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Joe Davenport provides his analysis on the top 5 Shortstop keepers for dynasty leagues and 2014 fantasy baseball leagues. These Shortstop keepers should be help in all formats.
Top Five Shortstop Keepers for 2014 Dynasty Leagues
Jean Segura
Segura was the obvious breakout star at the SS position. Owners that drafted him last year (249 ADP), ended up with huge numbers in the first half with 11 HR and 27 SB at the All Star break. He struggled through some injuries during the second half, but still managed to steal another 17 bags. A healthy start to the season and high expectations has Segura high on peoples want list. Finding a player capable of hitting .300 with 10+ HR and 40+ SB is hitting the jackpot especially when his ADP this year is 46. He is the number one keeper at shortstop considering where he was drafted last year. Segura is likely to hit around .285 but will hit 10+ HR/ 40+ SB if he stays healthy. Adding Ryan Braun back to Milwaukee’s lineup helps Segura. Look for Segura to be a Jose Reyes type player and finish as a top five shortstop. The reality is, if you drafted him last year, you are keeping him.
Ian Desmond
For the second year in a row Ian Desmond has had one of the better seasons for a SS. He finished his 2013 campaign with 20 HR with 80 RBI, 77 R while hitting .280 and swiping 21 SB. He has been one of the more consistent shortstop the past few years and found a way to stay off the DL. Last year his ADP was 94. Considering a 25 HR/ 25 SB season not out of the question I would still consider him a keeper at that spot. At the moment his ADP this year is below 50, which is pretty high, but there is plenty of value and argument for him to be great value as a keeper. I think he will end up being the 4th best SS at the end of the year and getting that as your 7th round pick (94 overall in a standard 5x5 12 team league) has a ton of value.
Everth Cabrera
In just 210 games the last two seasons, Everth Cabrera has almost led the majors in stolen bases. With 81 bags, he only trails Mike Trout and Rajai Davis in that category. Even though owners who drafted him last year only got 95 games out of him due to a 50 game suspension for a link to steroids, he still swiped 37 SB while hitting .283 with 54 runs. He has no power and plays at Petco Park so don’t expect any HR, but he could get a lot of extra base hits with those wheels he has. I think 50 SB and 80-85 runs is a strong possibility here. His ADP in 2013 was 253 and so far this year is 116. It’s not very common that you can get one player that can win you SB every week so if you were smart enough to take a shot on him last year continue that intelligence and keep him.
Jurickson Profar
I know Profar had a disappointing year for people who drafted him last year (293 ADP), but I think it would be smart to use him as a keeper. Texas has given the vote of confidence in his ability by trading Ian Kinsler to make a spot for him as the starting 2B. Profar has position eligibility at 2B, SS, and 3B which gives him added value. Remember here he is entering his 21 season which can be high risk/ high reward. With most of the offensive focus on Prince Fielder, I think Profar will showcase his talents this year. He will hit over 10 HR and approach 20 SB. Hitting last in that text lineup will provide him lots of running opportunity as well as a shot at 80-90 runs. His ADP this year so far is 171. I think a lot of people are going to use him as a utility bench player this year and if you were lucky enough to snag him this year there is a ton of value in keeping him this year.
Andrelton Simmons
Everyone knows that Andrelton Simmons is defensive wizard, but did you know he clubbed 17 bombs last year? His on-base percentage is pretty bad, but hitting at the bottom of the Braves lineup he had a sneaky 76 runs. If Dan Uggla and BJ Upton can rebound even a little, Simmons could have a lot more RBI chances to go with that power. Last year his ADP was 228 and this year so far it’s at 155. There is enough value to keep him in my opinion. He is young and playing on a young, competitive team with a motivation to prove his isn’t just a defensive genius. As he puts on the baseball body as they say I could see him turning into an Alex Gonzalez type player. I think he is a lock to get 15 HR and 10 SB at the worst case scenario, but with the Freeman extension perhaps he will be motivated to be the next young Brave that gets locked up. I wouldn’t be if his stats went up across the board this year.
