Shortstops: Strong Up the Middle

Shortstops play a critical role in a team's defense. Typically these players are very athletic as they have a lot of ground to cover. Quickness to both their right and left, being able to come in on groundballs, is vital.

These guys have to go into the outfield and go after those short fly balls that pitchers hate if they drop in and fielders hate because of the potential for a collision. Here are some of their other responsibilities for the position:

ranging deep into the 5/6 hole and fielding groundballs and making strong throws
being the main communicator on defense; keeping other players aware of situations
covering 2B on attempted steals
being a cut-off man on balls to center and right fields
getting to 2B for throws from 1B, 2B and the Pitcher for double plays
chasing pop ups down the left field foul area or short leftfield
backing up throws to the pitcher from the catcher when there are runners on base
being on the move on every pitch