Here's a final look at the top 30 shortstops for 5x5 roto leagues -- covering homers, RBI, batting average, runs and steals.
Per usual, the fantasy world isn't blessed with supreme depth at shortstop; but then again, it's not as scarce or top-heavy as in previous years.
So ... that's something.
Plus, it's important to note: Potential A's dynamo Marcus Semien (two homers, .367 OBP during the spring) -- who currently has dual-position eligibility (2B/3B) -- should garner shortstop eligibility sometime in mid-April.
TOP 30 SHORTSTOPS
1. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
2. Ian Desmond, Nationals
3. Hanley Ramirez, Red Sox
4. Jose Reyes, Blue Jays
5. Jean Segura, Brewers
6. Starlin Castro, Cubs
7. Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox
8. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
9. Danny Santana, Twins
10. Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals
11. Jordy Mercer, Pirates
12. Andrelton Simmons, Braves
13. Elvis Andrus, Rangers
14. Alcides Escobar, Royals
15. Asdrubal Cabrera, Rays
16. Ben Zobrist, Giants
17. Jimmy Rollins, Dodgers
18. Erick Aybar, Angels
19. J.J. Hardy, Orioles
20. Javier Baez, Cubs
21. Jed Lowrie, Astros
22. Chris Owings, Diamondbacks
23. Chris Taylor, Mariners
24. Jose Ramirez, Indians
25. Didi Gregorius, Yankees
26. Jose Iglesias, Tigers
27. Josh Rutledge, Angels
28. Brandon Crawford, Giants
29. Brad Miller, Mariners
30. Francisco Lindor, Indians (Memorial Day stash)
30b. Peter Kozma, Cardinals
30c. Marwin Gonzalez, Astros
BREAKDOWN
1. This may be the last year of blindly earmarking Tulowitzki (21 HR, 52 RBI, 71 runs, .340 batting in 2014) for 140 games at shortstop, given his wretched three-year average of 88 games played.
On the flip side, Tulo still registered a 1.035 OPS through 91 games last season ... which is certainly worthy of a Round 2 selection in dreamland.
2. Tulo may possess the highest upside of the group, but Desmond stands as the cleanest, surest draftee. His three-year averages include: 23 HR, 81 RBI, 74 runs, 22 steals and a .275 batting average.
3. Of course, once Han-Ram secures his dual-position eligibility (as Boston's new left fielder), he might possess greater value than Desmond.
The larger point: There's a noticeable drop-off at this position after Tulowitzki, Desmond and Ramirez are off the board (early in Round 3).
After that, mixed-league drafters should suspend all thoughts of taking a shortstop ... until Round 6.
4. Segura gets a relative free pass from last year's erratic numbers (5 HR, 31 RBI, 61 runs, .246 batting) -- given the horrific sadness of losing an infant child.
As such, I have chosen to remember the rock-solid splits from 2013: Two months of three-plus homers, three months of double-digit RBI, four months of double-digit runs and five months of seven-plus steals.
5. I made the potentially tragic mistake of shelling out $17 for Asdrubal Cabrera (14 HR, 61 RBI, 10 steals, 74 runs with the Indians and Nationals last year) in an American League-only auction draft on Saturday.
But for now, I'm going to invoke a positive spin on the 29-year-old middle infielder's 2015 prospects, citing three reasons:
a. With the Rays, Cabrera will have a full-time gig at his natural position (shortstop) -- which wasn't the case with the Nationals (primarily at second base).
b. Even with all the changes last season, Cabrera still enjoyed three months of double-digit RBI and four months of double-digit runs.
c. In 24 games at Tropicana Field, Cabrera has tallied nine RBI, 17 runs and 39 total bases.
6. For those who deemed Danny Santana's 2014 numbers as flukish (7 HR, 70 runs, 20 steals, .319 batting in 101 games), here's a look at his stellar spring numbers (through March 28):
Two steals, seven runs, .354 batting, .500 slugging, .867 OPS.
Jay Clemons can be reached via Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.
