2012 MLB Fantasy Baseball Shortstop Rankings

Not unlike Derek Jeter and A-Rod (on a smaller scale) joining forces, the Miami Marlins have two of the elite shortstops. Here are the Lester’s Legends 2012 fantasy baseball Shortstop rankings.

1. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies: My top-ranked shortstop last year holds onto the top spot thanks to a .302-81-30-105-9 line. I’d like to see 100 runs, but given his other numbers it’s hard to complain.

2. Hanley Ramirez, Miami Marlins: It was a lost year of sorts for Han-Ram with his meager .243-55-10-45-20 line. I expect him to bounce back, especially with Jose Reyes joining the lineup. Plus, he’s moving to third base, which enhances his value.

3. Jose Reyes, Miami Marlins: Was he a contract-year wonder? Hard to say. It’s also hard to argue with the .337-101-7-44-39 line he posted.

4. Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs: He’s turning just 22 next month. He has already posted two .300 seasons. His run total jumped dramatically to 91 and he provided a solid amount of RBI (66) and SB (22). He has arrived.

5. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians: Easily the biggest surprise of the position. He smacked 25 HR after totaling 18 in his first 387 games. Regression is a possibility, but I wouldn’t bet against him.

6. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies: Can he stay healthy again? That is a concern at 33, but he was just one of two players (Cabrera) with 15-plus HR and 15-plus SB.

7. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers: If he could get his average close to .300 he’d likely move into the top-five discussion. You know he’s going to score runs in Texas’ offense. He could easily lead the position in stolen bases.

8. Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels: Posted a solid .279-71-10-59-30 line. Albert Pujols’ presence should help.

9. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox: Ramirez doesn’t dominate any category, but he typically gives you solid numbers across the board. I expect his batting average and stolen base total to increase.

10. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees: Jeter pressed en route to 3,000 hits. He killed it in the second half, though, posting a .327 average and a .811 OPS.

11. J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles: Led all shortstops with 30 HR. He combined for 50 in 2007 and 2008, so it’s not a fluke. He flopped in 2009 and 2010 and hasn’t played 130 games since 2008, so he is a slight risk.

12. Dee Gordon, Los Angeles Dodgers: Swiped 24 bases in 56 games. He should also be in the running for most SBs at the position.

13. Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers: Has averaged 18.3 HR and 79.6 RBI over the past seven years.

14. Emilio Bonifacio, Miami Marlins: Stole 40 bases last year. Has eligibility at SS, 3B and OF. He didn’t do much besides steal, though.

15. Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondback: He only played half a season and is recovering from an ankle surgery. Still, he has been a productive player in the past and if healthy should be again. 

16. Yunel Escobar, Toronto Blue Jays: Career .289 hitter so he'll help in that category. He can also give you OK run, HR, and RBI numbers.

Also check out:

2012 Fantasy Baseball First Base Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Second Base Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Third Base Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Catcher Rankings
2012 Fantasy Baseball Outfielder Rankings