Prior to the moves of Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez to third base, the position was one of the weakest in fantasy baseball.

Evan Longoria, who batted .244 last season, would have been No. 1. David Wright, who hit .254 and was limited to 389 at-bats by injury, would have been No. 2, and Adrian Beltre -- who has been very good the last two years but was consistently mediocre in the previous five campaigns -- would have been ranked third.

Now, the position has a pair of hammers at the top -- the player we believe is the second-best overall (Cabrera) and the player who, until last year, was a consensus top-two or top-three overall choice (Ramirez).

Let's get to our final pre-spring training rankings among the infielders ...

Note: All players are ranked at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not all positions at which they are eligible. ... Stats are from 2011.

Rank, player, team R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers 111-30-105-2-.344
2. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 55-10-45-20-.243
3. Evan Longoria, Rays 78-31-99-3-.244
4. David Wright, Mets 60-14-61-13-.254
5. Adrian Beltre, Rangers 82-32-105-1-.296
6. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox 68-17-80-3-.258
7. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 67-16-62-4-.276
8. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 52-12-49-3-.289
9. Pablo Sandoval, Giants 55-23-70-2-.315
10. Aramis Ramirez, Brewers 80-26-93-1-.306
11. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays 26-9-25-7-.293
12. Ryan Roberts, Diamondbacks 86-19-65-18-.249
13. David Freese, Cardinals 41-10-55-1-.297
14. Mark Reynolds, Orioles 84-37-86-6-.221
15. Mike Moustakas, Royals 26-5-30-2-.263
16. Chipper Jones, Braves 56-18-70-2-.275
17. Chase Headley, Padres 43-4-44-13-.289
18. Pedro Alvarez, Pirates 18-4-19-1-.191
19. Danny Valencia, Twins 63-15-72-2-.246
20. Placido Polanco, Phillies 46-5-50-3-.277

Last three out: Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians; Brent Morel, White Sox; Ian Stewart, Cubs.

Eligibility notes: Jose Bautista is eligible at third base, but primarily is an outfielder. ... The Rangers' Michael Young should be eligible at third base in many leagues, but he will be Texas' DH (he will top our rankings at that "position"). ... The Braves' Martin Prado is an outfielder, as is the Marlins' Emilio Bonifacio.

Key stats: You likely will have to wait a couple of weeks for Ramirez to be eligible at third, but he should be worth the temporary inconvenience. The .306 career hitter had an injury-marred 2011. Prior to last season, however, he averaged 25 home runs, 78 RBI and 39 steals from 2006 to '10.

PREVIOUS: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops

NEXT: Designated hitters

There is no shortage of struggling stars this season.

Albert Pujols, Carlos Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, David Wright ... how long do you have?

The biggest in my mind: Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

He was the No. 2 overall choice in many fantasy leagues, and entering Thursday, he had rewarded owners by hitting .235 with no home runs, six RBI and a .674 OPS.

If you're among the many worried about Ramirez's slow start, a word of advice: Don't. At least not yet.

Ramirez wasn't great in April last season, either -- a .279 average with two homers, seven RBI and two steals in 86 at-bats. He finished the year batting .300 with 92 runs, 21 homers, 76 RBI and 32 steals.

In his last six games prior to Thursday, Ramirez was batting .333 (6-for-18) with four RBI.

If there is a reason to be concerned, it's Ramirez's drop in the power categories.

He averaged 31 homers in 2007 and '08. In 2009, his homer total dropped to 24, but he drove in a career-high 106 runs.

Last season, his homers were down again (21, his lowest total since his rookie season of 2006), and he drove in fewer than 80 runs for the second time in three years.

You should be confident Ramirez will hit for average, score more than 90 runs and steal 30 to 35 bases. That makes him a must-start in fantasy, especially at shortstop.

Will he wind up being worth the No. 2 pick in the draft? If he finishes with 15 homers and 75 RBI, no.

That will affect Ramirez's draft-day value in 2012. Until then, start him and hope the power drop is because of a bad three weeks, not a sign of things to come.

A few quick notes before we get to the finale of our 10-part 2011 preview:

-- We dropped Phillies second baseman Chase Utley from second at his position and No. 18 overall to No. 6 at second and No. 55 overall because of concerns over a knee injury that will force him to begin the season on the disabled list. The Phillies have been vague about a return date for Utley, all of which pushes him further down everyone's draft boards.

-- Brian Roberts' back injury doesn't seem to be as big of a concern for the Orioles as it was two weeks ago. The second baseman would be a sixth-round bargain if he produces as he did in 2009 (.283, 16 homers, 79 RBI, 110 runs and 30 stolen bases).

-- Brewers outfielder Corey Hart isn't expected to be ready for opening day because of an oblique injury. He's a risky sixth-round choice.

-- We seem to be among the few who believe Grady Sizemore can be an effective No. 3 outfielder this season. He's not the stud he was from 2006 to '08, but he could hit for power and steal enough bases to be a worthwhile starter.

-- There seem to be no signs of concern about Giants closer and YouTube sensation Brian Wilson. The eccentric reliever likely will begin the season on the disabled list because of an oblique injury, but he shouldn't be sidelined long and his numbers from the last two seasons are too good to pass up if you're looking for a closer.

-- Angels first baseman Kendry Morales will start the year on the DL because of a foot injury, which has dropped him to No. 12 in our first-base rankings and to No. 88 overall.

-- Strained obliques apparently are in this spring. The Yankees' Curtis Granderson is suffering from the ailment, which might force him to the DL, but, like Wilson, it doesn't seem to be a major concern.

-- For a column on when to draft a pitcher, along with sleepers, busts, overrated and underrated players, go to the sports section of The News-Herald's website on Friday.

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
2. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
4. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
6. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
7. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
8. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
9. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
10. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
11. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
12. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
13. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
14. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
15. David Wright, 3B, Mets
16. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
17. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
18. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
19. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
20. Buster Posey, C, Giants
21. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
22. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
23. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
24. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
25. Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals
26. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
27. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
28. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
29. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
30. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
31. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies
32. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
33. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
34. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
35. Victor Martinez, C, Tigers
36. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
37. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
38. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
39. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
40. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
41. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
42. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
43. Brian McCann, C, Braves
44. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
45. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Rockies
46. David Price, SP, Rays
47. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
48. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
49. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
50. Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
51. Adam Dunn, DH, White Sox
52. Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
53. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
54. Alex Rios, OF, White Sox
55. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
56. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
57. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
58. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
59. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
60. Alexei Ramirez, SS, White Sox
61. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
62. Roy Oswalt, SP, Phillies
63. Delmon Young, OF, Twins
64. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
65. Mat Latos, SP, Padres
66. Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
67. Michael Young, DH, Rangers
68. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
69. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
70. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
71. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
72. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
73. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
74. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
75. Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians
76. Martin Prado, OF, Braves
77. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
78. Brian Wilson, RP, Giants
79. Heath Bell, RP, Padres
80. Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
81. Francisco Liriano, SP, Twins
82. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
83. Joakim Soria, RP, Royals
84. Casey McGehee, 3B, Brewers
85. Aubrey Huff, 1B, Giants
86. Billy Butler, 1B, Royals
87. Matt Cain, SP, Giants
88. Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels
89. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
90. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
91. Neftali Felix, RP, Rangers
92. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
93. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
94. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
95. Carlos Marmol, RP, Cubs
96. Vernon Wells, OF, Angels
97. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
98. Bobby Abreu, DH, Angels
99. Adam Lind, 1B, Blue Jays
100. Juan Pierre, OF, White Sox

POSITION PREVIEWS: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, relievers

There are two hammers at shortstop — Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins (ranked No. 3 overall in our top 100) and Troy Tulowitzki of the Rockies (No. 7).

After that, you are forced to choose between a former stud who has been hampered by injuries the last two seasons (Jose Reyes), a Yankees legend who had a down year by his standards in 2010 (Derek Jeter) and a 2007 National League MVP who has batted .250 and .243 the last two years (Jimmy Rollins).

As Gus Johnson would say, “And he missed it!”

Reyes will be high-risk, high-reward choice late in the second or early in the third round of a 12-team league. The next shortstop to go off the board likely will be Jeter or Rollins late in the fourth or early in the fifth.

That brings us to our fourth positional breakdown of the season. In honor of Jeter and the possible passing of his days as a fantasy stud, let’s all agree to think of Minka Kelly after every shortstop is selected this year.

Rank, player: R-HR-RBI-SB-Avg.
1. Hanley Ramirez, Fla: 92-21-76-32-.300
2. Troy Tulowitzki, Col: 89-27-95-11-.315
3. Jose Reyes, NYM: 83-11-54-30-.282
4. Derek Jeter, NYY: 111-10-67-18-.270
5. Jimmy Rollins, Phi: 48-8-41-17-.243
6. Alexei Ramirez, CWS: 83-18-70-13-.282
7. Starlin Castro, ChC: 53-3-41-10-.300
8. Rafael Furcal, LAD: 66-8-43-22-.300
9. Elvis Andrus, Tex: 88-0-35-32-.265
10. Ian Desmond, Was: 59-10-65-17-.269
11. Stephen Drew, Ari: 83-15-61-10-.278
12. Marco Scutaro, Bos: 92-11-56-5-.275
13. Yunel Escobar, Tor: 60-4-35-6-.256
14. Alex Gonzalez, Atl: 74-23-88-1-.250
15. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cle: 39-3-29-6-.276
16. Reid Brignac, TB: 39-8-45-3-.256
17. Jhonny Peralta, Det: 60-15-81-1-.249
18. Miguel Tejada, SF: 71-15-71-2-.269
19. Jason Bartlett, SD: 71-4-47-11-.254
20. Yuniesky Betancourt, Mil: 60-16-78-2-.259

Preseason top 100 players (7): Ramirez (3), Tulowitzki (7), Reyes (25), Jeter (43), Rollins (50), Ramirez (60), Castro (89).

Short hops
Ramirez, who averaged 29 homers and 106 RBI from 2007 to 2009, had his power numbers drop to 21 homers and 76 RBI in 2010. ... Reyes averaged 66 steals, 16 homers and 69 RBI from 2006 to ’08. ... Jeter’s .270 batting average was 44 points below his career norm, and his 10 homers were his lowest since 2003. ... Rollins was limited to 88 games played in 2010 and had wrist surgery in the offseason. ... The consistent Ramirez has averaged 18 homers, 72 RBI and 13 steals in three years in the majors. ... Don’t overrate Andrus, who won’t help you at all in the power department (zero homers and 35 RBI last season) and batted .265. ... The Tribe’s Cabrera would be a bargain if he produces as he did in 2009 (.308, 68 RBI, 17 steals).

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2010 season. ... Players are listed only at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2011.

THIS WEEK: Shortstops, today; third basemen, Saturday; designated hitters, Sunday.

LAST WEEK: Catchers, March 7; first baseman, March 8; second baseman, March 9.

NEXT WEEK: Outfielders, starting pitchers, relievers and overall top 100.

Is it too early to rank the top 100 players in fantasy baseball?

Probably.

But if the Yankees can pay Rafael Soriano almost $12 million per season to be Mariano Rivera's setup man and Prince Fielder can earn $15.5 million to bat .261, then we can compile a top 100 in January.

Without further delay, our Ridiculously Early But Still Interesting Top 100 for 2011:

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
2. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
3. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
4. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
5. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
6. Carl Crawford, OF, Red Sox
7. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
8. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
9. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
10. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
11. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
12. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
13. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
14. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
15. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
16. David Wright, 3B, Mets
17. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
18. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
19. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox
20. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
21. Buster Posey, C, Giants
22. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
23. Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
24. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
25. Shin-Soo Choo, OF, Indians
26. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
27. Jayson Werth, OF, Nationals
28. Kevin Youkilis, 3B, Red Sox
29. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
30. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
31. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
32. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
33. Cliff Lee, SP, Phillies
34. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
35. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
36. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
37. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
38. Victor Martinez, C, Tigers
39. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
40. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates
41. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
42. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
43. Dan Uggla, 2B, Braves
44. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
45. Brian McCann, C, Braves
46. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
47. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, Rockies
48. David Price, SP, Rays
49. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
50. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
51. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
52. Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
53. Adam Dunn, DH, White Sox
54. Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
55. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
56. Alex Rios, OF, White Sox
57. Rickie Weeks, 2B, Brewers
58. Chris Young, OF, Diamondbacks
59. Jered Weaver, SP, Angels
60. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
61. Alexei Ramirez, SS, White Sox
62. Paul Konerko, 1B, White Sox
63. Roy Oswalt, SP, Phillies
64. Delmon Young, OF, Twins
65. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
66. Mat Latos, SP, Padres
67. Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
68. Michael Young, DH, Rangers
69. Corey Hart, OF, Brewers
70. Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels
71. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
72. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
73. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
74. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
75. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
76. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
77. Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians
78. Martin Prado, OF, Braves
79. Carlos Santana, C, Indians
80. Brian Wilson, RP, Giants
81. Heath Bell, RP, Padres
82. Clay Buchholz, SP, Red Sox
83. Francisco Liriano, SP, Twins
84. David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox
85. Joakim Soria, RP, Royals
86. Casey McGehee, 3B, Brewers
87. Aubrey Huff, 1B, Giants
88. Billy Butler, 1B, Royals
89. Matt Cain, SP, Giants
90. Starlin Castro, SS, Cubs
91. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
92. Neftali Felix, RP, Rangers
93. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
94. Zack Greinke, SP, Brewers
95. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
96. Carlos Marmol, RP, Cubs
97. Vernon Wells, OF, Blue Jays
98. Mike Stanton, OF, Marlins
99. Bobby Abreu, OF, Angels
100. Adam Lind, DH, Blue Jays

-- Five more we considered: Juan Pierre, OF, White Sox; Trevor Cahill, SP, Athletics; Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves; Mark Reynolds, 3B, Orioles; Jason Kubel, DH, Twins.

-- The top 100 by position: Outfielders, 28; starting pitchers, 22; first basemen, 12; third basemen, 8; second basemen, 8; shortstops, 7; relief pitchers, 6; catchers, 5; designated hitters, 4.

-- Note: We listed the players at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time this season. Obviously, you would want to draft Michael Young as a third baseman, but with Adrian Beltre on board for $96 million, Young likely will be Texas' primary designated hitter in 2011.

Pitchers and catchers report.

On the baseball calendar, those four words might only be surpassed by “Tim McCarver will retire” and “Look, there’s Erin Andrews!”

As spring training gets set to begin, let’s take our first crack at the top 100 in fantasy.

This list will change as draft day gets closer.

Our feelings on McCarver and Andrews? Not so much.

1. Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals
2. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
3. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
5. Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
6. Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers
7. Tim Lincecum, SP, Giants
8. Joe Mauer, C, Twins
9. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
10. Roy Halladay, SP, Phillies
11. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Yankees
12. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
13. Matt Holliday, OF, Cardinals
14. Ryan Howard, 1B, Phillies
15. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays
16. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners
17. Zack Greinke, SP, Royals
18. David Wright, 3B, Mets
19. CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees
20. Carl Crawford, OF, Rays
21. Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians
22. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers
23. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
24. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
25. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
26. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
27. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
28. Justin Upton, OF, Diamondbacks
29. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres
30. Dan Haren, SP, Diamondbacks
31. Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals
32. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
33. Curtis Granderson, OF, Yankees
34. Jason Bay, OF, Mets
35. Johan Santana, SP, Mets
36. Chris Carpenter, SP, Cardinals
37. Jon Lester, SP, Red Sox
38. Justin Morneau, 1B, Twins
39. Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees
40. Mark Reynolds, 3B, Diamondbacks
41. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
42. Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
43. Victor Martinez, C, Red Sox
44. Pablo Sandoval, 3B, Giants
45. Josh Johnson, SP, Marlins
46. Brian McCann, C, Braves
47. Cliff Lee, SP, Mariners
48. Kevin Youkilis, 1B, Red Sox
49. Brian Roberts, 2B, Orioles
50. Adam Lind, DH, Blue Jays
51. Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers
52. Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
53. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
54. Aaron Hill, 2B, Blue Jays
55. Nick Markakis, OF, Orioles
56. Kendry Morales, 1B, Angels
57. Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds
58. Jayson Werth, OF, Phillies
59. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
60. Chone Figgins, 3B, Mariners
61. Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
62. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds
63. Shin-Soo Cho, OF, Indians
64. Javier Vazquez, SP, Yankees
65. Bobby Abreu, OF, Angels
66. Carlos Lee, OF, Astros
67. Joe Nathan, RP, Twins
68. Jonathan Broxton, RP, Dodgers
69. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers
70. Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
71. Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Cubs
72. Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs
73. Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Red Sox
74. Ben Zobrist, 2B, Rays
75. B.J. Upton, OF, Rays
76. Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies
77. Yovani Gallardo, SP, Brewers
78. Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Mets
79. Shane Victorino, OF, Phillies
80. Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers
81. Billy Butler, 1B, Royals
82. Adam Dunn, 1B, Nationals
83. Tommy Hanson, SP, Braves
84. Jake Peavy, SP, White Sox
85. Matt Cain, SP, Giants
86. Michael Young, 3B, Rangers
87. Torii Hunter, OF, Angels
88. Hunter Pence, OF, Astros
89. Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
90. Huston Street, RP, Rockies
91. Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins
92. Nate McLouth, OF, Braves
93. John Lackey, SP, Red Sox
94. Raul Ibanez, OF, Phillies
95. Jair Jurrjens, SP, Braves
96. Chad Billingsley, SP, Dodgers
97. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
98. Jose Lopez, 2B, Mariners
99. Jason Bartlett, SS, Rays
100. Carlos Pena, 1B, Rays

NOTE: Players are listed at the position at which they are expected to start, according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

Top 100 by position:
Outfielders 26
Starting pitchers 24
First basemen 15
Second basemen 10
Third basemen 9
Relief pitchers 6
Shortstops 6
Catchers 3
Designated hitters 1

The knock on Joe Mauer was always a lack of power.

We knew he'd hit well over .300, walk more times than he struck out, get on base twice as often as David Dellucci and drive in 70 or 80 runs.

This, we never could have guessed -- especially not after the Twins catcher missed the first month of the season because of a back injury.

I'm no hitting coach -- and I don't play one on the Internet -- but I would think recovering from a back injury wouldn't help a player's chances of hitting a home run. In Mauer's case, he's turned into the Albert Pujols of backstops.

In 224 at-bats, he's hit 15 home runs -- two more than his previous career high -- and his 1.118 OPS is almost 200 points better than his prior best.

Aside from Pujols, Mauer was the easiest selection on the list that follows. Without further adieu, our first-half fantasy all-stars. All stats are through Wednesday night's games.

Sorry, fellas, no incentive clauses included.

Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins -- Did we mention he's batting .388 and has scored 48 runs in 60 games? Runner-up: Victor Martinez, Indians. What a difference a year makes.

First base: Albert Pujols, Cardinals -- Now that he's stealing bases (10 on the season), you couldn't ask for more. He's batting .331 with 67 runs, 31 homers, 82 RBI, 34 more walks than strikeouts (69-35) and a 1.184 OPS. Runner-up: Justin Morneau, Twins. With 21 homers, he is just two away from his 2008 total.

Second base: Chase Utley, Phillies -- So much for spring training injury concerns. Utley narrowly edges Ian Kinsler, thanks to his .306 batting average, 57 runs and .997 OPS. Runner-up: Ben Zobrist, Rays. Possibly fantasy's biggest surprise, Akinori Iwamura's replacement at second in Tampa has 17 homers and 50 RBI, along with a 1.017 OPS, in only 232 at-bats. More on Kinsler in a bit.

Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez, Marlins -- We've had fun at his expense, but only because of many owners' draft-day decision of Ramirez over Pujols at No. 1 overall. He's currently bothered by a hip injury and his stolen-base total is way down (12, after averaging 46 the previous three years), but he's still been great. Ramirez is batting .346 with 14 homers and 60 RBI. Runner-up: Derek Jeter, Yankees. Even at 35, he's a fantasy standout, batting .315 with 10 homers, 35 RBI, 55 runs and 17 steals.

Third base: Mark Reynolds, Diamondbacks -- Before the season, I never would have guessed this would be the worst position at the top. Reynolds is batting only .262 and he strikes out even more often than an Indians regular (115 in 313 at-bats). But he hits for power (24 homers and 62 RBI), steals bases (14), has an .896 OPS and is on pace to reach triple figures in runs scored. Runner-up: David Wright, Mets. He's batting well and stealing bases, but what happened to his power (five homers, after totaling 63 the previous two years)?

Designated hitter: Ian Kinsler, Rangers -- Like Utley, he hits for power (20 homers and 54 RBI) and scores a lot of runs (60). He's better on the basepaths (17 steals), but will bring down your batting average (.252).

Outfielders: Carl Crawford, Rays; Jason Bay, Red Sox; and Ryan Braun, Brewers. Crawford is batting .314 with 43 steals, and Bay has done everything but hit for average (.263). Braun, however, is the best of the bunch -- .324, 59 runs, 16 homers, 58 RBI, seven stolen bases and a .962 OPS.

Runner-up: Torii Hunter, Angels. He sat out Wednesday's game with an abdominal injury, which is a concern after a fantastic first half (.305, 17 homers, 65 RBI, 56 runs, 13 steals).

Next up: The pitchers.