Second to none
The Twins' Brian Dozier hit 42 home runs last season, leading a strong offensive surge by major league second basemen. Here are 10 other stalwarts (listed alphabetically) at the position during its glory era:
Jose Altuve, Houston: The 26-year-old won his second batting title in three seasons last season (.338) and slugged .531. He also has stolen 30 or more bases for the past five seasons. He is only 5-6 and 160 pounds but hit 24 homers in 2016. Gold Glove in 2015.
Robinson Cano, Seattle: Cano, 34, had 39 home runs and 103 RBI in 2016. He's a two-time Gold Glove winner with a career batting average of .307 and slugging percentage of .498.
Dee Gordon, Miami: The National League batting champion (.333) and a Gold Glove winner in 2015, Gordon, 28, was suspended for half of 2016 for using PEDs. Also a two-time NL stolen bases champion.
Dustin Pedroia, Boston: A four-time Gold Glove winner, two-time World Series champion and the 2008 AL MVP. Pedroia hit .318 last season and has a career .445 slugging percentage.
Ian Kinsler, Detroit: Last year's AL Gold Glove winner, Kinsler is a four-time All-Star who had an .831 OPS in 2016. High marks for durability and baseball IQ.
Jason Kipnis, Cleveland: With 23 HRs and 82 RBI last season, Kipnis improved his power numbers and helped lead the Indians to the World Series.
DJ Le Mahieu, Colorado: The 2016 NL batting champion (.348) was a much better statistical player at home. Remains to be seen if last year was an anomaly. A Gold Glove winner in 2014.
