Injuries are a consistent problem for Aramis Ramirez, having played in 150 games or more just three times since 2001. Last season it was a dislocated shoulder limiting him to just 82 games, but his performance was enough to continue to make him an appealing option for fantasy owners, especially at a shallow position:

306 At Bats

.317 Batting Average (97 Hits)

15 Home Runs

65 RBI

46 Runs

2 Stolen Bases

.389 On Base Percentage

.516 Slugging Percentage

.331 Batting Average on Balls in Play

Concerns about the injury having long lasting affects on his performance should have been eliminated from his performance in ’09 after returning:

July – .333, 5 HR, 14 RBI in 75 AB

August – .278, 2 HR, 16 RBI in 79 AB

September – .300, 4 HR, 18 RBI in 80 AB

That certainly is more than enough for me, especially when we are talking about a position that is as barren of talent as any. He’s currently the eighth third baseman off the board (ADP about 64) and once he’s gone it is pretty slim pickings. Just look at the next group of names:

Chone Figgins (ADP about 83)

Gordon Beckham (ADP about 91)

Michael Young (ADP about 94)

Ian Stewart (ADP about 129)

As much as you might like Chipper Jones, Adrian Beltre or Jhonny Peralta, are you really looking to depend on them? Do any of these types of players offer the guarantee of production of Ramirez?

The injury last season hides the ability he has. Let’s look at the power, where he had been between 26 and 38 home runs every season from 2003 to 2008. He’s a flyball machine (from 2002-2009 his flyball rate is 44.5%), something that certainly helps when you’re playing in Wrigley Field in the summer with the wind blowing out.

Whatever you want to say about the Cubs lineup, he also has always found a way to drive in runs. He has six career seasons of over 100 RBI, including reaching 119 in 2006. No matter who is hitting atop the order, Ramirez should once again get enough opportunities to reach 100 RBI once again.

Runs scored could be a different story, having never reached the century mark, but a resurgent Alfonso Soriano could change that. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath for that to happen.

His worst average, since 2004, was .289 in 2008. Is anyone really concerned about him there? He does a great job putting the ball in play (career strikeout rate of 15.2%, which he has been better than every year since 2004 except for 2008).

Add him up and here’s the projection you get for 2010:

.295 (162-550), 28 HR, 90 RBI, 85 R, 2 SB, .298 BABIP, .357 OBP, .529 SLG

Injuries are really the only concern when it comes to Ramirez, but at a position as shallow as this you almost have to take the gamble if you miss out on the top names. I have him slotted as the eighth best 3B (click here to view my most recent rankings), and after him there is a pretty sizable drop-off. I wouldn’t let the fear overcome you and shy away from him, not with this type of production (and the potential to better it).

What about you? Is Ramirez someone you’d be willing to draft in 2010? What are you expecting from him in 2010?

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Make sure to check out some of our 2010 projections, including: