2012 Prospect Position Rankings: Shortstop

Compiled by Ben Badler, J.J. Cooper and Matt Eddy
March 22, 2012

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See also: Righthanded starters
See also: Lefthanded starters
See also: Relievers
See also: Catchers
See also: First Basemen
See also: Second Basemen

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Ranking players is one of the bedrocks of what we do here at Baseball America. With the Top 100 Prospects list now in the books, we're not putting the offseason rankings away just yet. We're ranking prospects by position, continuing today with shortstops.

The pairing of Jurickson Profar and Manny Machado alone makes shortstop a position with impact talent.  The list drops off pretty quickly after them, but Francisco Lindor and Hak-Ju Lee also stand out as players on the rise.

2012 Top Rookie: Zack Cozart, Reds. He's got the big league job locked up, and his power production will make him more than a bottom-of-the-order hitter.

2012 Breakout: Levi Michael, Twins. The Twins didn't get to see much of what he could do in '11, but if healthy, he has a well-rounded game.

1. Jurickson Profar, Rangers: As an amateur, some teams preferred him better as a pitcher. Rangers chose wisely to let him hit.

2. Manny Machado, Orioles: Orioles' hopes for the future rest largely on his shoulders.

3. Francisco Lindor, Indians: Could be better defensively than Profar or Machado, but his bat isn't nearly as potent.

4. Hak-Ju Lee, Rays: He could fix one of the few remaining holes in the Rays' lineup.

5. Zack Cozart, Reds: He has more power than most shortstops and enough glove

6. Nick Franklin, Mariners: Some believe he'll eventually move off shortstop, but his bat is one of the best on this list.

7. Andrelton Simmons, Braves: Wowing Braves big leaguers with his glove during spring training.

8. Jonathan Villar, Astros: Can field the position with the best of them, but will he hit enough?

9. Tyler Pastronicky, Braves: Not flashy, but should hit and field well enough to hold down Braves' big league job.

10. Joe Panik, Giants: Great debut last summer. Now has to prove he has a second act.

11. Trevor Story, Rockies: May move to third base, but that's more because of Troy Tulowitzki than any defensive deficiencies.

12. Didi Gregorius, Reds: His glovework and improving bat have impressed the big leaguers this spring.

13. Levi Michael, Twins: First job is to stay healthy after an injury-marred draft year.

14. Adeiny Hechavarria, Blue Jays: Consider him the Cuban version of Jonathan Villar: great glove, so-so bat.

15. Chris Owings, Diamondbacks: Shows plus power and bat speed in BP, but chases too many bad pitches once the game begins.

16. Leury Garcia, Rangers

17. Jose Iglesias, Red Sox

18. Marco Hernandez, Cubs

19. Jace Peterson, Padres

20. Roman Quinn, Phillies

21. Ryan Jackson, Cardinals

22. Ehire Adrianza, Giants

23. Brad Miller, Mariners

24. Rick Hague, Nationals

25. Freddy Galvis, Phillies

26. Brian Dozier, Twins

27. Dickie Joe Thon, Blue Jays

28. Yadiel Rivera, Brewers

29. Orlando Arcia, Brewers

30. Luis Sardinas, Rangers

31. Jose Vinicio, Red Sox

32. Orlando Calixte, Royals

33. Niko Goodrum, Twins

34. Jio Mier, Astros

35. Tyler Saladino, White Sox