Fantasy Baseball Player Rankings & Projections
2008 Shortstop Preseason Preview
Jose Reyes
|
 |
One of the best all-around
players in baseball gets the nod as the #1 shortstop
in fantasy baseball, but after Hanley Ramirez's
amazing 2007, Reyes will have to share the slot. |
1. (Tie) Jose Reyes - Mets - 2008 Preview:
His stats went down a bit from his phenomenal 2006 season,
but the 24-year-old shortstop has plenty of potential to
improve. His speed has lead him to 52 triples and 234 stolen
bases in his first 3 seasons including 12 triples and 78
stolen bases in 2007. In addition, his 77-78 walk to strike
out ratio is great for such a young hitter and it has improved
each year. He edges out the upcoming Ramirez mostly because
of his stronger surrounding cast.
2008 Statistics:
.280 - 12 HR's - 57 RBI's - 119 Runs.
2008 Projection:
.297 - 16 HR's - 72 RBI's - 128 Runs.
1. (Tie) Hanley Ramirez - Marlins - 2008
Preview:
He clearly had a better year than Reyes, but the instability
of the Marlin organization and thusly the loss of Miguel
Cabrera, will likely hurt Ramirez's 2008 season. Even with
that, he is so talented and young (24) that he can still
finish as the #1 shortstop in fantasy baseball. Add 51 stolen
bases, 48 doubles and 6 triples to his 2007 fantasy resume.
2007 Statistics:
.332 - 29 HR's - 81 RBI's - 125 Runs.
2008 Projection:
.311 - 24 HR's - 76 RBI's - 119 Runs.
2. Jimmy Rollins - Phillies - 2008 Preview:
An absolute breakout year for the veteran Rollins. After
years of being just a good fantasy shortstop he won the
league National League MVP with 212 hits, 30 home runs,
20 triples, 38 doubles and 41 stolen bases. He lacks the
potential to improve like #1's Reyes and Ramirez, in fact,
Rollins statistics are much more likely to go down a bit
in 2008.
2007 Statistics:
.296 - 30 HR's - 94 RBI's - 139 Runs.
2008 Projection: .290
- 25 HR's - 88 RBI's - 129 Runs.
|
The
search has been done for
you! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Troy Tulowitzki - Rockies - 2008 Preview:
The 23-year-old 2005 #1 draft pick batted .296 with 15 home
runs and 61 RBI's in the second half of the season, finishing
a great rookie year. He comes in at #4 even though some
veterans did as well or a little better because of his potential
and the fact that he plays in Colorado. He added 33 doubles,
5 triples and 7 stolen bases to his 2007 fantasy stats.
You can see Tulowitzki taking a step up like Matt Holiday,
Garret Atkins and Brad Hawpe did and having a big 2008 season.
2007 Statistics:
.291 - 24 HR's - 99 RBI's - 104 Runs.
2008 Projection:
.314 - 25 HR's - 109 RBI's - 111 Runs.
4. Carlos Guillén - Tigers - 2008
Preview:
He is moving over to first base with the addition of Renteria
but he will still qualify as a shortstop. Guillén
is a very solid, consistent and underrated fantasy player
who scores well across the board: 35 doubles, 9 triples
and 13 stolen bases. Not to mention he will be smack in
the middle of the mighty Tiger line-up. That will guarantee
him good numbers.
2007 Statistics:
.296 - 21 HR's - 102 RBI's - 86 Runs.
2008 Projection:
.307 - 20 HR's - 100 RBI's - 85 Runs.
5. J.J. Hardy - Brewers - 2008 Preview:
The 25-year-old broke out in 2007 and looks to be one of
the best young shortstops in baseball. He is a disciplined
hitter with power as evident by his 73 strikeouts and 26
home runs. That usually dictates being a good major league
hitter. He has a solid offense around him and definitely
plays in a hitters park. Hardy is a nice sleeper who could
finish in the top 3 if all goes well.
2008 Statistics:
.277 - 26 HR's - 80 RBI's - 89 Runs.
2008 Projection: .290-
30 HR's - 94 RBI's - 96 Runs.
6. Derek Jeter - Yankees - 2008 Preview:
Consistent as consistent gets, though he is a bit over rated
in fantasy land. 36 doubles, 4 triples and 12 stolen bases
is solid, but not spectacular. Batting near the top of the
Yankee line-up guarantees a good year, but still not as
good as many think. If you like a sure-thing, solid shortstop,
Jeter is your player. Just don't over-pay for him.
2007 Statistics:
.322 - 12 HR's - 73 RBI's - 102 Runs.
2008 Projection:
.324 - 14 HR's - 74 RBI's - 105 Runs.
