After the top two options at shortstop, are there any players that you would consider a lock to produce in 2011? Injuries, inconsistency and age all factor in to the subsequent players, causing fantasy owners to think twice before drafting them.
That’s not to say that there isn’t talent available because there are numerous players who could put up big campaigns.
Let’s take a look at how the shortstop rankings currently look:
- Hanley Ramirez – Florida Marlins
- Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies
- Jose Reyes – New York Mets
- Elvis Andrus – Texas Rangers
- Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies
- Derek Jeter – New York Yankees
- Alexei Ramirez – Chicago White Sox
- Starlin Castro – Chicago Cubs
- Stephen Drew – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Alcides Escobar – Kansas City Royals
- Ian Desmond – Washington Nationals
- Juan Uribe – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Jhonny Peralta – Detroit Tigers
- Tsuyoshi Nishioka – Minnesota Twins
- Rafael Furcal – Los Angeles Dodgers
Thoughts:
- This is one position that is basically 1 and 1a. I know Tulowitzki struggled a bit early on, but he showed just how hot he has the ability to get down the stretch. He’s one of the elite players in the game, let alone at a shallow position. How can you not like him?
- I’m not a believer in Elvis Andrus’ zero HRs from 2010. Let us not forget that he hit six in his rookie campaign of 2009. No, he’s not going to be a 10-12 option (most likely), but if he can hit six-to-eight along with the SB and R, he’s going to be a great option. Of course, there are now rumors that Andrus could be moved out of the leadoff spot in favor of Ian Kinsler, which would have a major effect on his value. That’s something we are going to have to monitor throughout the preseason.
- Are you someone that likes Alexei Ramirez as a fantasy option? He is a good buy (click here for my thoughts on him), but if you miss out on him Ian Desmond is a viable alternative. For a comparison between the two, click here.
- Now in Kansas City, Alcides Escobar should see increased opportunities to run (the old management in Milwaukee hardly let any take their shots on the bases). With his speed, that certainly should make him a viable, low-end option in 2011.
- To see my 2011 projection for Jose Reyes, click here.
AL/NL Only Rankings:
| AL-Only | NL-Only | |
| 1. | Elvis Andrus | Hanley Ramirez |
| 2. | Derek Jeter | Troy Tulowitzki |
| 3. | Alexei Ramirez | Jose Reyes |
| 4. | Alcides Escobar | Jimmy Rollins |
| 5. | Jhonny Peralta | Starlin Castro |
| 6. | Tsuyoshi Nishioka | Stephen Drew |
| 7. | J.J. Hardy | Ian Desmond |
| 8. | Yunel Escobar | Rafael Furcal |
| 9. | Cliff Pennington | Miguel Tejada |
| 10. | Asdrubal Cabrera | Ryan Theriot |
| 11. | Reid Brignac | Clint Barmes |
| 12. | Marco Scutaro | Jason Bartlett |
What are your thoughts on the rankings? Whose too high? Whose too low?
**** Make sure to order your copy of the Rotoprofessor 2011 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, selling for just $5, by clicking here. ****
Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:
- Top 15 Catchers
- Top 15 First Basemen
- Top 15 Second Basemen
- Top 15 Third Basemen
- Top 30 Outfielders
- Top 30 Starting Pitchers
- Top 15 Closers
- 2011 Fantasy Draft First-Round Breakdown
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