By Rob Shaw
There are several risers on this list from a season ago. Troy Tulowitzki is fresh off a monster season and warrants consideration in the first two rounds.
Ben Zobrist surprised everyone by grabbing a full-time gig for the Rays last season, and he’ll once again get another 500-plus at bats to prove his worth in 2010.
If you are not too risk averse, speedsters such as Jose Reyes and Elvis Andrus should attract your attention, but you might want to pair them up with more consistent options such as veterans Orlando Cabrera and Marco Scutaro.
Here’s a look at the top shortstops in Fantasy Baseball.
1. Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
You can make an argument that Hanley Ramirez deserves to be the top pick of your fantasy draft. What he may be losing in speed is translating into additional power, keeping him ahead of the pack.
2. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies
The 32 home runs and .297 batting average was impressive last season, but what no one predicted was his career high 20 stolen bases. Just 25-years-old, Tulowitzki may still be improving.
3. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
The focal point of the Yankees return to glory was Jeter, a future Hall of Famer who bounced back from down seasons with 107 runs, 212 hits, 18 home runs, 30 steals, and a stellar .334 average. Even at 35-years-old, I’m not expecting too big of a drop off.
4. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
Even in a rough season, Rollins still outranked most shortstops with 21 home runs, 31 steals, 100 runs, and 77 RBI. The 31-year-old remains the leadoff hitter of a stacked lineup.
5. Ben Zobrist, SS/2B/OF, Rays
Zobrist sneaks into the Top 5 of this list because he somehow qualifies at shortstop. His 27 home runs and 17 stolen bases are repeatable now that he’s earned an everyday gig at second for the Rays.
6. Jose Reyes, SS, Mets
This is your high risk, high reward pick. The guy can hit .300 with 15 homeruns, 60 steals, and 110 runs scored. He could also miss the majority of the season because of injuries you never knew existed.
7. Jason Bartlett, SS, Rays
Bartlett shed his defensive specialist image by slamming 14 home runs to complement 90 runs, 30 steals, and a .320 average. We’ll see if that’s an aberration or a trend. Consider this a risky pick.
8. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
If you’re looking for a player with upside, Elvis Andrus has Jose Reyes-like tools. In his rookie campaign, Andrus held his own with six home runs, 33 steals, and 72 runs scored. If moved to the top of the Rangers lineup, those figures could improve dramatically.
9. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
The 24-year-old Cabrera is coming off his best season with six home runs, 17 steals, and a stellar .308 average. He should take another step forward this season.
10. Alexei Ramirez, SS, White Sox
A poor second half last season marred what initially appeared to be a 20-20 season for Ramirez. He’ll give it another shot this season.
11. Yunel Escobar, SS, Braves
A great professional hitter, Escobar’s value is limited in fantasy baseball because of his middle of the road power and speed.
12. Stephen Drew, SS, Diamondbacks
Even though he never quite became the star many scouts predicted, Drew remains a decent fantasy option at shortstop thanks to his 20-homer potential and decent average.
13. Rafael Furcal, SS, Dodgers
Injuries clearly have taken a toll on the former Braves sensation. Aside from his 92 runs scored, Furcal was very ordinary last season.
14. Orlando Cabrera, SS, Reds
A solid hitter joins a decent lineup in a great hitter’s park. The end result should be solid all-around numbers making him a great insurance policy for anyone who drafts Jose Reyes.
15. Everth Cabrera, SS, Padres
At just 23-years-old, you can offer Cabrera some leeway for his .255 average last season. What’s more appealing is the fact that he reaches base and is a stolen base threat after swiping 25 bags last season in what accounts for just two-thirds of a season.
16. Marco Scutaro, SS, Red Sox
The Red Sox looked for defense by signing Scutaro, but what they get is a decent player who can offer a little bit of everything.
17. J.J. Hardy, SS, Twins
A disastrous ’09 campaign sent his stock tumbling, but Hardy joins a fine lineup and has blasted at least 24 home runs in two of the past three seasons. Look for other options when it comes to stolen bases.
18. Alcides Escobar, SS, Brewers
The Brewers had no problem shedding Hardy thanks to the raw ability of Escobar. Considered a favourite for the NL Rookie of the Year Award by some, Escobar has proven to be a thief on the base paths in the minors.
19. Clint Barnes, SS/2B, Rockies
If you’re looking to make up some power at shortstop, Clint Barnes is an excellent option who is capable of 25-plus. Think of him as a great player to team up with an Ichiro or Chone Figgins.