Shortstop is where interest, big money lies

For the longest time in MLB, shortstops were of the diminutive, good field-little or no hit variety — think Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto of New York Yankees fame.

For many years, the job of the shortstop was to serve as the cornerstone of the ballclub in the field on defence.

Any offence he could provide, especially in the power department, would be an unnecessary but much appreciated extra.

A few shortstops, like former Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks, could hit with power — and were a greatly cherished anomaly.

Fast forward to the present day, big leagues though and, my, how things have changed.

Now MLB shortstops are more of the rangy variety physically but are still expected to be the best defensive player on the field — and a lot more as well.

They are also expected to excel at the plate, pulling their fair share of the load and more with the bat — both in the…