Fantasy Baseball Insiders

Our 2011 fantasy baseball projections will be released one-by-one until the top 100 players have been revealed. These rankings consider past achievements, current performance and expected future results based on standard 5×5 H2H settings.

With three full major league seasons under his belt, fantasy managers now know what to expect from White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez. His three-year averages (see below) are nearly identical to his 2010 totals. The 29-year-old Cuba native has a well-rounded game, and doesn’t hurt you in any category.

In projecting Ramirez for 2011, his spot in the potent White Sox lineup is a deciding factor. He hit second more than any other spot last season, but performed best in the eight hole, batting .296 with seven HRs and six steals in 162 at-bats.

Early indications suggest Ramirez will bat eighth this season in front of 2010 September call-up Brent Morel, opposed to batting second in front of Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko. Of course this will limit the quality of pitches he sees and his run-scoring potential, but he remains a useful fantasy shortstop regardless.

Ramirez’s tendencies of limited strikeout totals and an above-average contact rate will guide him no matter where he hits. His 15/15/.280 floor makes him the sixth ranked shortstop on our 2011 big board, No. 65 overall.

Image courtesy of: Keith Allison

30 Teams in 30 Days Fantasy Preview:

• Baltimore Orioles

Latest from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• 2011 MLB Team-By-Team Spring Training  Injury Report
• Adam Wainwright to Undergo Tommy John Surgery: Updated Pitcher Rankings
• Keeper Conundrum: Bryce Harper or Mike Trout?

Fantasy Baseball Insiders’ 2011 Big Board:

• Top 50 (projections included): Is Pujols Still the Top Pick?
• Nos. 51-60: Jimenez, Verlander, Carpenter or Sabathia?
• No. 61: Carlos Santana
• No. 62: Buster Posey
• No. 63: Kendry Morales
• No. 64: Adrian Beltre

MLB Trades: Fantasy Impact:

• Frank Francisco Traded to the Blue Jays, Who Will Be The Team’s Closer?
• Mike Napoli Traded to the Texas Rangers: Fantasy Impact
• Vernon Wells Traded to the Los Angeles Angels: Fantasy Impact

Previous articles from Fantasy Baseball Insiders:

• The Sub-2.50 ERA Curse: Why Five Elite Starting Pitchers May Regress in 2011
• 2010 Batting Average on Balls in Play Leaders: What to Expect in 2011?
• 2011 Closer’s Corner: Papelbon, Cordero & Rivera Are the Only Reliable Options