Alexei Ramirez

2013

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2012

Ramirez did not repeat his Silver Slugger-quality 2010, but he did not experience much of a drop-off in 2011. His home runs and steals totals dipped a bit, as did his batting average, but he set a new career-high in walks and continued to play defense at a high level. Ramirez hit more frequently in the two-hole of the lineup with Gordon Beckham slumping, and he had his best OPS from that slot (.775 versus .727 overall). His value will likely peak if he starts 2012 from that lineup perch, while his durability and consistency make him a good option for owners who pass on the elite shortstop on draft day.

2011

Ramirez was one of the best offensive shortstops in the American League in 2010, and he might have been even better were it not for an awful April. He hit .215 with one home run, 18 RBI and a 1:13 BB:K through his first 79 at-bats, but then .292, 17, 62 and 26:69 over his next 506 en route to the AL Silver Slugger award. The award may have more to do with the current state of his position in his league than with his actual stat line, but there wasn't much to complain about other than a falling walk rate. He has racked up double-digit totals in home runs and steals in each of his first three MLB seasons, and there is no apparent reason to think he will not make it four in a row as the White Sox's starting shortstop in 2011.

2010

Ramirez started the 2009 season terribly. He had a .213/.261/.276 line through his first 36 starts, and his gaffes at shortstop had his manager and fans on his case. He proceeded to hit .296/.355/.424 over the next 111 contests and finished the season with 15 home runs and 14 steals. One big improvement from his 2008 season was his improved patience at the plate. He upped his walk total from 18 to 49, but that only boosted his OBP by 14 points because he added 100 plate appearances. He may not pan out to be the next great AL shortstop, but the power should develop as he enters his late-20s.

2009

Just to clear up some things: he's not that young (27) and he's not that good (.317 OBP, 59% percent success on steal attempts, poor defense). With all that said, a shortstop with a decent BA, good power and speed is going to have a lot of fantasy value. Ramirez moves to short full-time this year, and while his limitations are clear, so is the potential for Shawon Dunston's peak, which will play.

2008

Ramirez defected from Cuba last fall and signed a contract with the White Sox. He hit .335 with 68 RBIs and a league-leading 20 home runs in 2006. He's a wild card heading into spring training as he could win a spot on the major league roster or need more development in the minors. It's worth noting that he also played second base for his Cuban team, although most scouts still project him as a corner outfielder.