1. Chase Utley, Phillies
2009 stats: .301 batting average, 31 HR, 93 RBI, 23 SB, .905 OPS
Last three years average: .301 batting average, 29 HR, 100 RBI, 15 SB, .931 OPS
Why you should pick him: He's a horse in one of baseball's best lineups, is coming off a powerful postseason run, and is in his prime at age 31.
Why you shouldn't: This position has decent depth at the top - no need to reach.
2. Ian Kinsler, Rangers
2009 stats: .253 batting average, 31 HR, 86 RBI, 31 SB, .815 OPS
Last three years average: .278 batting average, 23 HR, 73 RBI, 27 SB, .834 OPS
Why you should pick him: Had career-highs in homers and RBI last season, and he's just 28.
Why you shouldn't: Low on-base percentage in 2009 (.327) for a player of his caliber. And he's been on the DL at least once in all four big-league seasons.
3. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
2009 stats: .296 batting average, 15 HR, 72 RBI, 20 SB, .818 OPS
Last three years average: .313 batting average, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 16 SB, .838 OPS
Why you should pick him: The 2008 AL MVP took a step back statistically in 2009, but is already a fixture in a great Boston lineup. Fills the stat sheet.
Why you shouldn't: That 2008 season (.326, 17 HR) might have been a career year.
4. Robinson Cano, Yankees
2009 stats: .320 batting average, 25 HR, 85 RBI, .872 OPS
Last three years average: .300 batting average, 19 HR, 85 RBI, .811 OPS
Why you should pick him: Hits for a high average, and for power, and drives in runs.
Why you shouldn't: Not much speed anymore, and his on-base percentage isn't super high for an elite hitter.
5. Brian Roberts, Orioles
2009 stats: .283 batting average, 16 HR, 79 RBI, 30 SB, .807 OPS
Last three years average: .290 batting average, 12 HR, 64 RBI, 40 SB, .814 OPS
Why you should pick him: Not elite in power, but gets on base, steals bases and will be consistent.
Why you shouldn't: If your league rewards power, there are better options. And he's not likely to drive in many runs in Baltimore.
6. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays
2009 stats: .286 batting average, 36 HR, 108 RBI, .829 OPS
Last three years average: .285 batting average, 18 HR, 69 RBI, .794 OPS
Why you should pick him: 2009 Comeback Player of the Year was only second baseman with 100 runs and 100 RBI.
Why you shouldn't: Doesn't have great speed, and power numbers could be an aberration.
7. Ben Zobrist, Rays
2009 stats: .297 batting average, 27 HR, 91 RBI, 17 SB, .948 OPS
Last three years average: .269 batting average, 13 HR, 43 RBI, .857 OPS
Why you should pick him: Eye-popping stat breakout season - a great run-producer at second base. Also might be eligible in the outfield.
Why you shouldn't: Flash in the pan? Nobody was clamoring for Ben Zobrist in fantasy play last year.
8. Dan Uggla, Marlins
9. Jose Lopez, Mariners
2009 stats: .272 batting average, 25 HR, 96 RBI, .766 OPS
Last three years average: .275 batting average, 18 HR, 82 RBI, .728 OPS
Why you should pick him: The numbers speak loudly for a mid-round pick.
Why you shouldn't: Struggles at home in pitcher's park in Seattle, and OBP isn't elite.
10. Brandon Phillips, Reds
2009 stats: .276 batting average, 20 HR, 98 RBI, 25 SB, .776 OPS
Last three years average: .276 batting average, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 27 SB, .783 OPS
Why you should pick him: Only Utley drives in more runs consistently. If Reds are improved, Phillips could easily surpass 100. Steals bases, too.
Why you shouldn't: Doesn't score enough for a guy with his speed, but that's a product of who is behind him in the order.
