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Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 Shortstops for 2017

By Jason Evans

Sep 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) reacts during an MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) reacts during an MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) reacts to a called strike in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) reacts to a called strike in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Elvis Andrus– Texas Rangers

2016 stats: 147 games .302/.362/.439 eight homers 75 RBI 24 steals

2017 steamer: 138 games .277/.337/.382 six homers 61 RBI 21 steals

Andrus was a catalyst on the teams from the earlier part of the decade that went deep into the playoffs and almost won a World Series. Andrus’ offense really took a tumble after 2012, posting three straight seasons of a WRC+ of 78, 80 and 70 (100 is league average). The Rangers gave him an eight year $120 million extension in 2015 and he finally got back into the swing of things offensively in 2016.

He brought his average over .300 for the first time in his career and posted a career best 112 WRC+. He increased his walk rate, while producing his third straight season of over 30 doubles and has stolen over 20 bases every year of his career.

Andrus did have a BABIP of .333, a career high. Does this mean regression is coming, or has he turned the corner entering his age 28 season offensively?

It’s certainly a roll of dice if you pick Elvis, but one which could pay off for you in 2017.

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