I am going to start with some extremely early 2013 positional rankings, just so we can all get an idea of where people currently sit. Keep in mind these rankings are preliminary and before I have done any of my projections. That means that there is going to be a lot of room for fluctuation between now and draft day.
- Robinson Cano – New York Yankees
- Ian Kinsler – Texas Rangers
- Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox
- Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds
- Aaron Hill – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians
- Ben Zobrist – Tampa Bay Rays
- Rickie Weeks – Milwaukee Brewers
- Jose Altuve – Houston Astros
- Chase Utley – Philadelphia Phillies
- Danny Espinosa – Washington Nationals
- Dan Uggla – Atlanta Braves
- Neil Walker – Pittsburgh Pirates
- Dustin Ackley – Seattle Mariners
- Howie Kendrick – Los Angeles Angels
Thoughts:
- Aaron Hill has had a renaissance campaign, hitting .298 with 23 HR, 75 RBI, 81 R and 14 SB through Saturday’s game. The biggest thing with Hill is if he can avoid swinging for the fences. Let’s not forget his breakout in 2009 was followed by significant disappointment, partially because he posted a 54.2% fly ball rate in 2010 (which helped to his .198 BABIP). If he can avoid a repeat, the results are going to be there and he is going to be among the best options in the league once again. Obviously there is some risk, but I’d rather take that chance than on some of the other options available.
- We all know that Jason Kipnis got off to a tremendous start, only to see the numbers regress as the season progressed. That said, at the end of the day he has still shown that he can produce power (14 HR) and speed (27 SB). While he hasn’t posted a great average, there is no reason to think that he won’t have better results in 2013. Despite making good contact (16.3% strikeout rate) and a very good line drive rate (22.5%), he has a .286 BABIP and just a .255 average. With an improvement in that department, to go along with the power and speed, he should be among the better options in the league.
- After a disappointing second half, Rickie Weeks has hit .266 with 12 HR and 9 SB since the All-Star Break. The average and the health are always going to be a question, but Weeks should still be considered a Top 10 option heading into 2013.
- Chase Utley isn’t the player that he once was. That said, he still brings potential and production. He’s going to be a viable starter in all formats, just make sure you have depth.
- Kyle Saeger has played 18 games at 2B thus far this season, so it really depends on your format if he will be eligible or not. I have left him off the rankings, for now, but if your league requires less than 20 games you get an additional viable option.
Make sure to check out the rest of our extremely early 2013 rankings:
Keep this lists coming!