A Look at 2010 Fantasy Shortstops

In honor of some of the best steakhouses in New York City, here are my fantasy shortstop rankings for 2010.

The Peter Luger Division

The best steak I ever ate was at Peter Luger’s. The place is just phenomenal. It’s in a class by itself, just like this shortstop.

1. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins

Can you believe Ramirez is only 26 years old? It’s really scary what this guy is capable of. He is clearly without a shadow of a doubt the best fantasy shortstop in the game. It’s quite possible Theo Epstein’s crush could hit .340 with 35 home runs, 110 RBI, and swipe 40 bases in 2010.

The Del Frisco’s Division

The ultimate power steak lunch setting in NYC. If Luger’s wasn’t around, Del Frisco’s would be on top. Same can be said for these next five shortstops.

2. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Tulowitzki followed a disastrous 2008 with a season that resembled his stellar rookie season of 2007. Tulowitzki even stole 20 bases last year, which combined with his power numbers make him the second best shortstop on the board.

3. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees

Jeter had a resurgence in 2008, but I expect his numbers to dip a little in 2009. However, he still should be good for a .315 average, 12 home runs, 100 runs scored, and 20-plus swipes.

4. Jose Reyes, New York Mets

Reyes only played in 36 games last year, and now he has a thyroid issue that could keep him out for the first couple weeks of the regular season. So the key for Reyes is health. If he can stay on the field, he is a top two or three shortstop.

5. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

This is the second time Zobrist has appeared in my rankings. He appeared in the second baseman rankings earlier. Zobrist has more value as a shortstop.

6. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies

Despite hitting 21 home runs and stealing 31 bases, Rollins had a terrible year in 2009. I expect him to improve on his .250 average and .296 OBP. However, he will never approach his 2007 season again.

The Angelo & Maxie’s Division

Nothing spectacular, but a really good value.

7. Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays

Bartlett went from good-glove, no-hit shortstop to a guy who hit .320 last year and belted 14 home runs. If you miss out on any of the first six guys, then you won’t be disappointed in Bartlett.

8. Miguel Tejada, Baltimore Orioles

Tejada is no longer the offensive force he once was when he was a member of the Oakland A’s, but he is still a serviceable fantasy shortstop. Expect .288/13/82 out of Tejada in Baltimore.

9. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers

Andrus had a pretty solid rookie season last year, hitting .267/6/40 with 33 stolen bases. As Andrus gets older, his power should increase. He could reach double-digit home runs in 2010.

10. Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks

Drew looks to be having a good even year, bad odd year thing going on. I say Drew has a bounce-back season.

11. Yunel Escobar, Atlanta Braves

Escobar looks to be getting better each and every year. .300 with 15-plus home runs and 85 RBI is certainly doable in 2010.

12. Clint Barmes, Colorado Rockies

Barmes was my 16th-ranked second baseman, so he has a little more value as a shortstop. A good source of home runs at either position.

13. Marco Scutaro, Boston Red Sox

Being in the Boston lineup should help Scutaro get to 100 runs once again. I expect his average to dip from .282 and his OBP to dip from .379.

The Outback Steakhouse Division

There so many good steakhouses in NYC that it baffles me why people eat at this mediocre place. Outback Steakhouse is one step above the bottom of the barrel, and so are these next eight shortstops.

14. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians

Cabrera was the 14th-ranked second baseman and is the 14th-ranked shortstop. He will get you average and runs, but that is about it.

15. Jhonny Peralta, Cleveland Indians

Peralta also qualifies as a third baseman in most leagues. He had a terrible year by his standards last season. Only 11 home runs and a .316 OBP is not impressive.

16. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox

Many thought (including myself) Ramirez would have a breakout 2009 season. That certainly didn’t happen. Despite his down season last year, he is still good for 15 to 20 home runs and 10 to 15 steals this year.

17. Ryan Theriot, Chicago Cubs

Theriot does nothing overly well, but he will get you a .285 average, 20-plus steals, and 80-plus runs.

18. Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers

Furcal is getting up there in age and is no longer the threat he used to be. He will get you 90-plus runs, but that is it at this point.

19. Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Aybar played in a career-high 137 games last year and delivered with career highs in average (.312), home runs (five), and OBP (.353).

20. J.J. Hardy, Minnesota Twins

Things got so bad for Hardy last year that he was sent to the minors during the season. That won’t happen this year. Expect a nice bounce-back season from Hardy.

21. Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres

Cabrera reminds me of a younger Rafael Furcal. He stole 25 bases in only 103 games. It’s possible he could steal 40-plus this year.

The Tad’s Steaks Division

You can get a steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, and a drink for like $5.00 at Tad’s. If you eat there, you are putting your stomach and life in some serious danger.

If you draft these shortstops, your team will be in some serious danger as well.

22. Cristian Guzman, Washington Nationals

23. Alcides Escobar, Milwaukee Brewers

I think he will eventually become a good hitter, but not quite there yet.

24. Edgar Renteria, San Francisco Giants

25. Cesar Izturis, Baltimore Orioles

26. Yuniesky Betancourt, Kansas City Royals

27. Jack Wilson, Seattle Mariners

28. Tommy Manzella, Houston Astros

He is your classic 1970’s no-hit, good glove shortstop. That makes him the worst fantasy shortstop option in 2010.

Next up will be my third baseman rankings, followed by the outfield rankings and finally starting pitcher rankings.

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