Fantasy Baseball Preseason Rankings: Third Basemen | FIOMattyH's Blog

1. Alex Rodriguez, NYY - Rodriguez had a year for the ages in 2007, leading not just all third basemen but the majors in runs (143), home runs (54), runs batted in (156) and slugging (.645). Add 24 stolen bases and a .314 batting average, and you have got the complete package and a No. 1 overall fantasy pick in A-Rod. Repeating such a phenomenal year is going to be tough, but if anyone can do it, it will be the 32-year-old Rodriguez, who will once again benefit from hitting in a great lineup.

2. David Wright, NYM - Wright put together his best season to date in '07, posting career-highs in batting average (.325), runs (113), home runs (30) and stolen bases (34). There is no reason that Wright will not build on 2007, as he is still only 25-years-old, hits in the middle of one of the NL's best lineups and shows no sign of declining patience at the plate. Look for Wright to be a 30-30 player once again in '08.

3. Miguel Cabrera, DET - Often criticized for his weight, Cabrera made a concerted effort to keep his size in check this offseason by hiring a personal trainer. Add in the fact that he moves into the middle of a stacked Detroit offense and you can expect big things out of the power-hitting right hander in 2008. It is safe to assume that his production in 2007 was not the limit for the 24-year-old Cabrera.

4. Ryan Braun, MIL - Braun put together one of the best offensive seasons ever for a rookie, hitting .324 with 34 homers, 97 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 451 at bats. His defense, however, could not come close to that of his offense, resulting in a move from third base to the outfield for 2008. Of course, there is always a question of whether or not he can repeat such an astounding rookie performance, but it is not a reach to think that Braun cannot hit 40 homers and steal over 20 bases next season.

5. Aramis Ramirez, CHC - History shows that if Ramirez gets at least 500 at bats in Chicago, he is a lock for 25 or more homers, 100+ runs batted in and an average that hovers around .300. Ramirez also has not fanned more than 68 times in a single season since 2002... (Read the full article here: Fantasy Baseball Preseason Rankings: Third Basemen)

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