6 Skinny Legged Shortstops

Jean Segura could be a real value on draft day.

I’m going to give you the 2013 fantasy baseball projections for 6 shortstops, then we’ll discuss them one-by-one.

Each of these shortstops are of the skinny-legged, narrow-shouldered variety, as you can see by their poor power numbers, but great stolen base numbers. They play to type in other words. I’m not here to mock the skinny-legged shortstop, I’m here to pay homage.

Shortstop A is Everth Cabrera

Controversy is swirling around Cabrera right now, but there is no denying that he has speed. In fact, he led the National League in steals last year (44), playing in only 115 games. He was caught just 4 times. While he might not help you with the average, he’ll swipe your fantasy baseball team some bags. Currently, his ADP is around 315.

"Takeaway #1: Cabrera is young and has a weakness in his game. That doesn’t mean that he isn’t a “steal” if he drops that low in your draft."

Shortstop B is Alcides Escobar

Escobar brought his A game last season with a .293 AVG and we’re projecting that to regress some. Ned Yost will have the Royals stealing bases and Escobar carries an 88% success rate, meaning he always has the green light. His current ADP is 217. 

"Takeaway #2: Escobar’s average will regress, but sometimes the correction can have players fall too far in drafts."

Shortstop C is Andrelton Simmons

So far Andrelton’s speed hasn’t translated into stolen bases, but it should. He’s also a little broader in the shoulders and could have a little more power than the others over a full season. Word is that he’ll have the opportunity to bat leadoff and his run projection is way too low if he sticks in the one hole.  His current ADP is 259. 

"Takeaway #3: Projections for young players are highly unreliable. Make sure you factor that into building your fantasy baseball team and draft a few reliable veterans at other positions for balance."

Shortstop D is Jean Segura

Blue Jean Segura is someone I’ve been eyeballing for a while. He’s still raw at shortstop, but he has no competition for at bats and has as much upside as anyone on this list. He simply needs refinement and work in hitting off speed stuff.  His current ADP is 287. 

"Takeaway #4: These players are young and on the upswing of their careers. It’s good strategy in dynasty leagues to get them just before a potential breakout."

Shortstop E is Elvis Andrus

Elvis is the best known on this list and for good reason. Only 24, he has 4 seasons of MLB experience under his belt. His runs will be elite and his batting average is predictable and will help you.  His current ADP is 130. 

"Takeaway #5: Drafting experienced players will mean you’ll have to give a higher draft pick for them."

Shortstop F is Dee Gordon

After bursting on the scene in 2011, Gordon was ineffective in 2012. He’ll probably spend time in the minors in 2013. Still, he has speed in spades and is a threat to take both second and third if he can ever get on first.  He is currently going undrafted. 

"Takeaway #6: It’s important to even have an idea of who may be available on the waiver wire when you are scouring for value."

I’m not saying these shortstops are equal. I also realize that their stats aren’t the same, just in the “ballpark.” While a few runs or steals here or there can swing a roto season, it’s still important to have an open mind when it comes to drafting. These players are currently being drafted at entirely different times. If you head into the 2013 draft thinking you’ll draft for speed at the shortstop position, you just might find that you have a lot of flexibility on your hands.