Third Base Rankings

Buying low and selling high is all well and good, but trading comes down to someone valuing one guy more than the next. The following is an updated version of my rankings. Up first is third base.

1. Alex Rodriguez – How many people are kicking themselves for taking him over Pujols?

2. David Wright – The sky’s the limit. Can he get to 30 SBs?

3. Miguel Cabrera – As expected, on pace to shatter his career high in walks. Unexpectedly, Willingham is providing sufficient lineup protection.

4. Eric Chavez – Could this finally be the year he truly takes the big step forward? It looks that way, as he’s usually a slow starter. He is even hitting southpaws well. An MVP-type season is not out of the question.

5. Aramis Ramirez – Losing D. Lee is a killer.

6. Troy Glaus – Remember the injury concern here. Still, although not a big batting average contributor, 45 bombs are well within reach.

7. Hank Blalock – He’s backed up my faith in him with a solid start to the year. The home/road split trend continues at a profound rate.

8. Morgan Ensberg – His power surge from last year looks to be here for good. I figured he’d take a step backward, but with Berkman playing like a MVP, Ensberg will be in line to eclipse 100 RBI.

9. Chipper Jones – Maybe his yearly injury is now behind him. His swing is still there.

10. Scott Rolen – Pujols is bound to start getting the Bonds treatment. A bout with bronchitis brings his numbers down, but he’s in a terrific situation.

11. Chad Tracy – He’s firmly established himself in the middle of the order. Chase Field certainly doesn’t hurt matters.

12. Melvin Mora – A move to the 2-hole sees his value increase.

13. Aubrey Huff – Back from injury and now third base eligible, Huff will be hitting with his contract year in mind.

14. Edwin Encarnacion – His hot spring has carried over into the season. He is even capable of contributing on the base paths.

15. Adrian Beltre – He looks like my worst original ranking so far to date. The nine stolen bases at least somewhat counters the terrible hitting. While playing in the WBC, Beltre looked like he did in 2004. Now, he just looks lost. I still believe he will provide value before it’s all said and done.

16. Garrett Atkins

17. Joe Crede

18. Casey Blake

19. Shea Hillenbrand

20. Kevin Youkilis

21. Mike Lowell

22. Pedro Feliz

23. Ryan Zimmerman

24. Aaron Boone

25. Tony Batista