BY ROB SHAW
sportsnet.ca

There's a new generation of shortstops expected to rise above the fantasy fray, but while Troy Tulowitzki delivered what was nearly an MVP season, the rest of the class were disappointments.

For Hanley Ramirez, we can blame a lack of hustle, Derek Jeter could not defy age, and Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes dealt with nagging injuries.

It says a lot that the three surprises were considered veteran castaways heading into the season.

Top 3 Shortstops:

Derek Jeter, Yankees

Thanks to one of the best finishes in Major League history, Tulowitzki is at the top of the list. The Rockies 26-year old star actually missed a quarter of the season due to injuries. Nonetheless, he was better than any other shortstop, thanks to his all-around production including 27 home runs, a career-best 95 RBI, 11 steals, and a .315 average. If healthy, Tulowitzki can approach 40 homeruns and 120 RBI next season. Expect Tulowitzki to be a first-round pick in most fantasy leagues.

Hanley Ramirez, Marlins

For the first time in his career, Ramirez dealt with injuries, forcing him to miss 20 games. Regardless, Ramirez was still one of the best producers in the game with 21 homers, 32 steals, and an even .300 average. The 26-year old All-Star experienced a bit of a drop-off from previous seasons, as his home run total and batting average were the lowest in four years. Ramirez also didn't earn the respect of many fans when his lack of hustle led to a publicized benching. Fantasy managers will have to weigh his immense talent with his questionable behavior when picking him next season.

Derek Jeter, Yankees

Amazing how Jeter just endured his worst professional season, and yet he still ranks as the third best shortstop in the game. Jeter offered solid run production, as his 111 runs scored was his highest total in four seasons, and 19 more than any other shortstop. He was also one of just eight shortstops to hit at least 10 home runs and steal at least 10 bases. Even though his average was just .270, Jeter still racked up 179 hits and is still amongst the elite at his position in fantasy baseball.

Top 3 Surprises:

Alex Gonzalez, SS, Braves

After missing all of 2008 with an injury, Gonzalez returned in 2009 with just eight home uns and 41 RBI. Fantasy managers who picked Gonzo late in drafts or grabbed him off the waiver wire were thrilled with production, as he finished with 23 home runs and 88 RBI. Although Gonzalez paid off this season for fantasy owners, don't expect too much next season. After all, his performance took a dive when he was dealt to the Braves midway through the season.

Omar Infante, SS, Braves

The long-time utility player played 19 games at short, 29 games at third, and 65 games at second base. His 471 at bats were a personal best since 2004, when he was an every day player for the Tigers. Just 28 years old, Infante thrived with the additional playing time. He scored 66 runs, blasted eight home runs, drove in 47 RBI, and hit a career-best .321 average. If provided with an everyday gig next season, Infante can be a decent sleeper for fantasy owners.

Juan Uribe, SS, Giants

Projected to be a part-time player, Uribe swatted a career-high 24 homeruns this season with 85 RBI. He was by no means a complete player as he finished with a .248 average and just one stolen base. The 10-year veteran now has 151 career home runs and surprised many by putting up career-high numbers in a pitcher's park. After all, Uribe had 13 of his home runs at home, where he also hit .280. The Giants are likely to look for a younger option at shortstop next season.

Top 3 Busts:

Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies

This former MVP had hard time staying healthy, as he missed nearly half of the season due to injuries. Even when Rollins did suit up, he struggled to contribute. Rollins followed a disappointing .250 average last season with a .243 batting clip in 2010. Furthermore, Rollins hit just eight home runs and scored only 48 runs. He remains a dangerous hitter in the post-season, but Rollins may be dropped to a middle-round option in next year's fantasy drafts, as the Phils shortstop has suffered a noticeable drop off in production since reaching his early 30s.

Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers

As a rookie, Andrus overachieved by offering a little bit of everything. He blasted six home runs, stole 33 bases, and hit .267 to shed his defensive specialist label. Unfortunately, Andrus endured a bit of a sophomore slump as he failed to achieve such success this season. In fact, the 22-year old shortstop did not belt a single homer un this season and he drove in just 35 RBI. Andrus did swipe 32 bases, but even that came as a loss, as he got caught on 15 occasions. Andrus did improve his patience at the plate, as he drew 64 walks, but his 96 strikeouts and .265 average has the Rangers hoping for a boost next season.

Jason Bartlett, SS, Rays

A fantasy sensation in 2009 with 14 home runs, 30 steals, 90 runs, and a .320 average, Bartlett regressed a great deal this season. Not only did he have 10 fewer home runs, but he also hit 66 points lower and stole 19 fewer bases. The 30-year old veteran once again dealt with his fair share of injuries, but the dramatic drop in production can't be explained, similar to how we can't explain his 2009 career season.