Here’s an early peek at the RotoAce 2012 fantasy baseball rankings for second base.

1. Robinson Cano (left): The Yankees’ most consistent hitter is a safe bet to turn in elite numbers everywhere except steals, and even there he turned in a career-high eight last season. The 29-year-old is a slam dunk to be a top-10 overall pick.

2. Dustin Pedroia: Bouncing back from a 2010 season half-ruined by a fractured ankle, Boston’s sparkplug put up career highs in homers, RBIs and steals. Entering his age-28 season, Pedroia is at the height of his powers.

3. Ian Kinsler: The Rangers returned him to the leadoff spot and he turned in a near carbon copy of his 2009 campaign, with a spike in runs from 101 to 121. The only thing lacking has been average, but he hit .319 in 2008, so there’s a chance he could turn in the top season at the position next year.

4. Rickie Weeks: The injury problems that plagued him before a breakout 2010 season returned last year, but Weeks was putting up dynamic numbers before suffering a severe sprained ankle in late July. If he can stay healthy in his age-29 season, Weeks should provide elite power and runs with a sprinkling of steals and a decent average.

5. Chase Utley: Right knee tendinitis delayed the start of Utley’s 2010 season until late May and he looked like his old self in June and July before slumping down the stretch. With a long injury history and entering his age-33 season, there’s plenty to worry about with Utley, but the ceiling remains oh so high.

6. Michael Young: The longtime Ranger put up career bests with a .338 average and 106 RBIs at age 34 while logging significant time at first, second and third base when he wasn’t at DH. The .308 career hitter should continue to benefit from being in the Rangers’ dynamic lineup and ballpark, but the 11 homers and six steals combined with turning 35 are cause for concern.

7. Dan Uggla: His first season in Atlanta got off to a terrible start, but he used a 33-game hitting streak to return his numbers near his career norms. If Uggla can get his average back closer to his career mark of .258 to go with his usual 30-homer power, he will again be one of the top options at the position.

8. Brandon Phillips: While his base-stealing numbers continue to diminish, Phillips turned in a career-high .300 average to go with his usual solid power numbers. Still in his prime at age 30, Phillips remains capable of putting up elite statistics.

9. Ben Zobrist: One of the game’s most unsung stars, Zobrist was just a little short in batting average from being a five-category stud. He’s still very streaky and may begin a decline as he turns 31 early next season.

10. Howie Kendrick: It looked like the long-awaited breakout was upon us with a six-homer April, but Kendrick managed just three taters in the next three months before a strong finish. Entering his age-28 season, Kendrick could still turn in an elite season, but a repeat of last season’s solid line is more likely.

Honorable mentions

Dustin Ackley: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2009 draft made a splash upon arriving last June and looks like a young Chase Utley, but the hitter’s nightmare of Safeco Field may limit his overall fantasy impact going forward. Still, Ackley could have batting crowns in his future and could improve enough in homers and steals to enter the upper echelon at the position sooner than later.

Neil Walker, Danny Espinosa and Jason Kipnis: Each of these youngsters have shown the potential to move into the top, so they’ll make excellent sleeper picks.