Havok's 2010 Top 25 3B Rankings

[Havok1517]

Third Basemen
1. A. Rodriguez (NYY) – Missed 40 games but hit 30 HR, 100RBI, & WS Ring
2. E. Longoria (TB) – This guy is only going to get better along with the Rays
3. D. Wright (NYM) – Everything except HRs were there, he rebounds to 25+
4. M. Reynolds (Ari) – Has a lot to prove in ’10, but ’09 was impressive
5. K. Youkilis (Bos) – Might finally get the cleanup spot he deserves
6. P. Sandoval (SF) – Not a C anymore but Panda has 1B & 3B eligibility
7. A. Ramirez (ChC) – Missed ½ of 2009, good for 30+ HR & 100 RBI if healthy
8. M. Young (Tex) - Playing in Arlington and batting 3rd can’t hurt anybody
9. R. Zimmerman (Was) – Finally coming into his own on improving DC team
10. A. Beltre (Bos) – The move to the Red Sox and Fenway will help his numbers
11. C. Figgins (Sea) – Will likely play some 2B but great SBs, Runs, & Avg
12. C. Jones (Atl) – Played a lot but at almost 38 he’s wearing down quickly
13. G. Beckham (ChW) – Sophomore has been announced as the starting ChW 2B
14. J. Cantu (Fla) – 1B eligible and major trade candidate, hit 100 RBIs in ‘09
15. I. Stewart (Col) – Finally full-time 3B, continues to improve, needs better BA
16. M. DeRosa (SF) – Slated to play LF, 35 year old should be about as good
17. A. Gordon (KC) – Injuries and demotion hurt ’09, but he’ll bounce back a lot
18. S. Rolen (Cin) – Can he stay healthy? Hard to trust but will produce
19. G. Atkins (Bal) – Change of scenery should help some, will play 1B
20. M. Prado (Atl) – Took 2B job in ‘09, good power potential, 20+ HR sleeper
21. J. Peralta (Cle) – Very down year for power, likely won’t play SS in 2011
22. B. Wood (LAA) – Full-time ABs, titanic power potential for the 25 year old
23. T. Glaus (Atl) – If he plays he’ll produce at 1B as Chipper isn’t moving
24. M. Teahen (ChW) – GM Williams thinks a lot of him, could produce if healthy
25. A. LaRoche (Pit) – Prospect Alvarez might push him to 2B or a trade in ‘10

-5 Games Started, 10 Games Played Criteria

Prospects
1. P. Alvarez (Pit) – Big-time prospect bat chomping at the bit
2. M. Dominguez (Fla) – Glove is gold glove caliber, bat is coming around
3. C. Truinfel (Sea) – Youngster looks to outgrow SS, breakout if healthy
4. J. Bell (Bal) – Seems ready for the majors as a productive role player
5. M. Moustakas (KC) – Former 1st RD pick is too talented to give up on

[MashinSpuds]

Another nice set of rankings, but I have a gut feeling that Zimmerman is going to outdo Michael Young this year.

[AquaMan2342]

I'm not as high on Zimmerman as some are, but he should be higher.

Also, given the skill sets each player has shown thus far in their career, if Wright tops 25 HRs I don't see how he wouldn't be ranked ahead of Longoria. I like both this year though.

[swyck]

I don't see M.Young over Zim, otherwise not a bad list. After 9 IMO there is a big drop in value that steadily decreases.

[Y`s Guy]

I haven't studied up on PT possibilities for teams yet but is Bradon Wood the guy now at 3B for the Angels?

[Havok1517]

I haven't studied up on PT possibilities for teams yet but is Bradon Wood the guy now at 3B for the Angels?

Yes, after trying to reclaim Figgins and possibly signing Beltre they settled on Wood with Izturis serving as super-utility.

[MashinSpuds]

I like Prado as a guy who will help with the average and perhaps be a decent source of runs/RBIs at CI (or better yet, MI) but could you explain the thought of him hitting 20+ home runs? His minor league numbers don't seem to indicate that and it may be more likely that he reverts back to sub-10 HR. I hope he does hit 20 ... that would be something to see.

[Havok1517]

I like Prado as a guy who will help with the average and perhaps be a decent source of runs/RBIs at CI (or better yet, MI) but could you explain the thought of him hitting 20+ home runs? His minor league numbers don't seem to indicate that and it may be more likely that he reverts back to sub-10 HR. I hope he does hit 20 ... that would be something to see.

Well, he's more valuable at 2B but I see 20+ HR to be his peak power potential. He hit 11 HR during limited action in 128 games as a 25 year-old. Couple his youth projection and his strong athletic 6'1 190 lb frame, I think 20+ HR could be in his future.

[hot4tx]

I agree with Zimm over Young, but I do think there's still risk with Zimm and wouldn't fault anyone for taking Young over him again this year. Also DeRosa retired.

Oh and Havok, I usually throw out a difference in opinion or two when you do these rankings but forget to thank you for doing them. They are always very well thought out and well done, and I appreciate them. Any dissenting opinions are not meant as critisizm.

[MashinSpuds]

Also DeRosa retired.

Do you mean Mark Loretta? Mark DeRosa is going to be playing for the Giants this year.