tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

2011 Fantasy Projections: 3rd Baseman

The third base position is a critical one in terms of fantasy baseball because it typically provides power stats and decent to above average batting average.  However, there may be a bigger drop off than at the shortstop position when you get by the top six.

5*: Evan Longoria - TB: Longoria is the class of the 3rd base position.  If you have the opportunity in the 1st round take him.

4*: Wright - NYM, ARod - NYY: Both of the Big Apple's 3rd basemen are players who could really help your fantasy team this year.  David Wright is solid and will probably go somewhere in the first round.  There are some indications that ARod might be poised for a banner year and is definitely worth a pick early in the second round.

3*: Ryan Zimmerman - Wash: I really like this guy.  He's proven that he can hit with power and a good batting average.  Definitely someone to target.

2*: Beltre - Tex, Bautista - Tor(of - elig), Stewart - Colo, Ramirez - Cubs: There are no sure things here based on history.  Beltre has had some injury problems this spring and the history of dropping off big time after signing a new contract.  Bautista broke out on the scene last year.  Not sure we can expect a 50 - plus home run season again.  Stewart is a tease.  Last year I thought was the year for him to break out but injuries derailed that thought.  Aramis Ramirez is one of my old reliables.  Last year, he killed me.  Many are saying look for a bounce back year.

1*: McGehee - Milw, Alvarez - Pitt, Young - Tex, Reynolds - Balt, Sandoval - SF: Casey McGehee could be a nice play here especially if you miss out on the above listed players.  Pedro Alvarez also has a lot of upside.  Hopefully, he continues to perform.  Michael Young may not play 3rd this year but he qualifies.  You certainly could do worse however there was some decline in his game and that could be why Texas went after Beltre.  If you can take the terrible batting average then Reynolds is your guy.  Sandoval bursted onto the scene two years ago and fell way back last year.  From where I sit he is a very risky pick.

Players To Watch: Prado - (2b elig), Rolen - Cinc, Valencia - Minn: Prado gives you versatility, batting average, runs and on-base percentage.  Scott Rolen helped me out last year with Aramis struggling.  However, Scott is another year older.  Valencia is a young player who the Twins will have at third base.  Not sure if you want him as your starter at this point.

Black Balled List: Mark Reynolds - I can't put up with the strikeouts and the ridiculously low average.

It's important to get power stats from this position.  As a result go after one of those top six as soon as you can.  If you miss out, Casey McGehee and Pedro Alvarez may be good alternatives.