With Chase Utley in the lineup, the Phillies, and fantasy owners, can pencil in 20 homers and 100 RBI at second base position for the fourth straight year.

AP

Second base has always been known as a defensive position, not an offensive position, so it's no wonder that the pickings are slim here for fantasy owners. Still, there are some offensive forces here who are head and shoulders ahead of their peers. Stars such as Chase Utley, Brandon Phillips and B.J. Upton are all top 25 picks whose rotisserie values are almost double every other second baseman.

It's tough to find five-category stars here, but you can find speed at second base. Last year, 17 second basemen stole 10 or more bases and eight stole 20 or more bases. Phillips actually joined the 30-30 club last year (30 HRs, 32 SBs), while Upton joined the 20-20 club. They lead a solid young crop of second sackers, although the rookie crop is weak here this year. Only Colorado's Jayson Nix or Ian Stewart have a shot to shine here in 2008.

Here now are my top 20 second basemen to get on draft day, along with their AL-only or NL-only rotisserie dollar values and their '08 projections:

1. Chase Utley, Philadelphia, $36

Despite missing a month with a broken hand suffered on July 26, Utley still delivered a standout season in '07 (.332-22-103-9 with 104 runs). He hit a career-high .332 and had a career-high .410 OBP. He also topped 20 HRs and 100 RBIs for the third consecutive season. He was a standout hitter against both LHPs (.305-5-38) and RHPs (.332-17-65), while faring much better at home (.372-14-53) than on the road (.296-8-50). Still just 29, Utley is easily the best second baseman in the game and who will be a top 10 pick on draft day.

Projection: Expect better health and a .311-29-108-13 season.

2. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati, $33

There were plenty of questions about Phillips following his second-half fade in '06, but he responded with a season for the record books, becoming only the second 2B in league history to post a 30-30 season, while hitting .288 with 94 RBIs and 107 runs. He settled into the cleanup spot in the Reds' order, finished with a .331 OBP and delivered in all five categories for his fantasy owners. He was an elite hitter against LHPs (.341-15-32, compared to .262-15-62 vs. RHPs) and hit better on the road (.304-13-51) than at home (.271-17-43).

Projection: He's arrived as a big-time talent and is a top 20 overall pick, so expect a .283-26-92-30 season.

3. B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay, $28

It took awhile, but Upton finally found an everyday position ­- CF -­ and with a chance to play everyday he flashed the talent that has dazzled major-league personnel people for the past few years. He not only produced a 20-20 season, but, despite striking out far too often (154 times), he finished with a .386 OBP (65 walks), while hitting .300 with 82 RBIs and 86 runs. He hit better against RHPs (.295-16-58) than LHPs (.281-8-24) while producing sizzling numbers on the road (.335-11-39, compared to .266-13-43 at home). His blend of power, speed and average will make him a standout fantasy option as he qualifies at second base and the outfield this year.

Projection: Upton is a top 25 pick who has the potential to produce a .284-22-91-27 season.

4. Brian Roberts, Baltimore, $27

Roberts hasn't reached the levels of power production he achieved in '05 before an elbow injury, but his combination of average and speed makes him an elite fantasy 2B. He hit .290-12-57 with a .377 OBP last season and he fared well against RHPs (.293-11-48, compared to .258-1-9 vs. LHPs), while stealing a career-best 50 bases on 57 attempts (88 percent) as he's become a more efficient base stealer. Roberts is reportedly on the verge of being traded to the Cubs, but he's still a top-five second baseman whether he's in the NL or the AL.

Projection: He will top 30 SBs again this year and will hit .293-14-59-37 in '08, expectations that already have him going in the top 40 in most fantasy drafts.

5. Ian Kinsler, Texas, $22

Although his batting average dropped more than 20 points (from .286 to .263), Kinsler's second season was an improvement in many ways as he stepped up his HR (20) and SB (23) production considerably. Despite missing most of July with a stress fracture in his foot, he posted a 20-20 season for the first time, while adding 96 runs. He had a .355 OBP while hitting considerably better against LHPs (.330-6-18) than RHPs (.239-14-43). He struggled badly on the road (.215-8-26, compared to .312-12-35 at home), but the 25-year-old was a solid 23-of-25 on stolen base attempts.

Projection: The Rangers want to sign him to a long-term contract, so look for him to continue to improve and hit .279-22-73-25 this season. Expect him to go in the top 60 on draft day.

6. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees, $21

This 25-year old had another standout season in '07, posting career highs in HRs (19) and RBIs (97), while hitting over .300 for the second consecutive season. His OBP dipped a bit to .353 (only 39 walks), but he hit well against both LHPs (.323-6-39) and RHPs (.292-13-58). He also hit better at Yankee Stadium (.315-10-52) than on the road (.297-9-45). The Yankees made it clear he's an important part of their future, signing him to a six-year, $55-million contract extension in January.

Projection: He's strong everywhere except SBs, and in this powerful lineup he will hit .305-17-92-6. Like Kinsler, he's been a top 60-65 pick in offseason drafts

7. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee, $20

Weeks' poor numbers last year can be traced back to a wrist injury that he suffered in '06. He missed time due to that injury and eventually was sent back to the minors, but when he returned late in the season he flashed his big-time talent. He hit .273-11-17 in his last 43 games, showcasing what he can do when he's healthy. He also finished with 25 SBs (on 27 attempts) and a .374 OBP as he hit .258-4-9 vs. LHPs and .225-12-27 vs. RHPs. Consistency remains an issue, but he has the talent to be a 20-20 player.

Projection: Only 25, project .271-22-59-28 in '08 and hope for more.

8. Howie Kendrick, Los Angeles Angels, $17

Kendrick battled through injuries last season, but when healthy he can be one of the best pure-hitting second basemen in the game. He drove in 39 runs in only 88 games and finished the season on a strong note with 16 RBIs coming in the final month. Overall, he hit .322 and finished with a .347 OBP as he hit well against both LHPs (.300-2-10) and RHPs (.318-3-29). He also delivered strong averages both at home (.316-3-24) and on the road (.331-2-15). Unlike last season, he only qualifies at one position, which lowers his value a bit, but his immense talent makes him a strong upside pick.

Projection: If he can stay healthy, Kendrick is headed toward a .309-12-69-13 season.

9. Dan Uggla, Florida, $17

Uggla's batting average dropped 37 points in his second season, but he compensated by again delivering quality run-production numbers (31 HRs, 88 RBIs). His strikeouts rose dramatically to 167,which contributed to a decline in his OBP (.326). He also struggled to hit for average against both LHPs (.246-8-22) and RHPs (.245-23-66), but fared considerably better at home (.275-18-49) than on the road (.216-13-39). Although he's older than most third-year players (28), Uggla still has room for improvement and if he cuts down on his strikeouts, his average should return closer to his '06 level.

Projection: He'll deliver a season of .265-28-85-4.

10. Kelly Johnson, Atlanta, $16

Johnson flashed some solid power in his first full season as a starter in '07 and will remain the starter at 2B heading into this year as Yunel Escobar moves to SS to replace Edgar Renteria. Despite striking out 117 times, Johnson hit .276 with a solid .375 OBP while faring better against RHPs (.275-14-51) than LHPs (.268-2-17). A much better hitter on the road (.296-11-39) than at home (.256-5-29), Johnson has solid power potential. The Braves' primary leadoff hitter, Johnson also is aggressive on the basepaths, converting 9-of-14 SB attempts last season.

Projection: Just 26, Johnson has solid upside at the top of this lineup and will battle back to hit .274-17-71-9 in '08.

11. Placido Polanco, Detroit, $15

Polanco remained a strong source for average last season as he hit a career-high .341, collected 200 hits for the first time in his career, recorded career highs in RBIs (67) and runs (105) and improved his OBP to .388. A standout hitter against both LHPs (.326-3-10) and RHPs (.343-6-57), Polanco hit .341 both at home and on the road and even showed some improvement on the basepaths, converting seven of 10 SB attempts. He won't provide any power, but he'll be a fixture at 2B due to his keen eye at the plate.

Projection: He's a strong 2B option who will hit .317-8-64-5 in 550 ABs.

12. Dustin Pedroia, Boston, $15

Pedroia had a banner rookie season for the world champions, hitting .317 with a quality .380 OBP (48 walks) and solid defense at second base. He capped off his season by winning the American League's Rookie of the Year Award ahead of Delmon Young, adding 50 RBIs and 86 runs. He flourished against LHPs (.335-3-21 compared to .298-5-29 vs. RHPs) and was a terror at Fenway Park, batting .351-5-32 (compared to .282-3-18 on the road). He doesn't bring much speed or power to the equation, but his high average and OBP will lead to good production in the runs category.

Projection: Look for him to hit .302-7-58-9 with 85-plus.

13. Kazuo Matsui, Houston, $15

A significant spike in SBs last season made Matsui a very appealing fantasy option for the first time in his career. He stole 32 bases in 36 attempts for the Rockies and hit a career-best .288 with a .342 OBP. Because of his speed, the Astros signed him to a three-year, $16.5 million deal and will insert him into the No. 2 spot in the lineup. Be prepared for lesser numbers, however, as he benefited from hitting at Coors Field for the second straight year, hitting .330-4-25-14 at home and just .249-0-12-18 on the road.

Projection: Target him for the speed and project .274-6-45-28 in '08.

14. Jeff Kent, Los Angeles Dodgers, $15

Kent is aging like a fine wine as he had another productive season at age 40. He reached the 20-HR level for the 10th time in the last 11 years, and his .302 average was his best since '02. Blessed with a good eye at the plate, he had a .375 OBP and hit well against both RHPs (.302-15-59) and LHPs (.299-5-20). He was solid at home (.320-9-28, compared to .287-11-51 on the road) and he stayed relatively healthy all year as he avoided the DL in '07. His age is a factor, so be careful.

Projection: Chase him for the average and solid power and expect .295-17-77-1 in '08.

15. Orlando Hudson, Arizona, $15

Hudson had a solid fantasy season (.294-10-63-10) cut short in early September when he had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. He was fully recovered by November and will provide a solid average, decent speed and a solid OBP (.376) in '08. When healthy last season, he fared better against RHPs (.296-7-47) than LHPs (.281-3-16), while hitting well both at home (.302-7-32) and on the road (.286-3-31). His SB output has increased in each of the past two seasons and he should run more this year.

Projection: With better health, look for Hudson to hit .292-14-71-13 this season.

16. Felipe Lopez, Washington, $15

Lopez was a major disappointment in '07. He finished with 20 fewer SBs from the year before (from 44 to 24), his average declined significantly for the second straight season (.245), and his OBP fell to just .308. He never got in rhythm at the plate, hitting just .269-4-19 vs. LHPs and a woeful .230-5-31 vs. RHPs. He hit just .246-2-16 at home and .245-7-34 on the road, while striking out 109 times as the Nationals' No. 1 or 2 hitter in the lineup. He is the projected starting SS in '08, but he will have to work hard to hang onto that job.

Projection: His speed potential and dual-eligibility (2B and SS) are enticing, but expect just .258-10-52-25 in '08 as he continues to struggle.

17. Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh, $15

Sanchez delivered solid fantasy production again in '07 despite playing with a shoulder injury that eventually ended his season in September. His batting average dipped to .304 and his OBP dropped to .343, but he tore up LHPs (.340-4-20 compared to .277-7-61 vs. RHPs) and hit well both at home (.306-5-40) and on the road (.303-6-41). The slight increase in HRs was positive, as was the fact he topped 80 RBIs for the second consecutive season. He had arthroscopic shoulder surgery in September and was participating in baseball drills in December. The Pirates have re-signed him and he should be set for another solid season.

Projection: He's a draft day bargain who will hit .302-13-82-1.

18. Aaron Hill, Toronto, $15

Hill stepped up his power production nicely for fantasy owners last season, nearly tripling his HR output (from 6 to 17), while maintaining a strong average (.291) and a solid OBP (.333). A strong hitter against LHPs (.317-7-26 compared to .281-10-52 vs. RHPs), Hill hit better at home (.310-8-45) than on the road (.274-9-33). He doesn't offer much speed (4-of-7 on SB attempts), but the improved power was a welcome sign to go with his quality eye at the plate.

Projection: Look for the power to remain from Hill, the average to be sustained and a season of .293-17-77-5.

19. Ty Wigginton, Houston, $14

Wigginton continued his resurgence, offering fantasy owners quality production and versatility for the second straight season. He did well for the Astros after being dealt to Houston in July, hitting .284-6-18 with a .342 OBP in 169 ABs. For the season, he hit .284-10-19 vs. LHPs and .271-12-48 vs. RHPs. He qualifies at 2B and 3B to start the season and will start at third base for Houston to open '08.

Projection: He should get 500-plus at bats again this season and hit .275-21-74-4.

20. Mark Ellis, Oakland, $14

Ellis' strongest attribute remains his defense, but he did flash some quality power last season, setting career highs in HRs (19) and RBIs (76). He also improved his OBP to .336 (44 walks), while hitting very well against LHPs (.315-11-28 compared to .258-8-48 vs. RHPs). A much better hitter on the road (.293-9-44) than at home (.257-10-32), Ellis returns to Oakland for at least one more season as the A's picked up his $5 million option for this year.

Projection: The 19 HRs were a result of Ellis staying healthy, so if he can stay healthy again he will hit .271-16-73-7 this season.

Greg Ambrosius is the director of the National Fantasy Baseball Championship -- the industry's only multi-city high-stakes fantasy baseball event. Send questions to Greg at greg.ambrosius@fwpubs.com.