Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The fantasy position of shortstop has really transformed, once again, the past few years. For a short period of time it had turned into a power hitting position. With the exception of a select few, the position has once again turned into a position that provides average, runs, stolen bases and on base percentage.
The Top 20:
1. Hanley Ramirez - Marlins
2. Troy Tulowitzki - Rockies
3. Jimmy Rollins - Phillies
4. Derek Jeter - Yankees
5. Jose Reyes - Mets
6. Alexei Ramirez - White Sox
7. Jason Bartlett - Rays
8. Yunel Escobar - Braves
9. Stephen Drew - Diamondbacks
10. Rafael Furcal - Dodgers
11. Asdrubal Cabrera - Indians
12. Elvis Andrus - Rangers
13. Jhonny Peralta - Indians
14. Miguel Tejada - Orioles
15. Ryan Theriot - Cubs
16. J.J. Hardy - Twins
17. Erik Aybar - Angels
18. Alcides Escobar - Brewers
19. Ian Desmond - Nationals
20. Everth Cabrera - Padres
The Top 20:
Hanley Ramirez - H-Ram is truly the only elite player at this position in my opinion. He literally does everything at the plate. He hits for average, hits home runs, drives runners in, steals bases and scores runs. What else do you want? Nothing, really and that is why he's the #2 overall ranked player in fantasy baseball
The 2nd Tier:
Troy Tulowitzki - Tulo really put it together again last season. He almost hit .300 (.297) and had his first 30 homer season. I attribute the total of 92 RBI on a struggling Colorado offense for a good portion of the season. Look for him to build off last season and only improve.
Jimmy Rollins - I really battled putting Rollins at the #3 slot for this position. I really like Jeter better, but Rollins still steals bases. His average has dropped each of the past two seasons, but he did hit more homers and drive in more runs.
Derek Jeter - Despite not being a Yankees fan, Derek Jeter is one of my all time favorites. He does everything at the plate extremely well. He'll never hit 30 home runs, but who cares when you put up good numbers at every other offensive category.
On the Rise:
Alcides Escobar - The Brewers are finally giving the young shortstop a shot at starting after trading J.J. Hardy to the Twins. He did hit .304 in 125 at bats towards the end of the season last year and was very impressive.
Ian Desmond - Desmond should push Christian Guzman out of his position this year. Like Escobar, he also impressed in 21 games last year. He has a good bat, with decent power and a good glove. Look for him to get more playing time as the season goes on.
Elvis Andrus -The slick fielding shortstop made great strides in the 2nd half last season. He hit .280 after the All Star break. He sure is a light hitting player, but adds 30+ stolen bases to his game.
Jose Iglesias - The Red Sox apparently love this guy. From all the reports I've read, and heard, he could play defensively in the majors right now. He did impress with his bat in the Arizona League, but the Sox really think he needs at least another year in the minors.
On the Slide:
Rafael Furcal - Furcy really frustrates me as a Dodgers fan. Until last season, I always thought that if he's healthy, then he's a very good player. Unfortunately his knee problems have slowed him down on the base paths and in the field.
Miguel Tejada - Miggy can't really play the position anymore, but who cares. He'll at least still hit for you. I doubt he'll put up numbers similar to last year when he hit .313. His power numbers are way down and I don't expect him to ever hit more than 15 in a season again.
Marco Scutaro - I really didn't like this signing by the Red Sox. Having one good year does not make you a full time starter. He'll never be more than a role player for me, and I expect him to struggle in the Sox lineup this year.
Christian Guzman - He really should lose most of his playing time with Ian Desmond on the team. He can still hit for average, but do nothing else.
Look for the Outfield rankings this weekend.
Miggy Tejada could also see some time at 3rd. Does that boost his value any? I mean, I still wouldn't touch him unless it was a 20-team league, but does it help him at all?
ReplyDeleteNormally, I'd say yes, but the 3rd base position is pretty deep this year
ReplyDeleteI think Tejada has value, he's still very productive even at his age.
ReplyDeleteNo way you take Rollins over Jeter. If it's only about SBs, the different between the two was one steal last year. Plus, Jeter hits in .300s and Rollins in .250s, come on Jimmy! And their power numbers are close to the same. Not even close, my friend!
Yeah I would have to agree if we're talking the Jimmy Rollins of last year. If it's the Jimmy Rollins on two years ago, then it's a totally different argument.
ReplyDelete