Jeff Hochman's 2009 MLB Fantasy Preview: Second Baseman


I would try to grab one of my Top 6 or take a strong look at my sleeper pick. The talent really falls off at this position so it would behoove you to draft a top-notch proven stud. If your drafting around #7 in the 1st round don't hesitate on scooping up Chase Utley. The guy has a short-compact swing and that fits nicely at any ball park especially Citizens Bank Park.


3-Year Avg. Leaders: (2006-08)


Games Played: Dan Uggla (153) & Jose Lopez (153)


Batting Average: Placido Polanco (.316)


Home Runs: Dan Uggla (30)


Doubles: Chase Utley (43)


RBI: Chase Utley (103)


Triples: Orlando Hudson (7)


Stolen Bases: Brian Roberts (42)


Walks: Brian Roberts (75)


Runs: Chase Utley (116)


Cream of the Crop: #1 Chase Utley (PHIL) #2 Dan Uggla (FLA) #3 Brian Roberts (BALT) #4 Ian Kinsler (TEX) #5 Dustin Pedroia (BOS) #6 Brandon Phillips (CIN)


The Next Best: #7 Robinson Conoe (NYY) #8 Jose Lopez (Sea) #9 Akinori Iwamura (TB) #10 Placido Polanco (Det) #11 Howie Kendrick (LAA) #12 Fleipe Lopez (Arz) #13 Mark Derosa (Clev) #14 Kelly Johnson (Atl) #15 Orlando Hudson (LAD) #16 Rickie Weeks (Milw) #17 Freddy Sanchez (Pit)


You could do worse: #18 Aaron Hill (Tor) #19 Luis Castillo (NYM) #20 Ronnie Belliard (Wash) #21 Mark Grudzielanek (KC) #22 Kazu Matsui (Hou) #23 Mark Ellis (Oak) #24 Alexi Ramirez (CHW)


Hope and Prey: #25 Brendan Harris (Minn) #26 Ray Durham (Milw) #27 Mark Loretta (LAD) #28 Jamey Carroll (Clev) #29 Aaron Miles (Col) #30 Clint Barmes (Col) #31 Adam Kennedy (TB) #32 Astrubal Cabrera (Clev) #32 Chris Burke (Arz) #33 Edgar Gonzalez (SD) #34 Eugenio Velez (SF) #35 Martin Prado (Atl) #36 Blake Dewitt (LAD) #37 Alberto Callaspo (KC) #38 Alexi Casilla (Min) #39 Kevin Frandsen (SF) #40 Jeff Baker (Col) #41 Emilio Bonifacio (FLA) #42 Chris Getz (CHW) #43 Juan Uribe (CHW)



Career Year: Brandon Phillips (CIN) Brandon enters his 4th season with career averages of .277, 23 HRs, 82 RBI, 26 doubles, 5 Triples, and 27 SB's. He plays in a very hitter friendly park especially in the dog days of Summer and does of a good job of putting the ball in play. (93 K's in 559 AB LY) It's nice to know that he has averaged 149 games played since his rookie season in 2006. Brandon batted .288, hit 30 HRs with 32 SB in 2007, and will definitely surpass that plateau if he stays healthy.


Sleeper: Kazuo Matsui (Hou) Last year Matsui was having a terrific season but got hurt that landed him on the DL twice. He only played in 96 games and batted .293, with 6 HRs, 26 Doubles, and 20 stolen bases. He plays in a very hitter friendly park that saw an average of 10.67 runs per game at Minute Maid Park. Kazuo is a hard worker and if he stays healthy will produce at a very high level for the Astros this year.


Bust: Orlando Hudson (LAD) I hope this prediction is wrong because I have been a Dodgers' fan since I was 7. Orlando is a very talented player but playing half your games at Chavez Revine will cut down on his Power numbers. Do you see him hitting any better than .305, with 29 Doubles, coming off major Wrist Surgery and the ball park change? He stays in the NL West which will help a little but don't expect better numbers than last year. He will be asked to steal more than 4 bases so expect at least 12-15 steals. Major risk/reward player!


Good Luck in your Draft! Jeff H/JHSL