Top 10 Shortstops Under 25

This is the fourth installment of our seven-part series on the top 10 players under 25 by position. So far, we’ve ranked catchers, first basemen, and second basemen.

 

Notes: For this series, we've ranked players based both on potential and proximity to the majors -- opposed to mainly ceiling as we did in our Top 100. Think of this list as one you'd take into a dynasty league draft. April 1st, 2007 was used as the cutoff date for eligibility on this list.

 

1. Jose Reyes, MLB, NYM (6/11/83): After a 2005 where despite flashes of brilliance over 161 games – including 60 stolen bases – Reyes posted just a .686 OPS (.300/.386), the Dominican native exploded in 2006 to become one the game’s most exciting players. His 66 extra base-hits (30 2B, 17 3B, and 19 HR) and much improved plate discipline boosted his OPS to .841 (.354/.487). Always good with the glove and a terror on the basepaths, Reyes, 23, has arguably become the best shortstop in baseball.

 

2. Hanley Ramirez, MLB, FLA (12/23/83): Hanley Ramirez took the National League by storm last season, proving to be the total package on his way towards picking up the NL Rookie of the Year award. In 633 at-bats, Ramirez, 23, hit 17 home runs and smacked 46 doubles around the park, leading the Samana, Dominican Republic native to a strong .292/.353/.480 vital line. The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder also swiped an impressive 56 bags, establishing himself as a premier, young force among big league shortstops.

 

3. Stephen Drew, MLB, ARI (3/16/83): Whether it was the long road trips, mediocre post-game meals, or who knows what else, one thing was certain: Stephen Drew was in a rush to trade his bus fare for first class. In 674 minor league at-bats, Drew, 23, posted a line of .315/.385/.546, thanks in part to 31 home runs and 79 walks, before going .316/.357/.517 for the Diamondbacks. Expect the Florida State product to have great success in 2007 and for the rest of his promising career.

 

4. Brandon Wood, AAA, LAA (3/2/85): A prolific power hitter – 93 2B, 8 3B, and 68 HR over the past two seasons – Wood’s raw ability garners mouth-agape attention from whomever sees him play. His incredible extra-base totals not withstanding, Wood nonetheless has his critics. The 21-year-old struck out in a staggering 28.4% of his at-bats in 2006 and committed 27 errors in the field. Even if he gets shifted to third base, he’ll remain a unique talent.

 

5. Troy Tulowitzki, MLB, COL (10/10/84): The National League has three very talented shortstops who are just entering their prime, so Tulowitzki, 22, could be overshadowed his entire career. A slick defender with an average bat, the Long Beach State product will likely put up better offensive numbers than Bobby Crosby but not mash as much as Evan Longoria. Tulowitzki’s quick ascension to the big leagues reflects as much on the health of the Rockies’ big league squad as his minor league success.

 

6. Reid Brignac, AA, TB (1/16/86): Few shortstops have established a power reputation the way Reid Brignac has. The 2004 second round selection hit 32 doubles and 24 home runs over two levels (High-A and Double-A) in 2006, where he posted lines of .326/.382/.557 and .300/.355/.473, respectively. There’s no reason not to expect more of the same from Brignac as he wraps up the higher levels of minor league ball this season.

 

7. J.J. Hardy, MLB, MIL (8/19/82): In stark contrast to some of the guys on this list, Hardy moved up through the minors with a stellar defensive reputation but limited offensive development. A minor league OPS of .737 (.335/.402) has not yet improved in 159 games with the Brewers. His .707 OPS (.319/.388) over two seasons cut short by injury will have to take a step forward for Hardy to become anything more than a hardnosed, but limited player. He has shown glimpses of impressive power.

 

8. Jhonny Peralta, MLB, CLE (5/28/82): Peralta's 2006 campaign came in with less than stellar results: .257/.323/.385. But if this list were composed prior to the '06 season, fans would have been far more excited about the Santiago, Dominican Republic native. Peralta, 24, hit 35 doubles and belted 24 homers to post a .292/.366/.520 vital line. If he can return to his 2005 form, expect Peralta to shoot back up the charts.

 

9. Erick Aybar, MLB, LAA (1/14/84): Slightly under the radar do to Wood’s emergence, Aybar, 22, has remained an Angel despite popping up in quite a few trade rumors over the last season. His speed and defense make him an intriguing prospect, but his bat will need to improve or he will merely wind up as a very good utility man. Stuck behind Orlando Cabrera and perhaps Wood, Aybar may need a change of scenery to have a chance of becoming an above-average regular.

 

10. Elvis Andrus, A, ATL (8/26/88): Athletic and projectable, Andrus, 18, wouldn’t be on this list if he didn’t have a lot of potential. But it’s tough to get a grasp on what kind of player he could be. The Venezuela native hit .265/.324/.382 with 23 stolen bases in 38 attempts (60.5% success) in his first full season – 437 at-bats at Single-A Rome. For comparison, Jose Reyes hit .307/.337/.472 with 30 stolen bases in 40 attempts (75.0%) at approximately the same age and level.

 

Check back on Friday for our top 10 third basemen under 25.