Top three producers in (3B, SS, OF)

This week I will be writing about the top 3 players for third base, shortstop, and outfield. Most of these players aren’t completely unknown, but are usually not this high on fantasy experts rankings. You’ll notice most of these players have serious pop in their bat, which sends a clear message to fantasy members- make sure you draft enough power hitters.

Third Base:

Josh Donaldson-Toronto Blue Jays

Donaldson was a relatively standard player until he had a stunning breakout season in 2013 for Oakland. He then went on to end his career in Oakland with a year built on raw power in 2014. Fantasy owners were hoping to see a better average in 2015 as it dipped from .301 in 2013 to .255 in 2014. Donaldson landing in the “power centre” in Toronto, made this hope seem very possible. In 2015, Donaldson has a .311 batting average, 28 runs, 8 home runs, and 25 RBI’s. He leads all third basemen in singles and hits, and ranks 2nd in RBI’s. There is no doubt he’ll keep this great play up the entire season.

Matt Carpenter-St. Louis Cardinals

To be honest, I didn’t think Carpenter was going to have a good season in 2015. One reason was because his play in 2014 was weak compared to his breakout season in 2013. His average, RBI’s, triples, doubles, hits, home runs, and runs all dropped significantly year over year. Another reason is that he would only be eligible to play third base in 2015, which is a power position. However, Carpenter proved my prediction wrong starting this season with a .323 batting average, 7 home runs, 24 RBI’s, and 28 runs. These stats are undeniable – now let’s see if he can continue to play at this level all year.

Todd Frazier-Cincinnati Reds

Frazier has had a similar career so far to Josh Donaldson. Frazier had a huge breakout season last year and has now followed it up with a power season in 2015. His stats stand at a .244 batting average, 25 runs, 12 home runs, 23 RBI’s, and 6 stolen bases. While his average isn’t great, all other stats are fantastic and rank in the top 5 for third basemen. Frazier should definitely keep this up, especially playing home games in a hitter’s ballpark.

Short Stop:

Marcus Semien-Oakland A’s

It’s been a huge surprise to see this unknown name at the top of the short stop rankings. Semien is even worth more to fantasy owners because he is eligible to play many positions. This young player could be a perfect pickup for fantasy teams who have Ian Desmond, Troy Tulowitzki, and Alexei Ramirez, who are under performing this season. Semien has a .309 batting average, 21 runs, 6 home runs, 15 RBI’s, and 6 stolen bases this season. His age is intriguing (24 years old), but watch for slumps and make sure he still gets enough at bats with Ben Zobrist coming off the DL soon.

Hanley Ramirez-Boston Red Sox

Hanley is no surprise to be ranked this high for shortstops. Hanley regrouped with the team who drafted him and foolishly traded him away (although winning the World Series was a nice consolation). Ramirez has cooled off lately, without a home run or an RBI after he returned from his injured shoulder. He has a .272 average, 20 runs, 10 home runs, and 22 RBI’s. The usual top shortstop performers include Tulowitzki, Alexei Ramirez, Desmond, and Hanley Ramirez. Hanley has been the only one to back up his ranking to date. 

Brandon Crawford-San Francisco Giants

Crawford has always been an okay player in his career, but his name started to show up in fantasy box scores more last year.  The 28-year-old has continued to improve in 2015. He has a .277 batting average, 17 runs, 6 home runs, and 24 RBI’s. His great play lately led me add him on to my roster in my Yahoo league a few days ago. Crawford has gone 15 for his last 44 at bats with 5 doubles and 12 RBI’s. He doesn’t bring enough to the table to be a long-term starter, but he’s worth owning if available.

Outfield:

Bryce Harper-Washington Nationals

I have never drafted Bryce Harper in a fantasy league because I’ve felt his hype is greater than his production, yet I’m speechless with Harper’s insane 2015 season so far. It appears baseball has found their upcoming stars of this generation in Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. Harper has exploded into the 2015 season with a .326 batting average, 33 runs, 13 home runs, and 33 RBI’s. The kid is incredibly only 22 years old (younger than hyped up rookies Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler) and ranks 1st in runs, 2nd in home runs, 2nd in RBI’s, and 1st in walks out of all major league hitters! If you are in a keeper league, DO NOT ever let him go!

Nelson Cruz-Seattle Mariners

Cruz proved millions of doubters wrong in 2014 after hitting an incredible 40 home runs for Baltimore. However, there were still plenty of doubters coming into the 2015 season after he was traded to Seattle, a difficult hitters park where it is a lot tougher to hit home runs (ask Robinson Cano). Yet, here we are and Cruz is leading the league in home runs once again with 15! Cruz has a .348 batting average, 24 runs, 15 home runs, and 30 RBI’s. These are MVP- like numbers. The inferred message from Nelson Cruz is, “Never doubt me because I’m going to prove you wrong every time”.

Mike Trout-Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout may be the most popular name in the baseball world. The 23-year-old stud made a name for himself with his MVP worthy rookie season in 2012 and he’s yet to disappoint since. 2015 has seen a .300 average, 28 runs (T-3rd in MLB), 10 home runs (T-5th), and 21 RBI’s from the reigning MVP. There’s not much else to say other than, never give him away. Ever!