The new generation of third basemen is making its mark on baseball, with possibly more young superstars than any other position in the game. Evan Longoria and David Wright are perennial All-Stars, and youngsters Gordon Beckham (who will play second base this season for the White Sox), Mark Reynolds and Ryan Zimmerman are well on their way.

The top 10 at the position is pretty sound, but anything after that and you’re wishing on a star with nearly no breakout prospects.

Position rankings
1. Alex Rodriguez, NYY: Overcame hip injury, steroids woes to post 30 HRs, 100 RBIs
2. Evan Longoria, TB: Has potential to pass A-Rod as power numbers continue to rise
3. David Wright, NYM: Excellent pure hitter, but the long ball has no place at Citi Field
4. Ryan Zimmerman, WAS: His .292/33/106 campaign is just the tip of the iceberg
5. Mark Reynolds, ARZ: Broke out with 44 HRs, 24 SBs, but skeptics see record K total
6. Aramis Ramirez, CHC: Shoulder injury derailed run at 4th straight 100-RBI season
7. Pablo Sandoval, SF: Kung Fu Panda backed up preseason hype with .330/25/90 year
8. Chone Figgins, SEA: No power, but has top-notch run-scoring and stolen-base ability
9. Gordon Beckham, CHW: Move to 2nd base in ‘10 is a better fit for his fantasy game
10. Michael Young, TEX: Hit 22 HRs in just 135 games after 21 HRs total in ’08 and ’09
11. Chipper Jones, ATL: Our bust pick, Chipper had his worst season in years in ’10
12. Adrian Beltre, BOS: Sleeper has the lineup protection to push 30 HRs again
13. Ian Stewart, COL: Hit a dismal .228 but has 30-HR potential playing in Coors
14. Casey Blake, LAD: Has so-so power, but is steady with decent AVG and RBI output
15. Jhonny Peralta, CLE: Career low in HRs last year since becoming full-time starter

Draft tip
Similar to first base, third base is a position known mostly for its offense. However, there isn’t the depth at third base like there is at first, which is why if you miss on a top-of-the-line third baseman, you may as well wait a few rounds before taking a stab at the next one.

After David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman and Mark Reynolds, the next crop of third basemen offers comparable production and upside. Aramis Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Chone Figgins and Gordon Beckham represent the next tier, all four of whom can be found after the first five rounds of standard drafts.

Sleeper
Adrian Beltre, Boston Red Sox: Beltre isn’t the same player that hit .334 with 48 HRs and 121 RBI in his contract year with the Dodgers. Beltre moved on to Seattle in 2005 and his production immediately tailed off. Boston’s supporting cast is significantly better than Seattle’s, offering Beltre protection in the lineup and some potential to drive in runs. We don’t expect Beltre to have a renaissance and put up those same numbers from 2004, but he could have his best season since coming over to the AL.

Hibernator
Jake Fox, Oakland Athletics: Fox, who qualifies at third base, could crack the A’s lineup in the outfield or as a designated hitter. The team’s recent acquisition of Kevin Kouzmanoff from the San Diego Padres closes the door at the hot corner, but plenty others remain open. From Rajai Davis in left to Ryan Sweeney in right and Jack Cust at the DH, Fox could get a shot either by injury or ineffectiveness. If so, he brings quality power and RBI potential to the table.

Bust
Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves: After chasing .400 for most of 2008, age caught up to Jones in ’09. Jones had career lows in home runs (18) and RBIs (71), and his .264 average was the second worst of his career. He turns 38 in April, and it looks like Chipper’s best days are behind him.

Rookie watch
A few names to watch, though none are expected to reach the majors in 2010. Pirates’ farmhand Pedro Alvarez is probably the best mix of talent and proximity to his major league debut, but Lonnie Chisenhall (Indians) and Mike Moustakas (Royals) are skilled players with bright futures. Cubs’ prospect Josh Vitters may have the best raw power of the group, but is sorely in need of some offensive refinement.