While the top of our rankings remain unchanged, from #7 down saw a fairly big shakeup. Rafael Furcal’s hot streak led to the biggest change, but there certainly were other significant moves as well (remember, these remain extremely early rankings and will likely significantly change as the season progresses):
- Hanley Ramirez – Florida Marlins
- Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies
- Jose Reyes – New York Mets
- Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies
- Elvis Andrus – Texas Rangers
- Derek Jeter – New York Yankees
- Rafael Furcal – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Stephen Drew – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Alexei Ramirez – Chicago White Sox
- Alex Gonzalez – Toronto Blue Jays
- Yunel Escobar – Atlanta Braves
- Erick Aybar – Los Angeles Angels
- Alcides Escobar – Milwaukee Brewers
- Clint Barmes – Colorado Rockies
- Starlin Castro – Chicago Cubs
Thoughts:
- Rafael Furcal has absolutely caught fire, sending him soaring up these rankings. His stolen bases had been a concern, though not as much anymore. Over the past four weeks he has 7 SB, tied for sixth in all of baseball. Couple that with 26 R over that period, leading the way, and what more can you ask for? Assuming he can stay healthy he’s going to be a great option in all formats.
- It has been a disappointing season for Alexei Ramirez, with just 9 HR and 4 SB. Wasn’t he supposed to be 15/15, with the potential of 20/20? The talent is still there, however, so don’t give up hope. That type of potential will keep him as a usable option in 2011.
- We all know that Alex Gonzalez was playing over his head, while Yunel Escobar was struggling mightily. However, even on knew teams, their value doesn’t change much (though Yunel is quickly proving he may have just needed a change of scenery). To view my thoughts on the trade, click here.
- The injury to Troy Tulowitzki has given Clint Barmes the necessary time at SS to be eligible there in 2011. Assuming he wins the everyday 2B job next season, his power potential will make him a low-end option in all formats.
- Erick Aybar has speed and is currently hitting atop the Angels order. That means runs scored, which certainly means value, especially with some speed. Of course, if someone like Peter Bourjous takes the leadoff spot, his value will tumble. Keep that in mind.
What are your thoughts on these rankings? Who is being overvalued? Who is being undervalued?
Make sure to check out our other extremely early 2011 rankings:
Have you seen castro play as of late? Aybar ahead of him is nuts. If you haven Andrus at 5 then castro at 15 is nuts. Castro will have numbers very similar to andrus with more power. And Alexi ahead of castro is crazy too. Does anyone wanna sit through another 2 month early season slump of alexi? I learned my lesson.
I’m surprised to see Drew so high. Isn’t he platooning in addition to sucking?
Drew has been on a multi-season slide, gotta drop him in the rankings. Ian Desmond surely has more promise and upside than Barmes. Eligibility may be an issue, but Juan Uribe is sluggin with 12 dingers/51 RBIS – certainly a commodity among SS.
jimmy rollins continues to plummet. he had 2 great seasons in 06 and 07. Since then, hes fallen far. After Hanley, Tulo, and maybe Jeter its a crap shoot. SS is so unpredictable. Not to mention tulo is always hurt, jeters getting old and reyes is insane.
Let’s take this one player at a time:
– Castro has been playing better of late, but before I put him as a starter I want to see him succeed for more then a few weeks. If he can maintain this pace and produce over the next few weeks, the next time we do this he is going to definitely be significantly higher.
– Ian Desmond has fallen into a platoon as his defense is going to cost him AB. While defense may not be a fantasy category, if it costs him playing time it’s a huge problem.
– Stephen Drew… I may be holding out a little too much hope on him, I admit that. If he doesn’t turn it on, he will plummet in our next rankings.
on castro… even if he slumps for 2 months …. id rank him higher then aybar, barmes, escobar, and gonzales who is the nick swisher of short stops. FLUKE!
Just wanted to note this looks like a really, really shallow position
i agree with john. for 5-7, theres rollins jeter and furcal who are all getting older and will not produce for long..and at number 4 is andrus who is only reliable for average and steals maybe runs depending on who he has in his lineup in texas
after furcal theres drew, ramirez, and gonzalez who are all extremely inconsistent so getting a top 3 guy at this position is a big deal
If in a keeper league where top 10 players are kept regardless of draft round would you take Reyes or McCutchen and Andrus?
castro…… is KILLING IT!!!! imo hes already better then 6-15 and hes 20. that list needs an adjustment.
oh and keep mcutchen… draft castro