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Second base has become one of the areas of every fantasy baseball team where you can win your league with a smart draft pick. The position is so thin that you have just a handful of second basemen that will truly contribute and not hurt your fantasy baseball team. That list includes certain categories specialists, and picking the one that fits your team can truly make the difference between winning and losing. Here are the top five fantasy baseball American League second base options.

Ian Kinsler – Without a doubt, Kinsler has made a case for being the best second baseman in baseball, much less the American League. The one thing that really makes Kinsler stand out is the fact that he helps in every single category. Consider his numbers in 2008. .319 batting average, 18 home runs, 71 RBIs, and just for good measure he had 26 stolen bases. Now that is fantasy production. This season may be even better with the loaded lineup that Texas fields.

Alexei Ramirez – This would be a poor man’s Ian Kinsler. The average is not quite as good at only .290, but he did hit 21 home runs and drive in 77. The big difference here is stolen bases with only 13, but that is more a product of experience. Alexei is capable of more stolen bases. In the long run, or keeper leagues, Ramirez may end up being even better. For now, though, he is number two.

Dustin Pedroia – Pedroia is a perfect example of how fantasy baseball does not always value a player like Pedroia. Sure, he is listed at number three and could even be picked higher by some, but this guy was the MVP for Boston in real baseball. His numbers are off the charts at .326, 17 HRs, and 83 RBIs. He also stole 20 bases. But Pedroia’s biggest value is not reflected in fantasy baseball stats. He is a clutch player that hits when the hits are needed, and he keeps his team fired up.

Robinson Cano – Cano is certainly going to get bumped in value if for no other reason than the fact that he will be involved with the Yankee power lineup. These guys are loaded and Cano is just the type of player that he should reap some of the benefits. His numbers are respectable from last year at .271, 14 HRs, and 72 RBIs. Cano can be much better than those numbers, however. He is my dark horse candidate in this category.

Brian Roberts – Brian Roberts is a specialist player for the most part. The Baltimore speedster will hit for an average around .300, hit a couple of homers, and drive in 50 runs or so, but his real value is in steals. The speedy Roberts swiped 40 bases last year, and this year should be at least that good as well.