Middle infielders prove pivotal

The biggest decision of your fantasy baseball draft will be which infielders to take.

First basemen and third basemen are always at the top of the infield lineup because they have the most gaudy numbers. But if you look at some of the other infield positions and probabilities involved, there might be a lot more to consider.

First of all, you need to think about the position and how deep it is. If you have an early pick, you can't ignore the statistics of Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder. Those first basemen are the elite of the first round.

The players who are sweet commodities in the first round are shortstop Hanley Ramirez and second baseman Chase Utley. Think about it: If you can get a great player from a weak pool going against players who match up decently against Fielder and Pujols, then you have a real statement to make. Would you rather have Ramirez and first baseman Adam Dunn, for example, or Pujols and shortstop Rafael Furcal?

Where you draft is key. If selecting early, you're almost forced to take a Pujols or Fielder, but before doing so, think about each position and where they rank.

First base is loaded, with not much difference between No. 5-rated Miguel Cabrera and No. 13 Lance Berkman. But at second base or shortstop, the difference is much larger in talent and projected numbers from No. 5 to No. 13.

The drop-off from Ramirez and Troy Tulowitzki, who are rated first and second at shortstop, is massive. And the drop-off after that is even bigger.

At second base, Utley reigns supreme and is worth consideration for a top draft pick just because of the shortage of talent behind him. Once you get past the multitalented Utley, you're left with the likes of Ian Kinsler or Dustin Pedroia in the second or third round.

Second base, shortstop and catcher are the most elite positions, meaning there are fewer players who put up big numbers at those positions when compared with the massive pools at first base and third base.

Here's a look at a few players who could provide a boost to your lineup and aren't among the top players listed for infield positions:

2B -- Martin Prado, Braves: He's being projected as the No. 20 second baseman drafted, but he's much more valuable because of his versatility and hitting. Prado found his niche with Atlanta last year by mashing the ball, getting big hits and playing anywhere that was needed.

SS -- Marco Scutaro, Red Sox: The Red Sox have treated this position as a rental with no mainstay since Nomar Garciaparra. They've gone through Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria and Julio Lugo, among others, with no pronounced stability. But they might have found it in Scutaro. His situational hitting and the Green Monster should help him become a fan favorite in the same manner as Marty Barrett, a second baseman who used the monster to amass great numbers. Scutaro takes a ton of pitches, draws plenty of walks and will score a lot of runs.

2B-OF -- Ben Zobrist, Rays: It's unlikely that he'll fall under the radar again the way he did last season while totaling 27 home runs and 91 RBIs, but his versatility within a powerful lineup makes him a solid choice. Zobrist played every infield position last season. He'll be in the lineup every day and sneak in more than 20 stolen bases.

3B -- Michael Young, Rangers: Most mock drafts have him going in the eighth or ninth round, but if you find yourself needing a reliable third baseman, he's your guy. All this guy does is mash and remain underappreciated, and he's surrounded by a potent lineup, meaning plenty of RBI and run opportunities.

SS -- Elvis Andrus, Rangers: He's being projected as the eighth shortstop taken but had a solid rookie campaign. You can expect around 40 stolen bases and an on-base percentage near .360, which will equate to a lot of runs scored.

A player to watch is shortstop Jose Reyes. Once a top-five pick, he could be underrated this year because of injuries. He's expected to miss the first month of the season but could be a huge bonus for someone willing to take the risk because of his steals and propensity for getting on base.

Micah Roberts, a Las Vegas-based former race and sports director, can be reached at MM.Roberts7@gmail.com.