Ellsbury’s 70 steals are just impossible to replace, and he’s a leadoff hitter for a very good offensive team.

Is Markakis’s advantage in runs and RBI worth the difference in steals? Absolutely not, unless your league uses some weird rules. Traditional 5X5 this is a no brainer.

For reference, Ellsbury was the 23rd most valuable player in a traditional league in 2009. Markakis was the 71st.

In fantasy, which I know is what you’re asking about, I prefer Ellsbury and his ridiculous number of SBs and RUNs. In real life, though (even though you’re not asking, I’m going to throw my 2 cents out there), I’d go with Markakis (and I’m a Sox fan).

has great fantasy value if you need SBs

If your team is set for SB’s, I would shoot for a better bat. You should get an upper tier position player for him and I wouldn’t consider Markakis one.

I have both :)

depends what your team looks like, even though I LOVE speed and Ellsbury’s 50+ is hard to replace….Markakis is a stud player. I’d do it.