Mound Talk

Take your pick: ARod, MCab, ARam, Atkins or Wright, they’re all going to be huge.

1. Alex Rodriguez. Even in a down year A-Rod was still great. Any improvement over 2006 will vault his value above anyone else at the third.
2. Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera would be just as valuable as Rodriguez, if he had that kind of lineup help.
3. Garrett Atkins. Though he lacks the stolen bases that the other three top notch third basemen have, Atkins makes up for it with his power.
4. David Wright. It’s hard to imagine David Wright as the fourth best third baseman, but when factoring in risk and upside, he is.
5. Aramis Ramirez. Like Derrek Lee, his lineup protection increases his value tremendously. The best pure power hitter at the hot corner only loses value because he won’t steal more than a couple bases and won’t score as many runs as the guys ahead of him.
6. Ryan Zimmerman. In his first season with a poor lineup, Zimmerman was able to hit .287 with 20 home runs and 110 rbi. With a little improvement, he could jump into the top bracket of third basemen.
7. Scott Rolen. Rolen is the most average third baseman. Health is the only thing that holds him back.
8. Troy Glaus. Glaus has plenty of power but can’t hit for average. If you find yourself with him, look for someone else with a high batting average to make up for his deficiency.
9. Chone Figgins. Though his average was low last year, we see a bounce back for him. If you’re going to draft him to play third, make sure to have some power elsewhere.
10. Mark Teahen. Made tremendous strides last year and could have a huge break out year in 2007.
11. Eric Chavez. Bad year last year but he’s got a better track record than that.
12. Adrian Beltre. Last year wasn’t terrible for him. Don’t look for an explosion from him but he could certainly make for a legitimate third baseman on your fantasy team.
13. Edwin Encarnacion. At 24 years old, Encarnacion has big time potential for improvement. He’d be a good guy to take a chance on if you’re risky or have a decent alternative.
14. Joe Crede. Career year last year for Crede but has some competition out of Spring Training from Josh Fields. Monitor the situation closely if you’re thinking of drafting him.
15. Chad Tracy. Lost a lot of power last year but still a viable option in a pinch. Don’t count on him carrying the position for your fantasy team but in case of emergency, scoop him up.
16. Mike Lowell. If you want a proven commodity late in the draft, Lowell is a good option. Don’t count on much if any improvement over 2006.
17. B.J. Upton. Big upside here but very risky. Take Upton late if possible and stash him away on your bench. If he succeeds he’ll be very valuable.
18. Hank Blalock. Things went bad for Blalock last year. He gives average production in runs and rbi. He has some power but didn’t show it last year. Low average.
19. Morgan Ensberg. Ensberg killed fantasy owners last year and, though he has a better lineup to hit n this season, it’s doubtful that he will be valuable. Look to him though in case of injury.
20. Alex Gordon. Gordon could force Teahan out of third base this year but that might not be until May or June. Keep up with the Royals Spring Training news to see what the status is at third and possibly consider drafting him late and holding on to him for a month or two.