Midseason Position Rankings: Third Base

Well, we are almost at the conclusion of our Midseason Position Rankings, and so far it's been an interesting journey. Things change quickly, and one of those is the recent force the Ortiz has been in the minors, suggesting a quick ascent through that second tier. But right now I want to focus on the hot corner, which has delivered many a success story this season. Onward!

Tier One:

• Alex Rodriguez
• David Wright
• Ryan Braun

Yes, A-Rod is still the king of fantasy baseball despite fulfilling that even-year prophecy. In almost 100 fewer at-bats, he's beating Wright in homers and steals, and will soon catch him in runs and ribbies while his average exceeds the face of the Mets. Braun, to me, was a surprise, but watching him play even a few innings proves he is the real deal. If only the Brewers could put men on ahead of him, as 17 of his 23 homers have been solo shots.

Tier Two:

• Aramis Ramirez
• Miguel Cabrera
• Garrett Atkins
• Chipper Jones

Here we have another three-star tier. While I missed on Braun, I was right to assert Ramirez's value would be equal to, or even exceed, Cabrera's. Ramirez is tied for second among hot corners in RBIs, and will score 100 times while driving in 100. Cabrera started slow, but that whole offense has too much talent for him not to succeed. Atkins may come as a bit of a surprise, but given Jones's injury history and the formers post-Break splits (at least .150 higher OPS in each of the past two seasons), I'm expected good things.

Tier Three:

• Mike Lowell
• Evan Longoria

This is the short tier before the fall. These guys have fewer question marks than the remainder of the field, and will help in every category without severely hampering your average. There are question marks about Longoria's stamina, but so far he's been Braun-esque and not Gordon-esque, so a solid second half isn't out of the question.

Tier Four:

• Adrian Beltre
• Troy Glaus
• Alex Gordon
• Joe Crede
• Edwin Encarnacion
• Hank Blalock
• Casey Blake
• Jorge Cantu
• Mark Reynolds

Beltre will receive a boost in value if the rumored trade to the Twins materializes. Glaus has been great this season, and while I think his value will tail off he should still exceed many of his peers. Gordon has a lot of potential, and I will like him heading into any future season more than the bottom tier. Crede, Encarnacion, Blake, and Cantu could all hit double digit (but barely) homers before the season ends, but that average will sit south of .280. And Reynolds average may be even lower, that is if he doesn't lose playing time to Chad Tracy while Tony Clark (or if a corner outfield acquisition leads to Conor Jackson playing a corner infield spot).