Top 15 Fantasy Shortstops for 2010: Take Two

Shortstop is one of the more interesting positions to look at, with some solid players at the position who unfortunately don’t bring much to the table in the counting stats (e.g. HR, RBI).  Do you go with a steady option like that or someone who has the potential to make big contributions in one category?  Let’s take a look at what the rankings say:

1. Hanley Ramirez - Florida Marlins
2. Troy Tulowitzki - Colorado Rockies
3. Jose Reyes - New York Mets
4. Jimmy Rollins - Philadelphia Phillies
5. Derek Jeter - New York Yankees
6. Alexei Ramirez - Chicago White Sox
7. Stephen Drew - Arizona Diamondbacks
8. Elvis Andrus - Texas Rangers
9. Jhonny Peralta - Cleveland Indians
10. Jason Bartlett - Tampa Bay Rays
11. Miguel Tejada - Houston Astros
12. Everth Cabrera  - San Diego Padres
13. Alcides Escobar - Milwaukee Brewers
14. J.J. Hardy - Minnesota Twins
15. Yunel Escobar - Atlanta Braves

Thoughts

• If Tulowitzki was simply a power option, it would be interesting to see how he fared in the rankings versus Reyes and Rollins.  However, he showed speed last season (20 SB) and even if he falls into the 12-15 range, adding those to his power puts him over the top.
• I’ve recently discussed the Reyes vs. Rollins debate, so click here to view.
• I’ve already posted predictions for Elvis Andrus (click here to view), Everth Cabrera (click here to view) and Alcides Escobar (click here to view), so check those out to see why they are ranked where they are.
• After his disastrous 2009 campaign, I know it seems a bit weird to still see Jhonny Peralta in the Top 10.  I’m going to discuss why he’s a good sleeper in the near future, but after three 20+ home run seasons in four years, I can’t just write him off.
• What it really comes down to when it comes to Yunel Escobar and other shortstops versus names like Peralta, Hardy and Alcides Escobar is the potential to make a major impact in a category.  While Yunel Escobar is a solid option, does he really bring any upside anywhere? 
• There was a time where Rafael Furcal was considered one of the top shortstops in the league, but at this point what does he bring to the table?  Little speed and no power means he doesn’t have much value.  Consider him a late round flyer and nothing more.
• Marco Scutaro is someone we’ve discussed before, but again, don’t overvalue him because he’s on the Red Sox.  There just isn’t much upside there.
• In 2009 Jason Bartlett emerged as one of the better shortstops in the league, with 14 HR and 30 SB.  Does anyone really believe either number?  He’s never shown that type of power or speed before, so look for a regression there.  He could easily be less valuable than both Cabrera and Alcides Escobar, so keep that in mind.

What are your thoughts on the early rankings?  Who is too high?  Who is too low?  Who was omitted that shouldn’t have been?

Previous Early Rankings:

• Catchers
• First Baseman
• Second Baseman
• Third Baseman
• Outfielders
• Starting Pitchers
• Closers

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