Jackson: Alright, since we’ve spent time discussing the relative value (or lack thereof) of Yankee middle infielders, let’s move to the other side of the bag and talk about second basemen, which is always a dilemma because of the scarcity of top producers there. In our Kingman league, Robinson Cano has been the catalyst for both of the championship teams I’ve had.

(Check out these earlier entries in EWC’s Roto Massage Parlor coverage:  21 Players That Will Probably Fall Too Low in Your Fantasy Draft and shortstops)  

I feel this deserves mention not only because I feel like obnoxiously gloating about it, but also because Cano is a perfect example of why it’s important in fantasy not to follow the herd of sportswriters and reporters in pre-season evaluations. Last year I received a significant amount of questioning before the season about why I’d keep Cano at a relatively high salary. The main crux of that argument was that Cano never walks, that his BABIP rate (or something or other) was low, that he was sure to fall off. But my decision to keep Robinson on board was mostly due to his torrid second half of 2006, when he ranked among the top hitters in the game. In 2007, he started slow, but took off again in the second half.

So this year, obviously it’s Chase Utley at the top, who is going as high as 6th in experts drafts. Upton is next on the list, who has limitless potential. The next two 2B are Cano and Brandon Phillips, followed by some of 3rd tier options. For example, Placido Polanco, a guy I think you can get later in drafts that will give you great production for little cost. Dustin Pedroia should be in line for an effective season as well. Thoughts, Mr. Shinsano?

Aaron: I think Utley is still the class of the league at 2B, but I don’t think he needs to be your Top 5 or even Top 10 pick this year. Why? Because as opposed to last year, where the drop after Utley felt like a cliff, there’s actually fantastic depth at 2B. Not only do you have the guys you mentioned, Cano and Brian Roberts, but you have the guy who is my No. 2 in Brandon Phillips.

The only thing that keeps me from saying Phillips could be as valuable as Utley is the fact that his AVE and OBP are much lower. Phillips can hit 30 HRs, score 100 and knock in 100, just like Utley, and he’s a threat to steal 30 as well, which Utley is not.

Another guy who, while I won’t say he’s going to go Utley on us, but who could rival a lower-end Phillips, is B.J. Upton who went 24-22 in just 129 games last year! Can we say he’s a lock for 30/30? He’s also got the OBP that can touch Utley’s. They only thing Phillips and Upton don’t have is a machine-like offense Chase has to jack up those runs and RBI chances.

Then, after Cano and Roberts, I think you have three almost interchangible guys, all with big upside and big downsides in Ian Kinsler, Richie Weeks, and Dan Uggla.

J: The sky is the limit with Upton. One of my scouting buddies worked him out when he was in high school and told his parents he’s got Willie Mays like potential. And that’s not something scouts say very easily. Anything can happen and we’re not soothsayers but I’d say he’s a very good bet for 30/30 if not more. What’s even more amazing is that his brother also has limitless potential. Freaking genetics.

Kinsler could be a nice option, although I had him last year and he’s kind of a tease…one of those guys that goes through prolonged stretches where he goes hitless and when you take him out of your lineup he goes off. Weeks and Uggla I could take or leave either of them. I’d rather have Polanco and find power elsewhere.

A: Just for fun I’m going to go pretty deep here – more for your leagues that use a MI, and more specifically a head-to-head league where an extra SB a week could win you the category – but I like Luis Castillo playing a full season in a Mets uniform. No power, but a 20-steal threat, and hitting in that No. 2 hole for the Mets he could approach 100 runs. He’s also a bonus in the OBP category when you consider he’ll probably be drafted around the likes of Mark Eillis, Felipe Lopez and Freddy Sanchez.

“Giving Tree”  illustration by Ted