2008 Shortstop Rankings

This is a position that I believe can make or break your team. If you have a solid shortstop it can go a long way. If halfway through the season you are looking for a shortstop on the waiver wire, you probably are in trouble. It seems like the big time power hitting shortstops are all but gone and the speedsters are back. There are are a couple guys who can hit for power and a couple that can do both. From the rest you want a good BA, a few HR and some good SB numbers. I personally like having that power hitting shortstop. I like to get HR and RBI from a position where most other teams aren't. The top 10 or 12 shortstops have been taken in drafts all before the 12th round. So if you want a good one, you gotta act quickly or be left behind. However, if you don't get one of the top 10 or 12 there are a few guys out there who can help you at SS. Having said all that, let's get into it.


Top 15 Shortstops


1. Hanley Ramirez- FLA -This guy would be an MVP candidate if he didn't play for the Marlins. He's the quintessential 5 tool player. He's going to be a great one for a long time to come. Last year he put up ridiculous numbers and I expect his numbers to be very similar this year, if not a little better. You can't lose taking him as your SS. '08 numbers for Ramirez: 120 R .330 BA 32 HR 92 RBI 50 SB.
2. Jose Reyes- NYM -Doesn't miss being the top SS by much. All around great player and arguably the most exciting player in the game. He'll give you some of everything. He is a category filler. If he can stay healthy for a full season, he'll have his best one this year. Look for numbers like these from Reyes: 125 R .285 BA 17 HR 85 RBI 85 SB.
3. Jimmy Rollins- PHI -The guy is consistent. Look at his last three seasons and the numbers are basically the same with last season being his best. While I don't think he will be able to match the power numbers he put up last year, he will still be a 1st-2nd round pick. Look for another category filling season for Rollins: 120 R .290 BA 28 HR 90 RBI 40 SB.
4. Troy Tulowitzki- COL -He is one of the best young all around players in the league. He hits in an awesome lineup in a hitters park. He'll have no problem driving in 100 runs with guys like Holliday, Helton and Hawpe hitting around him. I compare him to a young Cal Ripken. Potential '08 numbers for him: 110 R .298 BA 30 HR 115 RBI 10 SB.
5. Derek Jeter- NYY -Can you believe this will be Jeter's 13th season in the Bigs? Unreal. He's still putting up the numbers people. The Yankees captain had a very good season last year and no doubt he'll have another one this year. One of the most dependable fantasy players out there. 08' prediction: 115 R .330 BA 15 HR 80 RBI 20 SB.
6. Michael Young- TEX -He had a little bit of a down year last season but none the yet a solid one. He will do wonders for you BA and drive in a good amount of runs for a shortstop. I expect a full bounce back season for Young. Although the Rangers lost Teixeira, they still have a solid lineup for him to hit in. '08 prediction: 100 R .320 BA 17 HR 95 RBI 10 SB
7. Carlos Guillen- DET -He's still eligible at SS in most leagues and his 1B eligibility increases his value some. A lot of people criticize him for whatever reasons but I think he is an above average hitter. Plus he is a key part of the best lineup in baseball. Detroit is going to score a massive amount of runs this year and Guillen will only benefit. '08 prediction: 90 R .310 BA 23 HR 110 RBI 12 SB.
8. Miguel Tejada- HOU -I've always stayed away from Tejada and especially the last few years. He is constantly overrated and never lives up to expectations. He's off the juice now and he'll never hit 30 HR again. Plus, he is being investegated on perjury charges and who knows what will happen with that. He can still put up respectable numbers this year in a good Astros lineup and a hitters park. These are potential numbers barring any kind of suspension: 90 R .300 BA 20 HR 90 RBI.
9. Edgar Renteria- DET -Here is another guy who does not get the respect he deserves. After horrible couple of years in Boston he dominated NL pitching with the Cards. He's back in the AL and in the best lineup in baseball. He one of my favorite players and as reliable as they come. Look for numbers close to: 100 R .335 BA 14 HR 85 RBI 12 SB.
10. Rafael Furcal- LAD -I think this guy is on the decline big time. Just a couple of years ago he was top 5 SS, now he barely cracks the top 10. He had a horrible year for the Dodgers last year after signing a huge deal. I think he gets a little more comfortable in LA this season but he won't put up numbers like he did in '06. My prediction for Furcal this season: 95 R .280 BA 10 HR 55 RBI 30 SB.
11. Orlando Cabrera- CHW -Here is another guy who people hate on for no particular reason. I love the way he plays although his play isn't always conducive to great fantasy numbers. Nonetheless, he'll have pretty good numbers. He'll probably hit leadoff in a potent White Sox lineup. Plus Ozzie likes his leadoff man to run. '08 prediction for Cabrera: 100 R .290 BA 12 HR 75 RBI 30 SB.
12. J.J. Hardy- MIL -He got off to an MVP start to '07 then slowly faded off. However, it was his first full season in the majors. Going into his second season he should be much more consistent. I like his potential and he fits in nicely in a very good Brewers lineup. He could be your starter at SS as a late round steal. Huge upside. Similar numbers to last season but more consistent: 90 R .280 BA 24 HR 85 RBI.
13. Khalil Greene- SD -Let's just say he likes to swing for the fences. Awesome power for a skinny SS but a BA that will drive you nuts. He gets more value for CBS H2H owners than rotisserie owners. He could be your starting SS option. He has gone all over the place in mock drafts so it's hard to predict what round he will go in. '08 numbers: 90 R . 255 BA 28 HR 95 RBI.
14. Jhonny Peralta- CLE -Has become a solid fantasy player on a very good Indians team. He had a good bounce back season last year from '06. Probably a backup on your team or MI. He'll probably never be a 30 HR guy like people thought a few years ago but solid numbers for him: 90 R .275 BA 23 HR 85 RBI.
15. Felipe Lopez- WAS -In a shallow position, Lopez could be a solid player this year. Last year was a bad one for him. He is a much better player than that. Washington has improved its lineup some and Lopez should hit near the top of it. Look for numbers close to but not matching his '05 season. Potential numbers: 85 R .275 15 HR 65 RBI 30 SB.


Honorable Mentions

--Stephen Drew- ARI -Everyone is hyping up this guy to be a big time fantasy sleeper. Doesn't that mean he's no longer a sleeper? I don't think he is going to live up to the hype at all. I still think he'll be a could player but can't live up to high expectations. '08 prediction: 75 R .280 BA 15 HR 65 RBI 10 SB.
--Julio Lugo- BOS -He's not as bad of a player as he showed last year. Normally dependable and will get you some steals and drive in a few runs in that Boston lineup. '08 prediction: 85 R .275 8 HR 75 RBI 35 SB.
--Ryan Theriot- CHC -Not the flashiest player but he is a grinder. Very streaky hitter but has .300 potential. Won't give you any homers but will help with stolen bases. '08 prediction: 80 R .280 BA 5 HR 60 RBI 30 SB.

Thats it for SS. Told you not a whole lot to choose from. Check back later in the week for 3B rankings.