We’re going position-by-position from now through the All Star Break looking at the surprises and busts and foreshadowing the rest of the season.

Let’s look at SECOND BASEMEN

Best value for investment: Robinson Cano, Martin Prado, Rickie Weeks, Kelly Johnson

Living up to draft-day value: Brandon Phillips,  Ben Zobrist, Dan Uggla, Howie Kendrick, Casey McGahee

Just short: Dustin Pedroia, Sean Rodriguez

Well short: Chase Utley, Ian Kinsler, Aaron Hill, Jose Lopez

Overall, despite some injuries at the top of the pecking order that have hampered the value of Utley, Pedroia, and Kinsler, it’s been a strong year at the 2B position.

Robinson Cano leads the way, not only as a 2B, but also as a Top 10 fantasy player at any position. Martin Prado was seen as a sleeper by many heading into the season, and he hasn’t disappointed — a top 25 player on the strength of a strong batting average and a little of everything. Brandon Phillips has been ol’ reliable.

A couple of other sleepers have lived up to hype too. Kelly Johnson’s move to Arizona has rejuvenated his career and he’s putting up nice numbers in both the power (14) and speed (8) categories. Rickie Weeks has so far, knock on wood, stayed healthy and he’s now up to 15 HR.

Aaron Hill has surely been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this year. He was a contender to lead the position in HRs at the start of the season, but he’s only got 12 and his average sits below the Mendoza Line.

Remarkably, 13 players eligible at 2B are on pace for 20 HRs. Last year, only 10 finished there.

On the other hand, the position has been a little short on speed. Last year, 10 players finished at or above 20 steals. Currently, only four players are on pace. Most surprising is Ben Zobrist, who has disappointed in the power category but has already surpassed last year’s season total of 17 steals with 19 at the All Star Break.

Pedroia is expected back a short while after the All Star Break. Utley will probably be out until September.

One big impact prospect on the call-up horizon is Milwaukee’s Brett Lawrie, although that will likely only happen if Weeks is traded. Another guy to keep tabs on is Colorado’s Eric Young Jr., who is currently out with injury but could impact fantasy leagues with his speed.