Todd Lokken from Strategic Fantasy Sports forecasts the top 5 third basemen for the 2006 MLB season.

Third base is traditionally an tough place to find a quality, long term player. However, this year is a bit different, as there are 5 difference makers available, and you want to make sure you grab one, says Todd Lokken, President of Strategic Fantasy Sports. “If you don’t get one of the top 5, don’t fret too much, because there still is some great depth at third this year”, says Lokken.

Without further ado, here are the top 5 third basemen for 2006, starting with the obvious choice:

1. Alex Rodriguez – Age: 30 – 2005 Stats: 124 Rs/48 HRs/130 RBIs/21 SBs/.321 AVG

Even if you hate the Yankees, you gotta love A-Rod stats. He seems to have settled in nicely in NY, and you can expect a batting average over .300, 120 RBA, and 40-50 HRs—the absolute gold standard for third. “If you can grab A-Rod, then you do it. You do not hesitate or pass up this man”, says Lokken.

2. Miguel Cabrera – Age: 23 – 2005 Stats: 106 Rs/33 HRs/116 RBIs/1 SB/.323 AVG

It’s hard to believe Cabrera is only 23, and if you are in a keeper league, hopefully you can grab him. Cabrera will star at third for years to come. You can expect an average over .300, 110 RBIs, and 30-40 HRs.


3. Aramis Ramirez – Age: 27 – 2005 Stats: 72 Rs/31 HRs/92 RBIs/0 SB/.302 AVG

Although he was injured for the last month of 2005, Ramirez will still get to play in cozy Wrigley for 81 games this year, and you can still expect an average over .300, 30-40 HRs, and about 100 RBIs. “Unless you have a league that somehow uses defense, Ramirez is a solid third base”, says Lokken.

4. David Wright – Age: 23 – 2005 Stats: 99 Rs/27 HRs/102 RBIs/17 SBs/.306 AVG

The other 23 year old on our list, David Wright already has plenty of experience. You can expect 25-35 HRs, 100 RBIs, and an average over .300, and with the improved look of the New York lineup, Wright certainly can do better than the projected stats.

5. Eric Chavez – Age: 28 – 2005 Stats: 92 Rs/27 HRs/101 RBIs/6 SBs/.269 AVG

Rounding out the top 5 is Eric Chavez. Although he isn’t a young pup like Wright and Cabrera, Chavez certainly can give you solid offense. “He may not hit over .300, but his RBIs and HRs will definitely be quality numbers”, says Lokken. Look for 100 RBIs, 30-35 HRs, and maybe a .270 average.

In case you aren’t lucky enough to tab one of the top 5, Lokken rounds out the rest of the top 10 this way:

6. Chone Figgins
7. Jorge Cantu
8. Morgan Ensberg
9. Scott Rolen
10. Hank Blaylock

Lokken says, “even if you don’t get a top 5, you are still in decent shape with the next 5”. Ensberg is solid, Cantu is a young stud, and even Rolen should be great, assuming he bounces back from 2005.”

Strategic Fantasy Sports provides fantasy baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and golf analysis and strategy for players of fantasy sports. For more information, contact Todd Lokken at 847.985.8566.