Red Sox vs the AL East: shortstops

Sep 19, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) hits a grounds-rule double against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jose Reyes, Blue Jays

Reyes is no longer the bona fide star that he once was, but he’s still a well above-average player both at the plate and on the base paths. Though he was hampered by injuries in his first season with the Blue Jays, he played in 143 games last season and slashed .287/.328/.398 with 9 home runs and 30 steals as Toronto’s primary leadoff man. There’s no doubt that Reyes is slowing down a bit, as he posted the lowest isolated power of his career (.111) and his lowest walk rate (5.8%) since 2005. However, he still has shown the ability to reach base at a high rate and his speed, even at age 31, is a huge asset as he still ranks among the better leadoff men in baseball. Gone are the days in which Reyes was a perennial All-Star, but he’s still one of the better shortstops in baseball.