Last year, we were all concerned about Utley’s offseason hip surgery and how the perennial All Star would recover.  He quickly put to rest any fears of a lingering injury and managed to land at a career-high 24 stolen bases.  On the negative side, his average has decreased over the past three years, but it’s still plenty respectable.  Also, his RBI total dropped below 100 for the first time since 2004, although Jimmy Rollins’ .298 OBP certainly didn’t help.

Kinsler managed to stay healthy for most of last season, but still had one DL stint.  At least it’s progress.  He had his best offensive season finishing with 31 HRs and 31 SBs while knocking-in 86 RBI.  He can certainly repeat those numbers and bring his average back up, but his injury history has to subside.  If it does, you’re looking at 2011’s top fantasy second baseman.

We all know about Phillips’ 20-20 prowess and consistency, but he does come with some baggage.  The career .265 average and .312 OBP are a little unnerving, causing many owners to drop Phillips’ ranking below the upper-tier.  Don’t be scared-off by his mediocre average; last year he made plenty of strides to improve.  He struck out a career-low 75 times while drawing 44 walks – a career-high.  Toss in the fact that he bats cleanup in a favorable ballpark, and you have a solid draft pick with considerable upside.

Of course, Cano’s power numbers were given a boost by the new Yankee Stadium, but he still managed to hit 11 of his 25 HRs on the road.  You just have to be weary of a significant HR spike from a player who has averaged 15.5 HRs over the previous 4 seasons.  Regardless, 20 HRs and an average around .295-.305 seem perfectly acceptable.

Pedroia’s value comes from his ability to be well rounded in multiple categories.  He’s not going to hit 30 HRs or steal 40 bases, but he does a little of everything and he does it well.  His average should still be right around .300 with 15 HRs, 75-80 RBI, and 15 SBs.

Aaron Hill is the perfect example of why owners should take chances.  After a lost 2008 due to concussion symptoms, Hill returned in 2009 with a breakout season.  He blasted 36 HRs and posted 108 RBI and 103 runs scored.  Owners can’t draft him expecting another 35 HR season, but they can feel comfortable anticipating 25 homeruns.

There’s already news of Roberts’ suffering back pain and he has yet to make his Spring Training debut.  Considering his stolen base totals have steadily declined over the past 3 seasons, it may be difficult to reverse that trend.  Fortunately, the rest of his stat lines have been solid – expect a .280-.290 AVE with 15 HR pop and the ability to steal at least 25 bags.

Actually, Zobrist’s 27-HR campaign shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise.  As a utilityman in 2008, he averaged 1 homerun per 16.5 ABs and managed 1HR/18.5 ABs once he received more playing time in ‘09.   Also, the 17 SBs weren’t that fluky.  He maintains an excellent OBP and stole 15 and 16 bases in his first two minor league seasons.  He’s no longer a surprise and he’ll be a fine second baseman in mixed leagues.

Considering his 30-HR potential is nearly a lock, we were really hoping he could also bring his average back to at least .260.  He didn’t come close - .243.  That’s what he is – a powerful bat at a thin position with a .250 average at best.  Draft him with those expectations and complement him with another high average player.

Just when you’re ready write a player off, they go and do something to impress you.  Kendrick started the season miserably and eventually found himself in AAA.  The demotion worked and he came back strong to raise his average from .231 to .291.  He certainly has the potential to improve on his #10 draft ranking, but he could also be a big headache.