Third Baseman ADP Rankings

The third base position is actually deeper than I thought it would be upon seasons end last October. With Kevin Youkilis slated for eligibility, A-Rod finally healthy and Pablo Sandoval looking and playing like a new man, we have a (dare I say) strong class at third base for 2011.

The third baseman ADP Rankings below are as listed on Mock Draft Central for mixed 5×5 leagues.

Third Baseman ADP Rankings

1.Evan Longoria -

Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon’s success will play into Evan Longoria’s fantasy value this season. Before the two veterans signed I had my doubts’ about Longoria producing at the level we’ve grown accustomed to.

Longoria should return to close to 30 home runs and is the safest bet for elite production from the third base position.

2. David Wright -

David Wright had a bounce back season in 2010 and should be fine going forward. Sure, Wright will total a high strikeout number by seasons end but who cares for fantasy baseball. All we need to know is that Wright is clearly one of the top stars at his position and will go no later than the early portion of the second round on draft day.

3. Alex Rodriguez -

If you’ve read anything I’ve written about Alex Rodriguez this offseason, you know I’m big on his production for 2011. A-Rod had his first healthy offseason in a few years, and I expect him to hit 35 plus home runs this season. Longoria and Wight won’t give you that so make sure you target Rodriguez in the early rounds.

4. Ryan Zimmerman -

This could be a down season for Ryan Zimmerman with Adam Dunn gone from the team. Jayson Werth commands some respect in the lineup but Zimmerman will be the most feared hitter for pitchers to avoid. In the end, the Nationals have a growing, young ball club and Zimmerman will have to suffer through it.

5. Kevin Youkilis -(Will Be Eligible In April)

Kevin Youkilis will be eligible for third base by the end of April in just about all fantasy baseball leagues. His fantasy value is stronger at the hot corner, but overall he will be good no matter the position you start him at. Look for a big bounce back season from Youkilis, as the Red Sox have one of their better all time lineups.

That’s saying a lot when you look at Boston’s history and the great hitters who have come through this team.

6. Jose Bautista -

Jose Bautista will never come close to his 50 plus home run total again. That said I do think he can reach 30 this season and maybe more. Toronto’s home field has turned into a launching pad, but Bautista seemed to hit for power on the road as well.

7. Adrian Beltre -

I’m concerned about Adrian Beltre producing close to the numbers he posted in Boston. This guy always seems to hurt fantasy owners when the draft him high so be on alert for a bust season.

8. Martin Prado -

Martin Prado holds better fantasy value as a second baseman, but he is eligible for third. The Braves need Prado in the lineup everyday and he should be fine to close to 162 games this season. If Prado can find a way to up his home run total to twenty he will be a great value at this point.

9. Michael Young -

Michael Young is going to struggle in his new role as a utility / designated hitter for the Rangers. I don’t like the vibe that is coming out of Texas already, and it seems this is going to be a challenging year for the World Series losers.

10. Pedro Alvarez -

Pedro Alvarez looks fine in camp after he was reportedly over weight coming into February. This young power hitter should be inline for a breakout season if all is well coming into the regular season and the Pirates desperately need his power in their lineup.

11. Aramis Ramirez -

Health is a big key to Aramis Ramirez having a successful season for not on your fantasy squad. The veteran still has game and showed he was healthy when he returned to action last season. As a 9th round selection, you would get Ramirez for more than a fair price.

12. Casey McGehee -

Some of the options below Casey McGehee are better players to go for at this point. That said, McGehee is a steady hitter and is on a team that should challenge for the Central Division Title.

13. Ian Stewart -

I love Ian Stewart’s power potential, but he won’t hit for a solid batting average. In the end, if you’re willing to go with Stewart, your better off drafting the man just below him in these ADP rankings.

14. Mark Reynolds -

Mark Reynolds probably won’t hit over .250 this season but as a 12th round pick he’s a great value. Sure, Reynolds will be hitting seventh in the order but the Orioles are going to put up a bunch of runs and play in a hitter friendly ball park.

Reynolds will also snag you a few stolen bases and that gives him added value at the third base position.

15. Pablo Sandoval -

Pablo Sandoval is going to be worth much more than the 15th overall third baseman this season. I’ve watched Sandoval a few times on TV this spring, and he’s back to the player he was a few years ago. Maybe Sandoval won’t hit for .333 again, but he should hit for over a .300 average this season.

Best Of The Rest

• Scott Rolen – 174.31
  
• Chipper Jones – 195.83
  
• Jose Lopez – 226.22
• Miguel Tejada – 226.32
  
• Ty Wigginton – 241.62
• Omar Infante – 267.94
• Juan Uribe – 274.28
  
• Placido Polanco – 278.62
• Jhonny Peralta – 299.10
  
• Casey Blake – 323.30
  
• Chase Headley – 325.35
  
• Chris Johnson – 352.28
  
• Edwin Encarnacion – 363.24
  
• Jorge Cantu – 370.37
• David Freese – 387.63
• Danny Valencia – 393.55
• Mike Moustakas – 394.95

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