Rotographs Rankings Primer

Later today, we’re starting the first run of our 2016 Rotographs rankings. We’re bringing them to you earlier this year, but that also means that they’re far from set in stone so take that into consideration as you peruse them. There are still superstars on the free agent market, let alone all the moving and shaking that happens once players start reporting to camp.

We’re using Yahoo! eligibility requirements which is 5 starts or 10 appearances. If we forgot someone, please let us know in the comments and we’ll make sure he’s added for the updates. The position order for the rankings roll-out will be as follows:

• Outfielder (Jan. 18-today)
• Starting Pitcher (Jan. 20)
• Shortstop (Jan. 22)
• First Base (Jan. 25)
• Catcher (Jan. 26)
• Second Base (Jan. 27)
• Third Base (Jan. 28)
• DH (Jan. 29)
• Reliever (Jan. 29 courtesy of the Bullpen Report crew)

If you have questions for a specific ranker on something he did, let us know in the comments of the rankings post. We can also be reached via Twitter:

• Paul Sporer
• Jeff Zimmerman
• Zach Sanders
• Mike Podhorzer
• Dan Schwartz
• Brad Johnson
• Paul Kastava

There will be differences, sharp differences, within the rankings. The rankers have different philosophies when it comes to ranking, some of which you’re no doubt familiar with through previous iterations. Of course the idea that we’d all think the same would be silly because then what would be the point of including multiple rankers?! I know Brad plans to delve into his ranking philosophy in a separate piece today while Jeff, Zach, and Pod have all covered their process for ranking in the past.

Think someone should be higher or lower? Make a case. Let us know why you think that. Like I said, it’s early. Things are going to change.

I’m in that great part of the offseason studying where you’re uncovering players. You know the name, you know the general stats, but it’s not until you do the deep-dive where you realize there’s something more (or less, in some cases). But I haven’t studied everyone yet – not even close – so I’m definitely open to discussions. Seems a lot of folks are uncovering Jonathan Schoop and Raisel Iglesias (myself included!) Who have you uncovered this offseason?

Outfielders will be up in a few hours!