought of Zimmerman as a poor man’s David Wright. He puts up
similar numbers, but he doesn’t get as much credit for it. Since his
value is lower than guys like Wright and Longoria, wait until they are
gone to draft him. But don’t be surprised if he plays just as well.
7. Aramis Ramirez
Ramirez
is a model of consistency. He’s going to hit .300 with 25+ homers and
100 RBIs. He’s a great player and sometimes doesn’t get the credit for
it. Take advantage of that and draft Ramirez as your stating 3rd basemen
after the better options are off the board.
Decent Players
8. Chase Headley
Headley
shocked the world last season hitting .286 with 31 homers and 115 RBIs.
He even stole 17 bases. I’m not sure if he will repeat those numbers,
but it looks like Headley is becoming a pretty good hitter. He’s good
enough to be a starter, but there are around 7 guys that should be taken
first.
9. Pedro Alvarez
Alvarez
is a good young 3rd basemen that hits for power. He broke out last
season with 30 homers and 85 RBIs. He should be able to improve in both
aspects, as well as batting average this year. Third base is typically a
strong position though, so there are better options available.
10. Pablo Sandoval
Sandoval,
when healthy, is going to hit for a very high average, and hit around
20 homers or more. Those number don’t blow you away, but its good enough
to make him a solid starter in most leagues.
11. David Freese
Freese
is a decent option out there at 3rd. He hits for a pretty good average
and he can hit around 20 homers a year. He’s not going to be the best
player on your team, but he’s a pretty good option.
OK Players
12. Wes Middlebrooks
Middlebrooks
had a pretty good rookie year last season. He displayed his power over
limited at bats and this time, he has the chance to do it over the
course of a full season. He could hit 25+ which would make him a good
option at 3rd. He could also have a sophomore slump. I wouldn’t take the
risk on him since there’s so many other options but if you decide to,
you may be greatly rewarded.
13. Trevor Plouffe
Plouffe
hit 24 homers in his first year starting but he didn’t play the entire
season. He could’ve hit 30+ if he did, and he intends to do that this
year. Plouffe will probably go undrafted in most leagues but if you’re
in need of a third basemen at the end of the draft, he’s your guy.
14. Kyle Seager
Seager
hit 20 homers last season and he should be able to improve on that.
Much like Plouffe, he’s going to fall, but he has power. If no one is
left, take him. He wouldn’t be too much of a liability at 3rd.
15. Mike Moustakas
Moustakas
hit 20 homers last year, and could potentially hit more this season.
He’s not a great option at third, but because he has power, he wouldn’t
be too bad. Try to draft someone better.
Sleeper
Manny Machado
Machado
was one of the best prospects coming into the season last year. He was
pretty impressive hitting 7 homers in just 191 at bats. He is listed as
the starting 3rd basemen for the Orioles this season and should be able
to put up pretty good numbers as a starter. He has great power. Take a
chance on him if you don’t have a great 3rd basemen, or pick him up if
he starts to play well.
I think Brett Lawrie should be on this list don't you?
ReplyDeleteAgreed,and who is Wes Middlebrooks??
ReplyDelete