Fantasy Baseball: Breakout Middle Infielders

Here is a list of Middle Infielders who could have breakout 2009 campaigns.

Alexei Ramírez - Alexei was one of the biggest surprises last year hitting .290 with 21 HRs and 77 RBI en route to a second-place finish behind Evan Longoria in Rookie of the Year balloting. He makes the switch from Second Base to Shortstop, but I don't think that will stop him from taking the next step for the White Sox. He played in just 136 games last year. If he stays healthy he should be able to score 90+ Runs, hit 25+ HRs, drive in 80+ Runs, and steal 20+ bases. He's especially valuable in Yahoo leagues as he qualifies at 2B, SS, and OF.

Howie Kendrick - I know he was supposed to breakout last year, but I'm guessing everyone was a year behind for the talented Angel Second Baseman. The main categories he'll contribute in are Average and Doubles. He has a .306 average in 252 career games. He hit .314 the past two years. He has 71 career Doubles. Projected out to a 162 game season it's an average of 45.6 Doubles. If he can manage to play a full year I expect him to him .300 with 80+ Runs, 40+ Doubles, 65+ RBI, and 18+ SBs.

Alexi Casilla - Alexi was a spark plug for the Twins last year hitting .281 with 58 Runs and 50 RBI in 98 games. His average dipped after the All-Star Break (.315 to .243), but he managed to score as many Runs (29) in six fewer games. In a full season Alexi should be able to score 80+ Runs, drive in 65+, and pick up around 12 SBs.

Jed Lowrie - Jed played exactly half a season last year for the Red Sox hitting .258 with 34 Runs, 67 Hits, 25 Doubles, and 46 RBI in his Rookie debut. In his Sophomore campaign, I think he'll improve in some areas, and decline in others. I think his average will improve to at least .265, his runs to more than double at 80+, and his Hits to more than Double at 140. His Doubles will less than Double at 40 and his RBI total to less than Double at 75. He qualifies at 3B and SS in Yahoo leagues.