Third base is shallow for 2010, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t youngsters who could emerge as mainstays in the not too distant future. Let’s take a look at how things currently sit for Dynasty Leaguers:

Alex Rodriguez – New York Yankees Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays David Wright – New York Mets Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals Pablo Sandoval – San Francisco Giants Mark Reynolds – Arizona Diamondbacks Kevin Youkilis – Boston Red Sox Aramis Ramirez – Chicago Cubs Chone Figgins – Seattle Mariners Adrian Beltre – Boston Red Sox Kevin Kouzmanoff – Oakland Athletics Ian Stewart – Colorado Rockies Pedro Alvarez – Pittsburgh Pirates Jhonny Peralta – Cleveland Indians Brandon Wood – Los Angeles Angels

Thoughts:

I like Gordon Beckham as much as the next guy (ok, maybe not, which you can see by my write up on him by clicking here), but, since he’s being moved to 2B this season, it’s hard to rank him very highly for dynasty leaguers at 3B. If he ultimately moves back, things will obviously change, but for now he’s going to stay ranked a bit lower. In fact, he fell outside the Top 15.

His long-term usage at 3B is also a concern for Youkilis, but I can’t drop him any further than seventh overall. While Adrian Beltre will be the man at the hot corner, Youkilis always manages to find his way over there. Just look at his games played at 3B since 2004: 65, 24, 16, 13, 36 and 63. Depending on your league rules, he’s likely to find a way to remain eligible there moving forward. For more thoughts on Youkilis, click here.

Michael Young is a risk for yearly league owners, as he’s overvalued in my book (click here to view why). At 33-years old for dynasty league owners? Forget about it. In fact, I’d rather take the gamble on some younger options.

Yeah, I’m high on Kouzmanoff (you can see why by clicking here, but keep in mind the sleeper article was written prior to his trade). I do believe he’s in line for a big year, despite his surroundings, and would be alright with getting him as my starter.

Pedro Alvarez may get a chance to make an impact before year’s end, which earns him a spot on this list. He’s a great player to take and stash away for dynasty leaguers. Drafted second overall in 2008, he made his pro debut last year and made his presence felt. Reaching Double-A, he hit .333 with 13 HR and 40 RBI in 222 AB. This is the Pirates, so I’d fully expect him to get an opportunity before 2010 is over. However, taking him as a starter would be a mistake, since when he debuts is a mystery.

Zimmerman or Wright? That’s a debate that’s likely to rage on for many years to come, huh?

Brandon Wood should finally get an opportunity to show what he can do with full-time playing time. We’ll finally find out if he’s real or fiction, though the strikeouts leave a lot to be desired. As a flyer as a reserve (I would not draft him to start for my team, outside of deep AL-only leagues), he’s worth the gamble.

What about Jhonny Peralta? Are we really about to write him off because of a down season? He’s got the potential to come back full force in ’10 (click here for more on him).

What are your thoughts on these rankings? Who should be higher on the list? Who was left off that you feel belongs?

If you would like to see a free preview of the Rotoprofessor 2010 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide (available for just $5), click here.

Make sure to also check out our other recently updated Dynasty League Rankings:

Make sure to check out our 2010 yearly league rankings:

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