by Ted Cahill

Shortstop might be the weakest position in fantasy baseball, though you can obviously make a case for catcher and second base. But with Jose Reyes’ injury and Jimmy Rollins’ struggles, an already shallow position has gotten worse this year. With Stephen Drew heating up and Gordon Beckham on a hot streak, there are suddenly options for fantasy owners not lucky enough to have Hanley Ramirez.

As my friend watched Gordon Beckham rip apart Cleveland Indians’ pitching this week, he commented that the rookie was better than any prospects in the Indians’ organization. Yes, that includes Matt LaPorta and Carlos Santana.

He’s seen all the Tribe has to offer over the past few years, and though I haven’t had the chance to see Santana swing a bat, Beckham is probably better. But it’s not just the sorry Cleveland organization that Beckham is better than.

For some reason Beckham has eligibility at both third base and shortstop, a position he has yet to play in the major leagues. Personally I have some doubt he ever will play short, because of Alexi Ramirez’s glove. But with his dual eligibility, Beckham is worthy of fantasy note.

Shortstop might be the weakest position in fantasy baseball, though you can obviously make a case for catcher and second base. But with Jose Reyes’ injury and Jimmy Rollins’ struggles, an already shallow position has gotten worse this year.

But with Stephen Drew heating up and Beckham on a hot streak, there are suddenly options for fantasy owners not lucky enough to have Hanley Ramirez.

In his last eight games, Beckham hit .480 with six runs and seven RBI. He’s also not afraid to run, but was stole only one base in three attempts. Obviously his .172 average in his first 17 games has scared many off of the Georgia product, but that is likely a thing of the past.

Beckham is protected in the lineup by Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome and Paul Konerko, and soon Carlos Quentin, so he isn’t going to feel the pressure like some unfortunate rookies. Manager Ozzie Guillen has yet to start Beckham higher than sixth, something that’s unlikely to change even if he keeps hitting.

Drew was activated from the DL in May, but really turned on his game in June. During the month he hit .292 with 16 RBI and 18 runs. He’s not as available as Beckham, but is worthy of a trade look. Drew is historically a second half-player, hitting .326 after the break last year. His owners might be wising up to his resurgence, so if he’s on your radar acting quickly would be beneficial.

Other unnoticed shortstops include Edgar Renteria and Elvis Andrus. Neither one is spectacular, and Renteria is just coming out of a slump, but remember this position isn’t deep. But combining Beckham with Drew or Renteria will have immediate impact on your team.