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:

  1. Hanley Ramirez – Florida Marlins
  2. Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies
  3. Jose Reyes – New York Mets
  4. Elvis Andrus – Texas Rangers
  5. Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies
  6. Derek Jeter – New York Yankees
  7. Alexei Ramirez – Chicago White Sox
  8. Starlin Castro – Chicago Cubs
  9. Stephen Drew – Arizona Diamondbacks
  10. Alcides Escobar – Kansas City Royals
  11. Ian Desmond – Washington Nationals
  12. Juan Uribe – Los Angeles Dodgers
  13. Jhonny Peralta – Detroit Tigers
  14. Tsuyoshi Nishioka – Minnesota Twins
  15. 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?

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