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2016 AL East Rankings by Position: Shortstop

By Nate Wardle

Jun 10, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (2) tags out Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) at second base during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (2) tags out Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) at second base during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki throws to first base against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning in game six of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki throws to first base against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning in game six of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toronto Blue Jays – Troy Tulowitzki, Darwin Barney, David Adams

Troy Tulowitzki is a 31-year-old who has a lot of miles on his problematic knees. And he has had injury issues over each of the last few years. In addition, Tulo struggled in the stretch run for the Jays, hitting .239/.317/.380. However, Tulo’s career averages are .297/.369/.508, considerably better. Now, one has to wonder how much of that is from playing in Coors Field and Colorado.

The five-time All-Star is a two-time Gold Glove winner and two-time Silver Slugger winner, all in the National League. As long as he is healthy and plays most games, Tulo is a guy expected to hit 20 home runs and 20 doubles for the Jays.

Despite his age, Tulo has rated as one of the best fielders in the game, and the best range out of all shortstops. In fact, he has the highest career fielding percentage for a shortstop in Major League history. Even if he doesn’t hit as well as he did in Colorado, Tulo’s defense is worth the price of admission.

The only concern here is the fact of someone with knee issues playing on the unforgiving turf at Rogers Centre. On paper, it looks like Tulo will have a good year in the powerful Jays’ lineup, but it requires him to stay healthy. Much like I think Mark Teixeira won’t stay healthy for New York, I don’t think Tulo will either. If not, Darwin Barney, the former Cub and Dodger, is likely to be the shortstop for the Jays.   

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