2011 MLB Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 AL-Only Shortstop Rankings

Here’s an early look at the 2011 AL-only shortstop rankings:

1. Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers: The better shortstops reside in the National League, so there isn’t a clear-cut number one in AL-only leagues. I like Andrus because of his ability to score runs and steal bases. He could easily lead AL shortstops in both categories.

2. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees: He’s getting older and his numbers did not look like Derek Jeter numbers last year. Still, in that lineup and ballpark, he’s one the AL’s top shortstops. Look for his average and home run total to improve this year.

3. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox: Ramirez quietly joined Tulo and Han-Ram as the only shortstops with at least 80 runs and 70 RBI last year. He’s been a model of consistency his first three years, and should post another strong line joining Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Juan Pierre, Carlos Quentin and Gordon Beckham in a potent lineup.

4. Yunel Escobar,Toronto Blue Jays: This goes to show you how shallow the position is in the American League. Escobar gives you a little pop and is a decent source for average, runs and RBI.

5. Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers: Peralta isn’t a sexy pick, but he is a pretty decent RBI guy. He has decent power and no speed. Not an ideal SS option, but he does offer positional flexibility with his 3B eligibility.

6. Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians: Cabrera was limited to 97 games last year so it would be easy to overlook him, but he’s the guy who scored 81 runs, drove in 68 and stole 17 bases in 2009.

7. Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Aybar’s average dropped from .312 to .253 last year. Still, he managed 22 stolen bases. If he can get on base more often, 30 SBs is not out of reach.

8. J.J. Hardy, Baltimore Orioles: His year with the Twins did not go well. The 50 HRs he combined to hit in 2007 and 2008 are smaller in the rear view mirror, but the potential is there if he can just stay healthy.

9. Alcides Escobar, Kansas City Royals: Another former Brewer SS, Escobar has great stolen-base potential. He should hit much better than the .235 he hit last year, as his luck should improve. Most speedsters don’t sport a .266 BABIP.

10. Marco Scutaro, Boston Red Sox: He will likely split time with Jed Lowrie, but should be solid enough in Boston’s potent lineup for AL-only leagues.

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2011 MLB Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 AL-Only Shortstop Rankings

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