The shortstop position is historically a shallow one for fantasy owners. Yet 2007 has potentially one of the stronger classes in recent memory. Unless you are pulling one of the elite guys off the draft board early, you have to be sure you do not get stuck with a dud. Having a shortstop put up gigantic numbers gives fantasy owners an edge, especially when you are talking about the likes of Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez. The rookie was overlooked or under valued on draft day a year ago. All Ramirez did was earn National League Rookie of the Year honors. He probably put many a fantasy owner over the top in their respective leagues. Who is this season's Ramirez? UPDATE! lets you know who to take early, late and not at all.


New York Mets
Comment: He's going to be hard-pressed to improve upon his .300 batting average, 122 runs, 17 home runs, 81 RBI and 64 stolen bases in 2006. But with that lineup, the sky is the limit.

New York Yankees
Comment: Has scored over 110 runs in nine of his last 10 seasons. Jeter also hit at a .343 clip while posting 97 RBI (despite only 14 home runs) last season. He even stole 34 bases in '06!

Philadelphia Phillies
Comment: While that .277 BA in 2006 could be a bit higher, he had career highs in runs (127), home runs (25) and RBI (83). Loving that "50 stolen bases" talk from coaches.

Baltimore Orioles
Comment: He's a fantasy stalwart at the position for his past power stats and durability (has played all 162 games for the last six seasons). But a "power-hitting" shortstop should hit more than 24 home runs and his second-half dips are becoming a concern.

Florida Marlins
Comment: Reigning NL ROY scored 119 runs while swiping 59 bases when he came out of nowhere to have superb year. Sophomore slump and questionable lineup behind him makes Ramirez a bit of a risk, but he’ll give you good shortstop stats.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Comment: In his first season in L.A., he had a .300 BA, 113 runs, 15 home runs and 37 stolen bases. He and Pierre are going to fly around the bases and the Dodgers have a winning mentality.

Detroit Tigers
Comment: Definite injury-risk involved, but last year Guillen had career highs in stolen bases (20) and runs (100), while chipping in 19 home runs, 85 RBI and a .320 batting average. He is also entering a walk year and so you know that extra motivation will be there.

Texas Rangers
Comment: Did not live up to expectations last year by hitting only 14 home runs and scoring 93 runs. But he had a .314 average and a career high 103 RBI while making some clutch plays. He is still a solid offensive contributor at the position.

Washington Nationals
Comment: Many expected him to flop once he went to D.C. But he actually had a higher batting average after the trade from the Reds and ended up with 98 runs and 44 stolen bases (both career highs).

Milwaukee Brewers
Comment: Had a big breakout season in '06 to the tune of 35 home runs, 101 runs and 85 RBI. Only question: What can he do for an encore?

Los Angeles Angels
Comment: Quietly tied his career high in runs (95) while setting a new high in stolen bases (27). If the Angels lineup can have a big year offensively, his stats could inflate.

Boston Red Sox
Comment: Really not that sold on this "huge year" some people are talking about, but he is in a potent lineup and can be a stolen base threat.

Atlanta Braves
Comment: Always a solid option, Renteria scored 100 runs for the second year in a row and could score even more with walk-year motivated Andruw Jones swinging behind him.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Comment: Played well in 59 games last year and plenty of people are already on the young talent's bandwagon. Drew is hitting in a young Diamondbacks' lineup, so the main concern is consistency.

Minnesota Twins
Comment: Twins love him for his improved fielding and ability to get on base. Fantasy owners will like his consistent hitting and desire to improve. Needs to show more pop and swipe some more bases to move up the ranks.

Cleveland Indians
Comment: Many thought Peralta would have a big year last year after hitting 24 home runs in '05. Instead he flopped and has fallen off a lot of fantasy owners' radars. Chalk it up to a sophomore slump and expect him to rebound on the high-scoring Indians team.

Colorado Rockies
Comment: Has to beat out Clint Barnes in Spring Training, but the Rockies shortstop-of-the-future and potential rookie of the year candidate is expected to have the starting job on Opening Day. Will he join Matt Holliday and Garret Atkins as another breakout success story in Colorado?

Toronto Blue Jays
Comment: He's set to play second base everyday, so that gives him coveted dual-eligibility. Hill hits for average and can score runs in that lineup, but if he can establish some power, he could take off.

Chicago Cubs
Comment: Health has been an issue the past couple of years, but if the Cubs' offense can click and Izturis stays on the field, the former All-Star could be productive in the run-scoring and stolen base departments.

Seattle Mariners
Comment: Sophomore player can hit for average, but he needs to get on base more to take advantage of base-stealing ability. If he can do that, his steals will see a nice up-tick.


San Francisco Giants
Comment: Vizquel had one of his best seasons in recent memory. And although he is currently in a walk year, I am not ready to buy on Vizquel. He is only a career .276 hitter and had only 66 runs in 2005. He's also turning 40 in April.

Pittsburgh Pirates
Comment: Batting titles mean little in fantasy baseball. Yeah, he posted a .344 average and 85 RBI in 2006. But he also has, for his career, only 11 home runs and 5 stolen bases!

St. Louis Cardinals
Comment: Yes, he was great in the post-season. But the little fella only had 68 runs, 2 home runs and 23 RBI in the 2006 regular season! That went along with a career-low 7 stolen bases. What the Eck?

San Diego Padres
Comment: He's talented, but his career .255 average and inconsistency make him too much of a headache for fantasy owners. He is really only worth a short-term waiver wire pick-up when he goes on one of his hitting streaks. But his long-term outlook is pretty gray.

Oakland Athletics
Comment: Former AL ROY has had the past two seasons derailed because of injuries. A's are being very careful to wean him into game shape during Spring Training and avoid any more injuries. Those holding out hope for a return to 2004 form shouldn't hold their breath.