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AL Central Rankings: Who stands tall as best 2nd baseman?

By Brett Pnazek |
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Sep 10, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Carlos Sanchez (77) makes a double play against Oakland Athletics center fielder Sam Fuld (23) during the fifth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Our American League positional rankings continue as we focus on second base.

Second base has a bit more star power as you have Ian Kinsler and Brian Dozier manning these spots for the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins respectively.

There is also a potential superstar in the making in Jason Kipnis of the Cleveland Indians, and the Kansas City Royals have Omar Infante who provides consistency. Then the Chicago White Sox could have a rotation of players filling the spot but for ranking purposes we will be using Carlos Sanchez.

We will start at No. 5 and work our way down to No. 1.  In determining the rankings we will take a look at offensive, defensive metrics as well as a season outlook that will outline expectations and how secure the players role is.

Next: Who ranks in at No. 5 on the list?

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No. 5: Carlos Sanchez (Chicago White Sox)

Sep 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Carlos Sanchez (77) makes a throw to first baseman Jose Abreu (79) to get Detroit Tigers shortstop Andrew Romine (not pictured) out in the fourth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats:
Batting Average: .250
HR: 0
RBI: 5
SB: 1
DWar: -.1
Fielding Percentage: .992

Sanchez is the weakest link in the AL Central second basemen. He won’t wow anybody with his bat, and he lacks power as he is no€™t projected to hit for a high batting average. As for his base stealing prowess he does not have that either.

Defensively Sanchez is average. He has only got 28 games under his belt, but the word on him is that he’€™s got major league ability to play defense, though the jury is still out on him.

Sanchez does no€™t have firm a grasp on the position. He will face stiff competition throughout spring training and into the season. If he opens as the starting 2nd baseman for the White Sox it would be surprising if he makes it more than half the season before being replaced.

Next: Is the AL champion 2nd baseman next?

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No. 4: Omar Infante (Kansas City Royals)

Jul 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Omar Infante (14) dives to field a ball against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats
Batting Average: .252
HR: 6
RBI: 66
SB: 9
DWar: .7
Fielding Percentage: .978

Infante is here because we know who he is and what to expect from him year in and year out.  He is a beacon of steadiness at second base.

While his batting average dropped to a career low at .252, he did post a career-high in RBIs. His offensive game has never been spectacular but has always been consistent.

In the field he may have the weakest glove of all the second baseman in the division. One thing to note though is that Infante did post a positive wins above replacement in 2014.

Infante is getting older and the Royals are the defending AL Champions, but they appear to have taken a step back this offseason.

In terms of threats to playing time there is nothing in the pipeline and their top middle infield prospect is a year or two away from contributing. His role is pretty secure and should be the second baseman for Kansas City all season long barring trade or injury.

Next: Who ranks in at No. 3?

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No. 3: Jason Kipnis (Cleveland Indians)

Sep 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) makes a throw against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats
Batting Average: .240
HR: 6
RBI: 41
SB: 22
DWar: -.7
Fielding Percentage: .989

To say ’14 was a disappointment for Kipnis would be an understatement. Kipnis regressed from his ’13 numbers considerably.

Injuries limited Kipnis to 129 games played, but was thought to affect his play throughout the season.He is No. 3 on the list because of his upside when compared to the previous two on the list.

The Indians’ second baseman still managed to steal 20 bases, but that was the considerable highlight from last season. His offensive outlook should improve this year if healthy as the Indians offense looks to be a little more potent.

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Kipnis posted a respectable fielding percentage, but fell on the negative side of wins above replacement. His defensive metrics are not very good and have hovered right around average. It would not shock me if he were moved to a corner outfield position especially if Francisco Lindor proves himself more than capable of hitting big league pitching.

Kipmis is still one of Cleveland’s best players and they are banking on him to return to ’13 form. If he can stay healthy there is no reason why he should no€™t improve upon his numbers from last year and even exceed ’13.

As mentioned above he will be the Indians starting second baseman, but there is a small possibility depending on how the competition at shortstop turns out that he could see some time in the outfield.

Next: The runner-up in the rankings will be ...

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Brian Dozier (Minnesota Twins)

Sep 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) makes a throw to first in an attempted double play as Detroit Tigers shortstop Andrew Romine (27) slides into second in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats
Batting Average: .242
HR: 23
RBI: 71
SB: 21
DWar: .7
Fielding Percentage: .980

Dozier had quite the year. He was the best offensive player for the Twins. He also did something you do no€™t see many second baseman do and that is go 20 home runs and 20 steals.

The only downside to his year was his relatively low batting average. The fact that he does no€™t project as a high average guy is the only thing keeping him from being No.1 on this list.

Dozier’€™s defense is not great but it is respectable. He had a positive DWar and while his fielding percentage isn’t super high it is not a cause of concern either.

Dozier will open the season as the starting second baseman for the Twins and has no competition. If he can produce similar power numbers with a slightly better average he could become the best second baseman not only in the division but the American League.

Next: The best 2nd baseman in the AL Central is ...

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Ian Kinsler (Detroit Tigers)

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) throws out Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (2) (not pictured) during the third inning in game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2014 Stats
Batting Average: .275
HR: 17
RBI: 92
SB: 15
DWar:€“ 2.9
Fielding Percentage: .988

The stats do not lie and Kinsler was the best second baseman in the division last year.

His first season in Detroit resulted in his fourth All-Star game. He was among the league leaders in runs scored, hits and doubles. He was extremely durable in playing 161 games.

Kinsler does have a lot of wear on him at 32 years old, but he is probably one or two years away from his decline.

Defensively, Kinsler helped the Tigers immensely. He was the best defender when comparing DWar to his Central counterparts. He not only was the top second baseman in DWar, but he was No. 1 in all of baseball regardless of position.

You could make an argument that he may be the Tigers most important player. There is n€o™t a replacement in the farm system that could come close to replicating his production. He will be hitting in the top 3rd of the lineup and should put up similar numbers to last year and maintain his current position as the top 2nd baseman in the division and the league.

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