Once a position reserved for the light-hitting ballplayers, second base has evolved into a power position where 30 homeruns is not out of reach. Heck, entering this season it was reasonable to expect at least three different second basemen to blast 30 homeruns or more. As it turns out, there may be even more who can reach that mark. With Akinori Iwamura’s injury, Ben Zobrist has showcased some power in an everyday role with the Rays. The new Yankee Stadium has made 30 homeruns realistic for Robinson Cano. A hot start proved that even little-known Aaron Hill can blast with the best of them in the AL East. Here’s a look at the top-15 second basemen according to the AViewoftheDiamond.com offensive rankings.

1)Ian Kinsler, Rangers

There may not be another Major Leaguer who can match Ian Kinsler’s combination of power and speed. A 40-40 season is realistic, though his average can be considered disappointing at .269 after batting .319 last season.

2)Chase Utley, Phillies

Once again Chase Utley has been one of the streakiest hitters in baseball. Even stuck in a 2-19 rut at the plate, the season numbers are MVP caliber with 15 homeruns, 45 RBI, 48 runs, and a .297 average.

3)Aaron Hill, Blue Jays

Perhaps the greatest surprise in baseball has been Aaron Hill’s ability to bounce back from an injury-riddled season. After hitting just two homeruns in 55 games last season, Hill has blasted 15 homeruns while driving in 48 RBI through 70 games thus far. With just one homerun in his last ten games, expect his numbers to even out within the next few weeks.

4)Ben Zobrist, Rays

Acquired a few years ago from the Houston Astros in a trade for Aubrey Huff, Ben Zobrist began his career as a shortstop. In fact, it was his weak bat that forced him out of the everyday lineup for the Rays. These days, Zobrist supplies plenty of power for the Rays. Despite beginning the season as a utility player, Zobrist has already clubbed a career high 15 homeruns, while stealing eight bases. In a potent Rays lineup, Zobrist has earned his at bats with a combination of power and speed.

5)Robinson Cano, Yankees

Always a talented hitter, the new Yankee Stadium has made Robinson Cano even more potent. Assuming Cano stays healthy, the Yankees second baseman should have no problem surpassing his previous career high of 19 homeruns. A better question is whether 30 homeruns and 100 RBI will be in reach for the 26-year old hitter.

6)Chone Figgins, Angels

In contrast to the young second basemen with power, Chone Figgins plays a lot more like Ichiro Suzuki. While Figgins mostly plays the hot corner for the Angels, he has started two games at second base this season. Figgins has enjoyed a fine rebound from last season’s injuries with 50 runs scored, 22 steals, and a .327 average.

7)Brian Roberts, Orioles

Once considered the best second baseman in the game, it’s not that Brian Roberts has struggled, but simply a matter of the competition getting better. The 31-year old veteran is enjoying another fine season with 51 runs, seven homeruns, 15 steals, and a .291 average. He’s as consistent a second baseman as you can find.

8)Mark DeRosa, Indians

A late blooming utility player, Marl DeRosa is a hot commodity on the trade market this season. The 34-year old is actually fresh off a career high 21 homeruns established last year with the Cubs. It appears that a new personal best will be formed as DeRosa has already crushed 13 homeruns with 50 RBI. Though he has yet to steal a base this season, DeRosa does just about everything else.

9)Brandon Phillips, Reds

One of the most talented second basemen in baseball, Brandon Phillips has been slowed by injuries this season. Regardless, Phillips is putting up fine all-around numbers with 11 homeruns, 47 RBI, 10 steals, and a .279 average. It was only two years ago that the 27-year old joined the 30-30 club with 30 homeruns and 32 stolen bases. Expect Phillips to climb this list as the season progresses.

10)Orlando Hudson, Dodgers

A move to Hollywood has been good to former Blue Jays star Orlando Hudson. The slick-fielding second baseman has scored 46 runs while hitting .315. Expect those numbers to decline, as Hudson is a solid hitter, but nothing special when it comes to power or speed.

11)Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays

The second Blue Jays second baseman to make this list, Marco Scutaro has come out of nowhere to enjoy a fine season. The 33-year old infielder has hit five homeruns, scored 52 runs, and even tied his career-high with seven steals while hitting .295. It’s hard to believe that these numbers will stand for the .265 career hitter.

12)Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

You know reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia must be struggling when he is listed below Marco Scutaro. While the 48 runs scored and 12 stolen bases are certainly solid, Pedroia is lacking in power this season with two homeruns after belting a career-high 17 last season. The low numbers make Pedroia a solid buy-low candidate in fantasy baseball leagues. 

13)Clint Barmes, Rockies

When the season began, Clint Barmes was expected to rotate with slugging prospect Ian Stewart at second base. A few months in, Barmes has been excellent with eight homeruns and a .291 average, forcing Stewart to play mostly third base, which has sent struggling veteran Garrett Atkins to the bench. Finally healthy with nearly even production at home and on the road, the 30-year old Barmes should continue to enjoy a career season.

14)Freddy Sanchez, Pirates

One of the best hitters in baseball, Freddy Sanchez is just two years removed from a National League batting title. The Pirates second baseman is as hot as ever, riding an eight game hit streak that has lifted his batting average to .319. Never known for his power, Sanchez will offer just 10 or so homeruns, but his uncanny ability to strike doubles will lead to solid totals in runs and RBI.

15)Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians

Only 23 years old, Asdrubal Cabrera seemed to have finally found his own this season with a .316 batting clip and seven steals through the first two months of the season. Unfortunately, Cabrera then separated his shoulder, sidelining him for a month. With the Indians struggling, the odds are against Cabrera maintaining his pace, particularly with several of the team’s big bats rumored to be on the trade market.

Nowhere in Sight:

-Dan Uggla, Marlins- 13 homeruns are great, but a .213 average is unbearable.

-Alexei Ramirez, White Sox- Eight homeruns and 11 steals are solid, but his .262 average lags behind the elite.

-Howie Kendrick, Angels- The second-coming of Wade Boggs instead finds himself relegated to the Minor Leagues.

-Mike Aviles, Royals- Let’s hope his .183 average is simply a result of a strained right forearm, which currently has him on the DL.

-Kelly Johnson, Braves- His .226 average has resulted in a platoon.

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