8 of 12

Write now Article Tools

It seems like only yesterday that the American League's three-headed beast, Deralexiappara, dominated talk of the best shortstops in baseball. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Nomar Garciappara were not only the only three mentioned in this debate, but were the talk of baseball in general. And why not? Nomar was fighting for batting crowns every year, Arod was setting all kinds of offensive records for any position, much less shortstop. All poor Derek could do was win World Series rings while hitting .320 and scoring 130 runs. Oh, and supposedly they each had a little something extra that seemed to appeal to the ladies.

Well, God bless them, but a new day has dawned. Arod is the most talented player in the game, but he's a third baseman now (a mistake on his part but that's another debate). Nomar is out of the league and playing everywhere BUT shortstop. Plus, he only has about 100 healthy games in him each year. Derek is probably the best shortstop in the American League, but he may not even be in the top five when considering the best shorstops in the majors.

Jimmy Rollins won the National League MVP award last year on sheer chutzpah. He declared his Phillies the team to beat in spring training in spite of their finishing behind the Mets the year before. It took a last-day-of-the-season loss by the Mets to get it done, but he did lead his team to the Eastern Division title. He has learned to hit and improved his defense to go along with his blazing speed. A definite contender.

How DO the Atlanta Braves continue to produce every day stars out of their farm system every single year? It's admirable. It's how the other 29 teams should be doing it. Next up is Yunel Escobar, a 25-year-old from Cuba with the power/ speed combination to make Braves fans forget Rafael Furcal...

However, Rafael is on this list, too. He still has the speed and glovework that made him a hit in Atlanta and he is one of the best leadoff men in the game. And let us not forget that rocket attached to his right shoulder. If he is not the best switch-hitting, leadoff-hitting, speed demon of a shortstop with a howitzer for an arm, then, it's got to be...

Jose Reyes. He does everything Furcal does, but with a little more flare, not to mention joy. I think he'll hit with more power than Rafael as he gets older, but that's just a projection. He has been called "The most exciting player in the game" and its hard to argue.

Troy Tulowitzki - Cal Ripken with more speed and less endurance.

Miguel Tejada - Even with the steroids and the deception about his age, he has been one of the top five shortstops for years.

Orlando Cabrera - Back to the American League, we find a guy who does not get the headlines. He just does everything right. Bet the Red Sox wish they had him back.

Edgar Renteria and Omar Vizquel are among the elder statesman still doing the job

Stephen Drew, Khalil Greene, and Erick Aybar may someday join the discussion, but for now, if I were starting a team today, my shortstop would be...

Hanley Ramirez. You only need to know two pieces of information to see the rationale: 1)Level headed Baseball people are already comparing him to Arod and 2)Even the most frugal organization in American business - the Florida Marlins - could not resist the temptation to throw millions of dollars at him to ensure he would not leave. He blazes on the bases, the ball thunders off his bat, he knows how to play the game, he's got a strong arm. As always, people gripe about his defense. When will people catch on that every young shortstop not named Ozzie, Vizquel or Belanger made a bunch of errors their first few years? That will catch up to the rest of his game and then he may SURPASS Arod as the best in the game.

Learn more about this author, Michael J Link.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Who are the best shortstops in baseball??
We want to hear your view. Write now!