Baseball - Position Rankings

Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Shortstop

Shortstop is a strange position heading in to the 2010 season. A few elite options headline the group, followed by several talented but unproven players. If you aren’t able to grab one of the top 5-6 guys at the position, your chances of riding one player all season will take a major hit. Hanley Ramirez is a legitimate contender for the first overall pick in this year’s fantasy drafts but he’s the only SS worth a first round pick.

Tier 1

Hanley Ramirez-26

Ramirez is a true fantasy baseball superstar. He is probably the only player besides Pujols who warrants consideration to be the first pick in fantasy drafts. He is the rare player who will give you great value in all five categories.

Tier 2

Troy Tulowitzki-25

When he’s healthy, Tulowitzki has proven that he is a fantasy star at shortstop. After suffering through a down year in 2008, he bounced back with a 30-20 year in 2009.

Jose Reyes-26

This is where each pick comes with a little bit more risk. Few guys can give you the production in runs and steals that Reyes can. He could be a steal if he’s healthy in 2010, just be careful betting your season on too many “if he stays healthy” players.

Jason Bartlett-30

Bartlett is a great player in terms of average and steals but don’t expect too many homers. In 2009 Bartlett was able to increase his fly ball rate substantially, giving his power numbers a boost. He will be worth a look at the end of round 3.

Derek Jeter-35

How did Derek Jeter get his legs back in 2009? If he can come close to the numbers he put up last year he will be worth a 3^rd round pick, but be careful with guys in their mid 30s who rely on steals for a good chunk of their value.

Jimmy Rollins-31

While his batting average was a disappointment in 2009 Rollins was able to get to 20-30 again. Much like Derek Jeter, Rollins has been a consistent performer over the last 5 years. Keep an eye on him if he slips in to the 5^th round.

Tier 3

Asdrubal Cabrera-24

If you don’t have a shortstop by this point, make sure you have a backup plan. Cabrera is young and has the kind of upside that makes me think this could be a year in which he hits .300 and steals 20 bases, just know that you will need to look elsewhere for your power numbers.

Yunel Escobar-27

A consistent source of average and runs, but don’t expect much out of him when it comes to other categories. If you’re looking for a safety pick, Escobar is probably your best bet.

Alexei Ramirez-28 Sleeper Pick

Ramirez was simply terrible at the beginning of last season. Fortunately he was able to play well in the final few months of the season and make a case for himself as a sleeper pick in 2010.

Marco Scutaro-34

Scutaro had a surprisingly strong 2009 campaign, but it always makes nervous when drafting a player who just came off of a superb CONTRACT year. If he can perform at his 2009 pace, he will be a great value.

Tier 4

Miguel Tejada

Elvis Andrus Sleeper Pick

Rafael Furcal

Jhonny Peralta

Mike Aviles Sleeper Pick

Tier 5

Stephen Drew

Orlando Cabrera

J. J. Hardy

Alcides Escobar Sleeper Pick