Fantasy 40/40 – 2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings

Fantasy 40/40: 2011 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 30 Shortstops (SS)

By Tito on March 22nd, 2011

If you don’t get to draft either Hanley Ramirez or Troy Tulowitzki, you can probably wait. There’s Reyes, Rollins and Jeter.  Injuries, question marks and aging surround those three. There’s Andrus, Furcal and Ramirez.  Not bad options.  Desmond, Brignac and Bartlett.  Like I said, if you miss out on the two studs, there’s no problem in waiting.  But after Drew or Furcal, it gets pretty thin. This year, it seems the two tiers are: A) Hanley and Tulo and B) Everyone else.  Not really, but you get the idea.

TOP 30 Shortstops

1. Hanley Ramirez FLA – 2011 Projections: .315-25-100-100-30. He’s still number one on the shortstop board, but the margin is a lot closer than last year.  Hanley helps in all five categories and really is just hitting his prime (he’s 27).  Some say he had a down year last season compared to other season highs, (.300-21-76-92-32) and I would probably agree, but he’s got the ability and has proven it year in and year out.
2. Troy Tulowitzki COL – .290-30-95-90-12. Had a historic month that made up for some lost time.  Many mock drafts have him going as high as number three overall, I can’t see myself taking him that early.  But, with how shallow SS is, I understand it.  No, it’s too early.  As much as I love Tulo, which is a lot (I own him in every keeper league I am in), he has been hurt two of the last four years.
3. Jose Reyes NYM – .285-15-55-100-40.  He’s just 27 years old and in a contract year.  He’s healthy and looking to bounce back and cash in.  He’s been a health concern the last couple years, but could be fantasy gold this season.
4. Derek Jeter NYY – .295-14-65-100-20. The “experts” seem split on Mr. Jeter.  Some think last year was the start of his demise – others think it was just a blip on the radar.  I think he’ll still be a top 5 SS due to his potent lineup.  I could also be completely wrong.
5. Jimmy Rollins PHI – .270-15-70-70-20. I want to believe he’s going to return to his old version, but I can’t say it with any confidence.  But I just think his best years are way behind him.  I’m probably staying away from JROLL this season.
6. Elvis Andrus TEX – .270-3-45-90-40. He’s a threat to steal 40.  Should get at least 30 again and score between 90 to 100 runs.
7. Alexei Ramirez CHW – .275-20-70-80-13. I like Ramirez’s upside just as much as the next guy.  Hope he busts out in 2011, although he was a top 5 SS last year.
8. Stephen Drew ARI – .270-16-65-80-12. He was 15/10 last year and was a top 10 SS.  He’s hit 20 in a season before, how does 17/12 sound?
9. Rafael Furcal LAD – .290-10-50-85-25. Stole 22 bases in 383 ABs last season.  Also hit .300.  Just don’t expect 600 ABs.
10. Ian Desmond WAS – .275-15-70-70-20. Am I crazy or can Ian Desmond go 18/20?  He’s not batting 8th anymore.
11. Starlin Castro CHC – .295-5-50-60-15. Hit .300 in 463 ABs and has been hitting well this spring.  Wait for it.  Spring Training means nothing, I know.  But questions about him repeating his BA may have been eased for his fantasy owners.
12. Juan Uribe LAD (2B/OF) – He is good for 20 HR.  He also plays a handful of positions and can find his projections with the guys at second base (2B).  That’s why I kind of value him a bit higher than some of the other guys underneath him (3 positions).
13. Ryan Theriot STL (2B) - So does this guy.
14. Jhonny Peralta DET (3B) – .260-17-75-70-1.  And this guy.  But Peralta qualifies at 3B, which I’ll have up this week.
15. Mike Aviles KC (2B) -  And so does Aviles.
16. Erick Aybar LAA – .280-5-45-60-20. Has had a decent two seasons, showing he can hit for average and steal some bases. Might be good for .280 and 25 SB.
17. Alcides Escobar KC – .270-5-50-70-25. Could be a sleeper in 2011.  He was a hot prospect in 2010 and failed to live up to the expectations.  Well, he’s in KC and should have the green light to run and management patience to develop.
18. Cliff Pennington OAK – .260-5-50-60-25. Sounds like a golfer.  Anyway, he quietly stole 29 bases last year, finishing in the as the #10 SS for CBS and the #13 SS according to ESPN’s Player Rater.  He was an AL guy, Pennington could be a cheap option for SB at MI.
19. Jason Bartlett SD – .280-7-50-75-20. Has a new home in San Diego and could be a cheap source for runs and stolen bases – he dipped down to 11 last season but should return to the 20 range.
20. Yunel Escobar TOR - .280-9-55-75-5. Got moved in a surprising trade last season and had his worst season yet.  Might be a buy low candidate.
21. Miguel Tejada SF (3B) – .270-14-70-70-3. Miggy will take over for Renteria who is now in Cincy.  Tejada also has 3B as an option – won’t hit 20 HR anymore but should be good for 12 to 15.
22. Reid Brignac TB (2B) – .260-14-60-60-5. Brignac has a new starting gig with the departure of Bartlett.  Look for close to 500 ABs and double digit HRs.
23. Asdrubal Cabrera CLE – .280-7-55-65-10. His season was shortened because of the broken wrist last year and is moving back to second base with the addition of Orlando Cabrera.  He could be a nice steal late if he returns to his ‘09 form.
24. J.J. Hardy BAL – .255-18-60-65-1. He’s one of many new faces in Buckland.  Hasn’t been the same the last two years, injuries and more injuries.  Maybe he gets healthy and hits 20 HR.
25. Alexi Casilla MIN – .270-7-50-60-16. Will get playing time and a chance to flash his stuff.  Not really worth taking in mixed leagues, he’s more of an AL option, hopefully good for 8/20.
26. Marco Scuturo BOS – .270-8-55-55-5. A see a lot of Jed Lowrie biting into Scuturo’s P.T.  Either way, if you grab one, handcuff him like a RB later.
27. Alex Gonzalez ATL – .245-16-65-60-1. Had a power spike with his 23 last year, could still go for 15 in an improved Braves lineup.
28. Orlando Cabrera CLE – .265-5-55-70-10. He’s an AL option at this point of his career.
29. Yuniesky Betancourt MIL – .250-12-60-60-5. Betancourt moves to the NL Central and will look to repeat his 2010, but not sure I’m buying the power.
30. Clint Barmes HOU (2B) – .245-12-55-50-5. Has a shot to put up decent numbers hitting second.  Could hit 18 to 20 HRs.  Could hit 8 to 10.  I’m leaning towards the second statement, but hey, you never know.