Tier 1: Evan Longoria
To me, there is one first round third baseman and that is Longoria. In 2010 he showed that he could bring the total package to the table, adding stolen bases (15) and a near .300 average (.294) to an already impressive package. While the power faded a little bit, at 25-years old it is not hard to imagine him returning to the 30 HR level. Throw in 100/100 potential and what is there not to like?
Tier 2: David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, Alex Rodriguez
All three of these guys bring extremely impressive numbers to the table, but at this point are lacking in a category, which keeps them a shade behind Longoria. In Wright, the number of strikeouts (161 in ’10) and an inflated fly ball rate (42.7%) appear to make it highly unlikely that he hits for an elite average. Ryan Zimmerman brings the entire package, sans the speed element. Alex Rodriguez used to be the whole enchilada, but his injuries have cost him a lot of his speed at this point in his career. None of these options should be on the board after Round 3, at the absolute latest.
Tier 3: Michel Young, Jose Bautista
There are concerns about both of these guys. With Young, he’s a solid option but the additions of Adrian Beltre and Mike Napoli could bring his playing time into question. With Bautista, we all know that the power isn’t likely to be repeated. That’s not to say that he isn’t going to put up 30+ home runs once again, but don’t reach for him expecting 50. These players should be targeted around rounds five or six.
Tier 4: Adrian Beltre, Pedro Alvarez, Martin Prado, Aramis Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Mark Reynolds
Risks, risks and more risks. Can Beltre buck his trend of posting huge numbers in a contract year only to regress when he gets his pay day? Can Alvarez avoid a sophomore slump and put up the type of numbers we have all heard are possible? Can Prado maintain a .300+ average and score 100+ runs in order to offset his true lack of power? Can Ramirez, Sandoval and Reynolds rebound from disappointing 2010 campaigns? I would target any of these players from rounds seven through thirteen.
Tier 5: Casey McGehee, Placido Polanco, Juan Uribe
McGehee is the most appealing of this bunch, but it is hard to imagine him replicating his 2010 success. Assuming that Prince Fielder can rebound in clutch situations, McGehee’s opportunities are going to be diminished in ’11. Polanco and Uribe are often underrated, but bring value to the table (as we discussed recently in our late round third base option column, which you can view by clicking here). None of these three are players I would target as my starter at 3B, but would consider as my corner infielder (or a reserve in shallower formats).
What are your thoughts on the tiers? How would you group them? Is there anyone that you think doesn’t belong in the group that I’ve placed them?
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Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:
- Top 15 Catchers
- Top 15 First Basemen
- Top 15 Second Basemen
- Top 15 Shortstops
- Top 15 Third Basemen
- Top 30 Outfielders
- Top 30 Starting Pitchers
- Top 15 Closers
- 2011 Fantasy Draft First Round Breakdown
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