by William Fritz

Created on: March 02, 2007   Last Updated: September 11, 2010

The position of shortstop over the years has certainly not lacked in talent, but going into the 2007 season the list is definitely shorter in terms of great shortstops. So heading into the season here are your top 5 shortstops.

#5- Rafael Furcal- Last season he batted .300 along with 37 stolen bases, and he has one of the strongest arms in baseball. Along with his speed and defense he belted 15 home runs and scored 113 runs. If he was not batting in the top of the order he would have also produced a lot more than 65 RBI's. He should be a lot more comfortable this year since it will be his second year in LA, and his number's should reflect him being one of the top 5 shortstops in baseball.

#4- Miguel Tejada- Although the Orioles had a hard time protecting this powerful bat, and although he had a hard time early in 2006, he still produced some good numbers. Tejeda still hit 24 HR's and exactly 100 RBI's but to his standards his numbers were a lot lower than they should be, but players who consistently hit 100 RBI's are very valuable.

#3- Hanley Ramirez- This player is just a star in the making. I was able to watch him play everyday being from the miami area, and he is just an exciting player to watch. He batted .292 and had 59 stolen bases and is always on base for Miguel Cabrera to bring in. He scored 119 runs and belted 17 home runs. You can expect these numbers to increase dramatically during the course of this season.

#2- Derek Jeter- One of the greatest Yankees, Jeter is primed for a big season, and how can you not produce with the lineup they have over in New York. Last season Jeter had the best season of his career batting .343 with 34 stolen bases, 14 home runs, and 97 RBI's. The lineup is even better this year so expect a big season again for Jeter.

#1- Jose Reyes- He is the anchor and the spark plug to the Mets lineup, and without him where would they be? He hits for average, he has speed, power, good defense. There is nothing Jose Reyes can not do. The most exciting thing is he's very young and the production will only get better. Last year he had 64 stolen bases, batted .300, scored 122 times, hit 19 home runs, and had 81 RBI's while hitting at the top of their order, and because he is so young, you can expect him to hit for more power and a better average this year. That upside is what makes him the best shortstop in baseball.

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