2009 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: SS

At 24 years of age, Hanley's power/speed combo makes him a sure fire top 5 pick in 2009. He joined the 30-30 club in 2008 while stealing 35 bases. The sky's the limit for the Marlins leadoff hitter and a case could be made for taking him No. 1 overall on Draft Day, especially considering A-rod's recent steroid allegations.

A true 5-tool shortstop , the speedster warrants a first round pick on draft day. In 2008, he topped 50 stolen base for the 4th straight year to go with 16 HRs and an alarming 19 triples. He showed impressive plate discipline with a career-best .358 on-base percentage in 2008, and hitting a top a loaded Mets lineup should provided another season of 100+ runs scored

At age 30, Rollins production dipped a bit from his 2007 MPS season. He could come at a slight discount in '09 and makes for a potential bargain as he could end the season as the #1 fantasy SS. The power decline is concerning as he hit only 11 dingers in '08 after topping 25 in 2006 and 2007 but some of the production dip can be attributed to an ankle injury that cost him 25 games.

The sky's the limit for the 26 year old who showed what he could do in his third season in the majors. Drew was only the third shortstop in major-league history to finish with 40 doubles, 10 triples and 20 home runs. His .502 slugging % was equally impressive and a case can be made for taking him #4 among shortstops in '09.

The 27 year old showed impressive power belting 21 homers in 480 at bats in his rookie season. He figures to switch to full time SS in 2009 with the loss of Orlando Cabrera to free agency. Hitting in the 2-hole ahead of Carlos Quentin should provide numerous chances to build on the 65 runs scored in 2008.

At 35 years old, the veteran SS is capable of quality production but may be overvalued on draft day. He appears to be in decline as 2008 marked the first time he fell short of 200 hits since 2004. He's no longer a lock for 20-20 and 15-15 is more likely. Someone will overpay for the Yankee SS, I'd recommend going in a different direction.

Furcal started 2008 on fire batting .367 in April before a lower back injury destroyed his season in early May. At a shallow fantasy position, a healthy Furcal could top 15 home runs and 40 stolen bases. He's 31 and back injuries can linger but he makes for the perfect high risk / high reward selection on draft day.

A 30-HR season is a real possibility in 2009. Most Indians hitters struggled in 2008 but Peralta was the lone bright spot totaling 89 RBI and 109 runs scored. Peralta hit 4th most of '08 as Travis Hafner dealt with injuries. He turns 27 this year and may move to 3rd or fifth spot in the lineup but should continue to flourish in 2009.

The 2007 Rookie of the Year struggled in 2008 but a strong finish could signal a productive 2009. The first half of '08 was marred with a torn left quadriceps and a cut right hand. In the 2nd half of eight, Tulo hit .327 and he has the potential for a 20 homer season in '09 if he can stay healthy.

After slugging 26 home runs in 2007, Hardy exploded in July '08 by blasting six home runs in six games and was able to raise his slugging percentage even higher than his 2007 breakout season. He is very streaky but his underrated power makes worth the risk in fantasy drafts.

Rumors have him moving to 3B in 2009 to clear shortstop for prospect Elvis Andrus. At 32 years old, Young may struggle to regain consistency in '09. He has the potential to hit over .300, the runs scored and RBI numbers figure to be impressive batting atop a loaded Texas lineup. He remains an injury risk but still ranks among the top 10-15 shortstops on draft day.

The Hard-hitting infielder is destined to build on his impressive rookie campaign and could be a real value on draft day as most Royals usually are. In 2008, the 27-year-old rookie enjoyed a breakout season batting .325 with 10 home runs in only 419 at-bats. As an added bonus he qualifies in most leagues at shortstop and second base.

At 34, amid steroid allegations, his career appears to be in freefall. His power numbers were way down in 2008 as he only hit 13 HRs with a paltry 66 RBIs. On Feb 12th, he was charged with lying to Congressional investigators about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Tejada faces a maximum penalty of a year in jail, but probation would be the most likely scenario in the event of a conviction.

The 26 year old is a developing SS with mild upside. He has .300+ potential but not much power as evidenced by only 10 HRs in 2008. Also his lack of SB (only 2 last year) is a bit concerning.

In slight decline, but still steady and you can expect a .280 and 20 SB now matter where he lands in free agency. His power numbers are limited (only hit 8 HRs with 57 RBIs in 2008) but he did swipe 19 stolen bases for the White Sox in '08.

Could have a bounce back season now that he returns to the NL in 2009 but injuries are a concern. The 13-year big league veteran batted .270 with 10 homers and 55 RBI last season for the Tigers. At age 33, his natural hitting ability could provide value on draft day if he can stay healthy.

Unlikely to match his productive 2008 and could be overvalued on draft day. Guzman has only topped 10 homers once and is not much a SB threat. His 2008 batting average of .316 last year was an aberration and .280 is more likely in '09.

His numbers should improve as he has now departed from fantasy hell for hitters (PETCO). In 2007, he hit 27 homers and if he stays healthy he could get you 20 homers but figures to hit at the bottom of the Cardinal lineup..

His role is unclear with Julio Lugo still in town but he could post Dustin Pedroia like stats with less power if given everyday at bats.

The Riot is a very capable source of about 30 SB with good run production if he keeps the SS job and continues manning the 2-hole in an explosive Cub lineup. He played over his head as a full-timer in 2008 and his batting average declined each month in the 2nd half of 2008. Another concern is he was caught stealing 13 times and the Cubs put the breaks on him in the 2nd half.