The Three most logical shortstops to build a team around.
Written by Joe Veno on June 30, 2009 – 5:14 PM -A few days back I discussed who the three most logical 3B to build a team around were.
Now, I will dive head first into the shortstop position.
Remember though, these are the three Shortstops that I would build around, based on contract, talent, performance–both offensively and defensively–makeup, etc. They are not the three best SS. Well, I guess they could be. But that is not the intention.
The three SS, in order:
- Hanley Ramirez: Is there anyone else? Sure, he may end up at another position…but even that I am not sure about. According to UZR, Ramirez has been okay with the glove this season. That UZR currently stands at 0.5. And if you take out 2007, his defensive numbers aren’t as atrocious as his reputation would lead you to believe. Over the past two seasons, he’s actually been middle of the pack as far as defensive shortstops go. But offensively is where he is strongest. Currently, Ramirez is hitting .319/.398/.562, in a pitchers park. Talk about production. Over the past two seasons, no shortstop even comes close to Ramirez’s offensive production. Seriously, not even close. His wOBA of .414 is so far from second place Derek Jeter (.355) it is ridiculous. His contract is expensive…for the Marlins. But he actually has a great contract, although somewhat expensive if you are a small market team like Florida is. The last three years of it he’s going ot make $15-$16.5 million per season. If he stays in a Marlins uniform through that contract, it will be very surprising. But they DO need to have the face of their franchise there for the fans if they are going to have a new stadium. But there is no other viable choice over Ramirez, as he is the most logical choice to build a team around at the SS position.
- Jose Reyes: This is tough. Reyes is one of the most talented players in the game. But his mentality is in question. He makes base-running gaffes. He makes other mental mistakes along with those. And right now he is hurt. But he will come back. And he will play pretty well upon return. Over the past two seasons, he is still second in WAR among SS’s, all this while playing in all of 36 games this season. Reyes is still only 26 years old, so his prime is just beginning–His supposed prime anyway. And he brings both sides of the ball to the table, plus the ability to be a force on the base-paths. Pre-injury, Reyes was batting .279/.355/.395, with a negative UZR. But that UZR has been strong in the past, and there is no reason someone would ever say Reyes is a poor fielder. Because he’s not. He is a plus defender at the most coveted position on the pitchers side of the catcher. Reyes is only under contract one more season–at $9 million. But in 2011, there is an $11 million club option, which will definitely be exercised. Reyes is a heck of a player, and I would gladly take him as my SS if Ramirez was off the board. But…
- Troy Tulowitzki: …Tulo is hitting again. And there are no known questions about Tulo’s desire. And there is no reason to believe that Tulowitzki will forget the situation and make a blunder. So if he and Reyes were available, I would have to think long and hard about which player I would take. The past three years have Tulo seventh in WAR. And aside from his “sophomore slump” there has been nothing but stellar play out of Colorado’s stud SS. But just like every other Colorado player that has ever stepped into the batters box, there are questions about the home/road splits. Tulo is hitting .290/.369/.486 at home, and .257/.326/.403 on the road over his short career. So there are definite questions there. However, his defense is his biggest strength. An astounding UZR of 14.9 in 2007, a sub-par 2008 all -around (injuries), and this season that UZR is back up to 2.5. Tulo is under contract for a potential of five more seasons after this year. Which may or may not be great for a given club.
Posted in Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Player Analysis, Rankings | 12 Comments »
June 30th, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Well. I have some additions. One of them is Stephen Drew. I think he’s got 20-HR pop and can improve and post 285/365/500 nearly every year. I also wouldn’t mind starting a team with Yunel Escobar. Though his recent “attitude” problems have probably hurt him. And there are 2 in the minors. Alcides Escobar and Elvis Andrus.
Though if Hanley can stick at short he’s the obvious choice. I just don’t know that he can.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Hanley, statistically at least, has improved defensively. I understand Drew, for he would have been fifth for me. Either he or Escobar actually. I was going to extend this to a five player list, but I just chose not to. I think Hardy would have been fourth, then Drew, for me anyway.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:43 AM
i’ll take escobar over reyes any day. and it’s not because i can’t stand him. well maybe I can’t stand him for his grandstanding his POOR baserunning, lack of hustle. etc etc
this is where it pays to NOT pay attention to the numbers. jose reyes is not a winner.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Escobar was in the doghouse too…
But Reyes lack of focus is why Tulo makes it so close for me.
You see this?
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/bls_poll_derek_jeter_vs_mariano_rivera_who_you_taking/
July 1st, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Yeah, Reyes and Rollins kind of suck. The general opinion around baseball is they’ve both peaked and are already starting to decline.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:47 AM
I definitely agree about Rollins. His MVP season was him peaking. But I have to say that I still expect more out of “mental-lapse” Reyes. He’s still young, unlike Rollins. And he can do so many things, including play defense at SS, which is huge.
July 1st, 2009 at 4:10 PM
agreed- but as far as choosing someone to build a team around? forget it i’m looking for more than just the tools. i want the intangibles as well and reyes just doesn’t have them. since this was a subjective blog topic i don’t feel like i’m out of line with making this statement. I’ve watched plenty of mets games…
i’m off to the stadium soon to catch the yanks/mariners, i hope andy has something tonight other than base on balls to offer. i see your sox made mincemeat of sherril today..
July 1st, 2009 at 4:14 PM
You are out of line!
Haha. Trust me, I have no problem with someone not wanting Reyes to build their team around because of the stuff we have been talking about. But if we were focusing on SS, and Hanley was gone…Well, I would have a hard time letting Reyes pass for the next guy, which I have no idea how good of a hitter he actually is (Colorado). But I never thought you were “out of line” for speaking your mind 
July 1st, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Miguel Angel Sano???????
July 1st, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Now I know who he is. But yea, I’d take Reyes…
July 14th, 2009 at 11:43 PM
Spot on list with the exception I think of Reyes. I know it sounds a little crazy but I have heard a lot about scouts being terrified that he has already peaked. It would be a real shame if a talent like that can’t really improve.
http://moneyball.mlblogs.com/
July 15th, 2009 at 12:00 AM
I think we are all hearing that now, and it would be sad. I still think he will be solid, although maybe not as great as he has been.