09 Fantasy Baseball Cheat Sheet 3B Rankings

 
THIRD BASE (3B) RANKINGS 2009

1. Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees (34)

Approaching his mid thirties, Rodriguez is likely at the peak of his career entering the 2009 season. Rodriguez is still the clear #1 pick at third base, but the younger David Wright and Evan Longoria are inching closer and may overtake A-Rod in 2010. However if you have the chance, draft A-Rod and know that you will get a guaranteed 35-45 homeruns, 110-130 rbi, 110-120 runs scored, 10-20 stolen bases, and a .300 plus batting average in 2009. Having A-Rod on your team in 2009 is a great way to win your league’s championship.

2. David Wright – New York Mets (26)

Wright is a proven fantasy baseball stud, and at just age 26, there doesn’t look to be any let up from him for at least the next 5 years! Wright is nearly a rotisserie scoring god, as he more than adds his fair share of stats across every scoring category. The 2009 season should have Wright posting 30 homeruns, 110 rbi, 110 runs scored, 20 stolen bases, and an excellent .300 plus batting average.

3. Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers (26)

If he qualifies at third base in your league, just take it and be thankful. Otherwise, Cabrera will likely only qualify as a first baseman from here on out in fantasy baseball leagues. Another career year could be in store for Cabrera in 2009, which means his first 40 homerun season, along with 130 rbi, 100 runs scored, and a .300 plus batting average are very realistic expectations for him in 2009.

4. Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays (23)

At just age 23 for the 2009 fantasy baseball season, Longoria is ready to take over the reigns as a top 5 overall fantasy baseball third baseman for the next ten years. Expecting 30 plus homeruns, 100 rbi, 100 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and a .280 batting average is likely from Longoria in 2009.

5. Aramis Ramirez – Chicago Cubs (31)

Currently entrenched in the prime of his career at age 31, Ramirez should once again post his usual numbers of 30 homeruns, 100 rbi, 90 runs scored, and a batting average close to .300 for the 2009 season.

6. Chipper Jones – Atlanta Braves (37)

Jones has been injury riddled the past few years, however when he does play, Jones is one of the best fantasy baseball third baseman in the game. An excellent batting average around .320 will lead his cause, with a good 20 plus homeruns, 80 rbi and 80 runs scored possible if he plays in just 120 games during the 2009 season. If Jones manages to play in more games, those stats will all go up across the board.

7. Garrett Atkins – Colorado Rockies (29)

If Atkins stays in Colorado, then he is clearly a very good third base option in 2009 fantasy baseball leagues. Not to mention Atkins duel eligibility at third base and first base helps his case tremendously. Teaming with the Colorado air, Atkins should post numbers around 30 homeruns, 115 rbi and 100 runs scored, while managing a healthy .300 batting average for the 2009 season.

8. Adrian Beltre – Seattle Mariners (30)

Even though Beltre has never reached that 40 homerun plateau again, he has actually been a model of consistency over the past six out of seven years. Beltre will finally be 30 years old for the 2009 season, so his prime fantasy baseball years are right now. His classic 25 homeruns, 80 rbi-90 rbi, 80 runs scored, 10 stolen bases, and .270 batting average is a good bet for him in 2009.

9. Kevin Youkilis – Boston Red Sox (30) BUST

Ok maybe I’m giving Youkilis the short end of the stick, but in all honesty, I just don’t seem him coming close his 2008 stats. In four prior seasons, Youkilis posted just 7, 1, 13, and 16 homeruns with averages totaling .260, .278, .279, and .288 in those four seasons respectively. In other words, a repeat performance of 29 homeruns, 115 rbi, and a .312 batting average in 2009 isn’t very likely. If you want to take a chance and draft him higher go for it, but just don’t expect 30 homeruns and 115 rbi.

10. Edwin Encarnacion – Cincinnati Reds (26)

At just 26 years old for the 2009 fantasy baseball season, Encarnacion has plenty of potential to improve upon his 2008 stats. Numbers in the range of 30 homeruns, 80 rbi, 80 runs scored, and a .275 batting average seem likely for Encarnacion in 2009.

11. Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals (24)

Injuries derailed Zimmerman’s breakout campaign in 2008, so his outlook for 2009 will have many fantasy baseball managers once again thinking breakout year. 20-25 homeruns, 90-100 rbi, 90 runs scored, 5-10 stolen bases, and a .280 batting average is possible from Zimmerman in 2009.

12. Chone Figgins –