Rankings: Who has the top SS in the AL Central?

Sep 24, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Jose Ramirez (11) throws out Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (not pictured) in the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: Jose Ramirez (Cleveland Indians)

Jose Ramirez took for over Asdrubal Cabrera when he was traded last year. He is pegged to start Opening Day for the Indians, but could be surpassed by Francisco Lindor this spring.

In 68 games last year, Ramirez hit .262, as he lacks home run power and will more than likely hit in the bottom third of the Indians lineup.

He did steal 10 bases, so he can be a threat there but offensively looks limited and does not possess the upside that the four guys ahead of him have.

Ramirez isn’t expected to produce numbers offensively, as whatever he gives is an added bonus, but he is expected to be stalwart in the field. He produced the best dWAR of all the shortstops on the rankings last year.

He’ll be counted on by the Indians pitching staff to help shore up a defense that was weak last year.

Ramirez’s season outlook is shaky and tenuous at best. He could be the starting shortstop to begin the year, but like mentioned before, he could start the year and then be replaced … or he could just be beaten out by Lindor this spring.

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Next: No. 4: Jose Iglesias