Second Base: This is Where Fantasy General Managers Make Their Money

Second base is where it gets interesting for fantasy league general managers. There are players at this position that have the coveted combination of power and speed. But, unless you already have them on your roster, it's unlikely you'll have the opportunity to draft them in March.

So, what is a general manager without a keeper at second base to do? You can still add speed or power, but you probably can't have the combination and, with that category asset, you'll also have to inherit a weakness. That's the nature of second base in today's game.

The keepers at second base are All-Star caliber players. Dustin Pedroia and Ian Kinsler have the ability to hit 25+ home runs and steal 25+ stolen bases. That kind of talent is rare. Robinson Cano has first base power without first base strikeouts. Rickie Weeks and Dan Uggla provide unique power for middle infielders but, as the last of the possible keepers, you can begin to see the negatives emerge - in their case it's a high strikeout rate.

There is value in the next tier of second basemen and some of it comes with versatility. Ben Zobrist and Ryan Roberts are eligible to play multiple infield positions and, in the case of Zobrist, even the outfield. Buyer Beware with Roberts - he has had one season of statistical production that warrants this tier, so you take a risk when you draft him. Kelly Johnson, Chase Utley and Howard Kendrick are veterans - you can count on their numbers bar injury - and their primary value is producing runs. Utley's low strikeout race and higher on-base percentage separates him from this group but he's also older and has a recent history of injury problems. Dustin Ackley and Neil Walker are young players with a high ceiling. Ackley provides slightly more speed and a better on-base percentage.

 If you want a balanced player at second base you'll need to draft before this tier. These players are specialists. Ideally, they are suited for the utility role where they can steal bases and score runs. The exception is youngster Danny Espinosa, who has 20 home run and 20 stolen base ability. It comes at a price - lots of strikeouts and a very low on-base percentage. Jemile Weeks should provide stolen bases and runs scored, but he's only played one season so consistency could be an issue. Marco Scutaro and Aaron Hill are established veterans, barring injury you should be able to trust their projections. Jason Kipnis is intriguing. He's a highly-touted youngster who could reach 15 homers and 15 stolen bases.

This final tier represents a lot of risk. You may add one of these players to your roster during the year, but it's not advisable to draft them. They should be used in an emergency only. Jason Altuve is a young player who could reach 25+ stolen bases. Perfect for a utility role if you need stolen bases and runs. Alexi Casilla, Ryan Raburn, Mike Aviles and Gordon Beckham are veterans who will not surprise, and will not produce much. Multiple position eligibility is useful, but only if the player has statistical value. Casilla and Aviles will steal 15+ bases with a low strikeout rate.