Now we find ourselves moving on to the second best collection of sluggers on the field. Less bulky than first basemen, these guys have been known to steal a base or two as well. As a matter of fact, the de facto #1 overall pick (A-Rod, or Gay-Rod, depending on your region) lives on the hot corner. As a position, the third baseman is generally a 5 category player. It’s a rarity to see 0 stolen bases, unless there’s a chub like Aramis or a hobbled old man like Rolen, but even Rolen’ll get you 4 or 5 stolen bases.

So, let’s dive right in and pick apart some third basemen:

Sleepers:

1. Josh Fields – Chicago White Sox – If Josh Fields hadn’t gotten twice as many at bats as it takes to remain a rookie, he’d be a prime contender for AL R.O.Y. But, alas, he’ll just have to be a very good cheap option for us fantasy types. In those 373 at bats last season, Fields belted 23 home runs and 67 RBI. Sure he only had a .244 average, but let me take this moment to remind you that the difference between a .250 hitter and a .300 hitter over the course of 400 at bats is only 20 hits. The chances of a .250 hitter going 2 for 3 in a game aren’t that far off from a .300 hitter. If you pay attention to batting average, you’re wasting stress on the wrong areas. Focus on things like why people are stupid enough to go on Moment of Truth. Here’s Field’s projected 2008 numbers: 76/34/97/1/.272

2. Mark Reynolds – Arizona Diamondbacks – For all intents and purposes, Mark Reynolds had a better season last year than Josh Fields. He had less home runs, but the rest of his stats were better. So, why is 26th ranked third baseman Mark Reynolds below Josh Fields on this sleeper list? Because CURRENTLY he is slated to back up Chad Tracy. That should last all of a month, tops, IF it even lasts past spring training. Reynolds’ projected 2008 numbers go like this: 90/25/90/0/.279 You know what, why don’t we just call Josh Fields and Mark Reynolds co-#1 sleepers. Okay, done.

3. Edwin Encarnacion – Cincinnati Reds – It’s been since Marge Schott’s poodle died that the Reds fans have had anything to cheer about. But, guess what, it looks like the NL Central’s got a Red Scare on their hands. Now don’t get me wrong, Dusty will figure out a way to destroy every single young career on this potentially great team, he always does. But, enough commentary, here’s the projected 2008 numbers for this 14th ranked third baseman: 75/19/90/9/.290 Sold? Sold.

Busters:

1. Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees – No, this is not me saying that Alex Rodriguez will not be great this season. He’s been great for 12 consecutive seasons. Why stop now? He won’t. I just hate when there’s a clear cut default #1 overall pick. You feel like you’re forced into him, just like last season with Soriano and that didn’t pan out either. There’s no way he continues last year’s pace, obviously. But, if you don’t take him at #1, you’ll feel silly. I’m just saying don’t expect A-Rod to be ranked #1 after this season.

2. Chipper Jones – Atlanta Braves – Now, I’ll admit, I’ve had it in for Chipper for as long as I can remember. Two things that instantly make me cringe about a person: Racoon eye tan lines from wrap around shades and grown men going by the name Chipper. But, there’s something else… I’m concerned when I see a 35 year old baseball player have his best season since he was 29. Now, he’ll be 36 shortly after Opening Day, and let’s face facts, the Braves aren’t looking very good this year. I don’t see it. But, maybe I’ve been blinded by the name Chipper.

3. Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Wait a second… What list are we on here? Sleepers or busters? If you’ve followed baseball in the past season, chances are you’ve been hearing about this kid. He’s averaging a $4 auction value, a 16th Round draft selection, and is the 20th ranked third baseman, all without ever having played a major league game. He may not even start the season in the majors this year either. His Double-A numbers are pretty good (21 HRs in 381 ABs) but he strikes out almost as much as Adam Dunn, and let’s face it, playing for the Devil Rays in the major leagues is a pretty damn far cry from the Montgomery Biscuits.

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