Top 10 Shortstops in MLB

With the Regular Season fast approaching, we’re working to rank the players at each and every position. You’ve already seen C, 1B and 2B, and now it’s time for Shortstop. Generally reserved for strong defensive players, the Shortstops who can hit certainly stand out. Here they are:

1. Hanley Ramirez, FLA – He might not have the best personality in the game, but Hanley can flat out play — as evidenced by his career .905 OPS. He has a ROY award on his mantle, next to the 2009 NL Batting Title. The MVP will likely soon follow.

2. Troy Tulowitski, COL – Tulo has exploded in the last couple years, and the Rockies noticed, signing him through 2057 (or something like that). He had 15 HRs last season in the month of September alone. If he comes up to the plate against your team, you cringe.

3. Jose Reyes, NYM – One of the most exciting players in the game, he’s been hampered by injuries the last couple seasons. Still just 27, he’s lead the league in steals three times. Considering the Mets’ current financial situation, he’ll be an interesting mid-season trade candidate.

4. Alexei Ramirez, CHW – Ozzie Guillen is on a campaign to get Ramirez a Gold Glove and All-Star nod. The Cuban Missile deserves both. He packs a lot of power for a SS, with 54 HRs in his three-year career.

5. Stephen Drew, ARI – Probably the most overlooked Shortstop in the game, the younger brother of J.D. Drew is just now coming into his prime. Last season he posted a 113 OPS+ while playing for a bad team. He’s not a big guy, but he will hit for some power.

6. Derek Jeter, NYY – Overrated, overhyped, overpaid. Yes, Jeter is all of these things. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a good player. Let’s not forget he’s just one year removed from an .871 OPS. The Yankee captain still has a couple years left in the tank.

7. Jimmy Rollins, PHI – Yet another overrated player (check the numbers, he did not deserve his 2007 NL MVP), Rollins has regressed in each of the past three seasons. He is ranked here because we all know he’s capable of better, yet I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s off this list next season.

8. Rafael Furcal, LAD – When this former rookie-of-the-year stays healthy he truly is a great player. However, he’s played just 283 games over the last three seasons. The speed is still there, along with good defense. He’ll bat leadoff for the Dodgers this season.

9. Starlin Castro, CHC – Cubs fans have something to be excited about. The youngster had a strong spring in 2010 and forced the club’s hand. While he has some work to do on defense, he was fantastic at the plate. And oh yeah, he can’t legally drink for another three weeks.

10. Yunel Escobar, TOR – I almost had Elvis Andrus here, but it just wouldn’t be fair. Sure, Escobar had a down year. He struggled early, clashed with teammates and eventually was traded to the Blue Jays. But in the three years prior he had an OBP of .375 while playing excellent defense and hitting for moderate power. If he has a rebound year he belongs far higher on this list.

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March 3, 2011 – Evan Hill With the Regular Season fast approaching, we’re working to rank the players at each and every position. You’ve already seen C, 1B and 2B, and now it’s time for Shortstop. Generally reserved for strong defensive players, the Shortstops who can hit certainly stand out. Here they are: 1. Hanley [...]