Phanatic Phantasy Baseball

Today's position: SS

By Michael Rushton and Greg Wiley
The Phanatic Magazine

When you pick a shortstop depends on what you need out of them. If you need steals, you are going to have to look early. Some probably goes for power. However, there is enough talent at the bottom end of the list that you can wait if you just need some players to boost your team average and runs scored. Use the position’s versatility in your favor.

Legend: (HR/RBI/AVE/RS/SB)

Wiley’s List

1). Jose Reyes (NYM) - Top 10 player. Somewhere around 20 HRs, 60 SB and 125 RS is awesome.
2). Derek Jeter (NYY) - Once again, expect a strong all-around offensive season.
3). Miguel Tejada (BAL) - Hands down will have the best power numbers of all the shortstops.
4). Jimmy Rollins (PHI) - Whether he's at the top or in the middle of the lineup, he's sure to benefit from Utley and Howard.
5).Hanley Ramirez (FLA) - Sky's the limit for this youngster. He'll score a ton and get on base.
6). Michael Young (TEX) - Down power year in 2006, but his average was still good and RBI were high enough to expect more HRs this year.
7). Rafael Furcal (LAD) - He frustrates fantasy owners to no end, but always ends up with decent numbers.
8). Troy Glaus (TOR) - If he qualifies at SS in your league jump on him. Only Tejada will hit more HRs at the position.
9). Carlos Guillen (DET) - Strong numbers 20/80/.315/100/20. Not going to get those steady numbers from many.
10). Edgar Renteria (ATL) - He'll be solid enough. He'll get on base and score at least 100 runs.
11). Bobby Crosby (OAK) - I expect a complete bounce back from some injury plagued seasons. He could be a steal.
12). Stephen Drew (ARI) - He could become a real good player. I'm not too high on other at the position so why not grab him.

13-20 - Julio Lugo (BOS), Orlando Cabrera (LAA), Felipe Lopez (WAS), Freddy Sanchez (PIT), Jhonny Peralta (CLE), Bill Hall (MIL), Yuniesky Bentancourt (SEA), Jason Bartlett (MIN).

Rushton’s List

1). Reyes - You hate him as a Phillies fan, but when it comes to fantasy you have to get the best. Reyes just may be the best.
2). Jeter - Stays in the number two spot because of the Yankee lineup. That being said, if you want consistency, Jeter is your guy.
3). Rollins - One of these years, Rollins is going to hit in April what he does in September. Also, with a new first base coach, he should run a lot this season.
4). Tejada - He is breaking down and it is only a matter of time before he becomes a DH. Still has good power for the position though.
5). Young - Much like Jeter, is a model for consistency. Doesn’t run though and has a new extension. Still solid though.
6). Ramirez - You have to love him for his youthful energy and five-tools. Will give you a ton of steals.
7) Guillen - Often goes over looked in a lot of drafts. Should be your gain.
8) Renteria - When the Braves are hot, he will benefit. Will help your AVG, RS and RBI.
9) Furcal - Is madly inconsistent, but will give you SB and RS.
10) Lopez - This will be his last year of SS eligibility, so use it while you can. Hey, somebody in Washington has to do something, right?
11) Drew - If he lives up to the hype, watch out. Might give you everything but steals.
12) Crosby - I’ve given up on him because of his injuries, but that doesn’t mean you have to.

13-20 - Lugo, Cabrera, Peralta, Hall, Omar Vizquel (SFG), Bartlett, Khalil Greene (SDP), Juan Uribe (CWS).

Phanatic Sleepers - Crosby, Drew, Peralta. Troy Tulowitzki of Colorado is a long-shot rookie sleeper.