The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Shortstops for 2011

The Phenom's Top 5 Fantasy Shortstops for 2011

1. Troy Tulowitzki/ COL: Tulo did more than all other MLB shortstops and played in just 122 games in 2010. I expect big things from Tulo in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .311 avg., 36 hr's, 108 rbi, 107 runs, 21 sb's

2. Hanley Ramirez/ FLA: Ramirez is a five-tool player and a definite first round selection in all formats.

Projected 2011 Stats: .315 avg., 26 hr's, 79 rbi, 110 runs, 34 sb's

3. Jose Reyes/ NYM: Reyes' strength comes in the form of speed, which results in more runs scored, more infield singles, and more stolen bases.

Projected 2011 Stats: .286 avg., 13 hr's, 63 rbi, 111 runs, 58 sb's

4. Alexei Ramirez/ CWS: Alexei is a very balanced, tier 2 shortstop. He may have a break-out season in 2011.

Projected 2011 Stats: .284 avg., 20 hr's, 75 rbi, 82 runs, 15 sb's

5. Elvis Andrus/ TEX: Andrus is a great, young, star-in-the-making, but I need to see more. I believe he will have a solid season in '11.

Projected 2011 Stats: .277 avg., 4 hr's, 47 rbi, 94 runs, 36 sb's

2011 Shortstop Draft Strategy: It is very clear that there are two top fantasy players at the shortstop position, Troy Tulowitzki and Hanley Ramirez. These guys should be first round selections in all formats. If you have the opportunity to get one of these two phenoms, you must take advantage of it. The difference between these two and the rest of the shortstops is a very wide gap. Tulo and Hanley are tier 1 shortstops and tier 2 is comprised of Reyes, Andrus, Alexei Ramirez, Jimmy Rollins, Derek Jeter, and Stephen Drew. Your draft strategy for the shortstop position is very simple based on the lack of depth at the position. You either get Tulo or Hanley in the first round; select Reyes, Andrus, or Alexei Ramirez in the 4th-6th round range; or acquire Rollins, Jeter, or Drew, in the middle rounds. Once you get past those 8, there's not much left for you to choose from. If you miss out on Tulo or Hanley Ramirez, go ahead and forget about your shortstop position until the middle rounds.