The Top Five Fantasy Baseball Third Basemen in The American League
Third base has long been a source of depth in fantasy baseball leagues. With the reigning steroid king still manning the hot corner in New York, this year should be no different. While Alex Rodriguez is the no brainer at number one, he stands in a category to himself. After him, the position drops a bit in fantasy production. Then again, most all players are a drop off after Arod. Here are my top five fantasy baseball third basemen in the American League.
Alex Rodriguez – Arod at number one is a very easy decision. As much as he has been in the news with all the drama lately, he is still the best player on the best team in baseball on paper. The Yankees are going to be very strong and Arod may be even better than usual this year with the addition of Teixiera to the Yankee lineup. That is a scary thought for the rest of the Amercian League, but great news for the folks that draft this superstar.
Evan Longoria – Longoria burst onto the scene in a big way with the American League champion Rays last season. Longoria was injued a large part of the year last year, and still outproduced the majority of players at this position. Longoria could actually make a run at Arod this season if everything comes together right. He has the natural tools to be an explosive multi-category force in fantasy baseball year after year.
Adrian Beltre – Beltre is the old school pick here, but he just keeps on putting up the numbers. Beltre is that player that never seems to go away. You do not usually notice him, but then look up and he is near the top in most categories. He is consistant if nothing else, and a safe pick at the position. He also is starting to show a bit of age, so if you can pick someone younger, this may be the year to do it.
Chone Figgins – Figgins seems like he is on the verge of something special with his rare combination of talents. This guy is like greased lightening but can never seem to put all the pieces together. Tons of steals, runs, and injuries seem to be Figgins MO the last several seasons. If you could get this guy on the field for a full season, he might just put up some incredible numbers.
Alex Gordon – This is my fantasy baseball breakout star of the year. Gordon has always had the talent to actually produce big numbers, but never quite got the stars lined up correctly. This season, he has a better cast of characters around him and I think he will put it all together. Expect some seriously suprising numbers from him in 2009. I am thinking around .285-30-95 for the former number two pick and college standout.
