2011 Fantasy Projections, No. 65: Where Will Alexei Ramirez Hit in the Lineup?

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

With three full major league seasons under his belt, fantasy managers now know what to expect from White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez. His three-year averages (see below) are nearly identical to his 2010 totals. The 29-year-old Cuba native has a well-rounded game, and doesn’t hurt you in any category.

In projecting Ramirez for 2011, his spot in the potent White Sox lineup is a deciding factor. He hit second more than any other spot last season, but performed best in the eight hole, batting .296 with seven HRs and six steals in 162 at-bats.

Early indications suggest Ramirez will bat eighth this season in front of 2010 September call-up Brent Morel, as opposed to batting second in front of Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko. Of course this will limit the quality of pitches he sees and his run-scoring potential, but he remains a useful fantasy shortstop regardless.

Ramirez’s tendencies of limited strikeout totals and an above-average contact rate will guide him no matter where he hits. His 15/15/.280 floor makes him the sixth ranked shortstop on our 2011 big board, No. 65 overall.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: FANTASY BASEBALL INSIDERS

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