FanHouse positional rankings were compiled by averaging the individual rankings of each member of the Fantasy FanHouse staff. While Hanley Ramirez's steals, RBI and average took some decent hits in 2008, he still increased his home run output. Plus, he's only going to be 25 years old this year, and the 35 steals and .301 average aren't exactly anything to complain about. As his patience rises -- he shattered his previous career high in walks last year -- he'll grow as a complete player. Thus, despite strong competition from Jose Reyes, Ramirez was our unanimous choice atop the shortstop rankings.
More comments after the rankings.
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
2. Jose Reyes, Mets
3. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
4. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks
5. Derek Jeter, Yankees
6. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers
7. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
8. J.J. Hardy, Brewers
9. Michael Young, Rangers
10. Jhonny Peralta, Indians
11. Yunel Escobar, Braves
12. Mike Aviles, Royals
13. Miguel Tejada, Astros
14. Ryan Theriot, Cubs
15. Edgar Renteria, Giants
16. Jed Lowrie, Red Sox
17. Cristian Guzman, Nationals
18. Orlando Cabrera, Free Agent
19. Khalil Greene, Cardinals
20. Jason Bartlett, Rays
21. Yuniesky Betancourt, Mariners
22. Elvis Andrus, Rangers
23. Jeff Keppinger, Reds
24. Bobby Crosby, A's
25. Erick Aybar, Angels
26. Clint Barmes, Rockies
27. Jerry Hairston, Reds
28. Brandon Wood, Angels
29. Cesar Izturis, Orioles
30. Brendan Harris, Twins
31. Jack Wilson, Pirates
32. Ronny Cedeno, Mariners
33. Emmanuel Burriss, Giants
34. Nick Punto, Twins
35. David Eckstein, Padres
• This position is actually much thinner than it was earlier this decade. There are solid deeper league options, sure, but it temporarily became a power position. That has fallen by the wayside, as you, once again, need to shoot for category scarcity if you miss out on one of the studs. This means Ryan Theriot is much more valuable than Miguel Tejada due to his stolen base output. Yes, Tejada squeaked ahead of Theriot in our staff rankings, but that was against my personal will.
• If you want to gamble on the health of Furcal, he could end up being a major steal. He was playing like an MVP through the first month last season before falling injured, and he returned to put together a nice NLDS in October.
• Everyone loves Elvis. In fact, the Rangers love Andrus so much they are moving Michael Young to third base. Andrus is only 20, but he's a smooth-fielding speedster who should stick in the everyday lineup for Texas. He stole 54 bases in 118 games last year in Double AA. You won't get much power just yet, but if you are looking for cheap speed, here you go.
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