MLB Top 32

[Boom_70]

Came across a great column by Joe Posnanski on SI.com listing his idea for the top 32 ball players in MLB. No doubt will start a debate on a few such as Adrian Gonzales at # 3 slot.

http://joeposnanski.si.com/2011/03/31/the-32-best-players-in-baseball-for-2011/

 

[Drip]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned. Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

 

[secretariat]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned.

Probably because he's overpaid, overrated, a sub-mediocre defensive first baseman and his numbers plummeted last season.

Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

Because we don't use stolen bases to measure the best player. Otherwise, Juan Pierre wouldn't suck.

Also, Pujols isn't that slow. He's stolen 30 bases the last two seasons. He's not, just to mention a name, Ryan Howard on the bases.

 

[Boom_70]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned.

Probably because he's overpaid, overrated, a sub-mediocre defensive first baseman and his numbers plummeted last season.

Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

Because we don't use stolen bases to measure the best player. Otherwise, Juan Pierre wouldn't suck.

Also, Pujols isn't that slow. He's stolen 30 bases the last two seasons. He's not, just to mention a name, Ryan Howard on the bases.

All great points.

 

[Dick Whitman]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned. Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

I have a similar argument with a friend of mine all the time. He thinks Adam Dunn is overrated because he strikes out too much. I say that all that really matters, in the end, is the production of one player measured against the other. How you run the race is irrelevant. I understand the mystique of the five-tool player, and how aesthetically pleasing one is. But Pujols, even without 80-speed, is the most productive player in baseball right now.

 

[MartinonMTV2]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned. Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

You know little of which you speak. Pujols might not be Lou Brock, but he can maneuver and runs the bases effectively.

 

[lcjjdnh]

Important point to keep in mind when evaluating the list-not necessarily the best baseball players, but the ones he expects to have the best seasons.

I am putting together my prediction for the 32 best players in baseball in 2011. That’s all. I’m not considering seasons beyond. I’m not thinking about who is best to build my team around in 2014. Everything is built around 2011.

Because of this, for instance, Adam Wainwright is not on the list. He was on my original list of the 32 best players — pretty high up on that list. But Wainwright is hurt and won’t pitch this year and so he’s off the list. Chase Utley won’t start the 2011 season, so that affects his ranking. Zack Greinke won’t start the 2011 season. I considered that when putting this thing together. I want the 32 players with the 32 best years.

 

[Piotr Rasputin]

No Dodgers in the top 32.

Can't honestly say I disagree with that.

 

[Drip]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned. Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

You know little of which you speak. Pujols might not be Lou Brock, but he can maneuver and runs the bases effectively.

Troll, because that's what you're fast becoming, that is my opinion.

 

[RickStain]

Ryan Howard wouldn't make my top 100 players at this point in his career. Severely, severely overrated.

 

[Boom_70]

If not Pujols, who will be the best player for MLB this year?

 

[93Devil]

No Dodgers in the top 32.

Can't honestly say I disagree with that.

Kershaw could be on this list next season.

 

[RickStain]

If not Pujols, who will be the best player for MLB this year?

Starlin Castro. He's hitting .615 and is on pace for 162 extra-base hits.

Serious answer: Joey Votto has been Pujols (maybe even a bit better) for two years straight now, and is less likely to see some age-related decline. Wouldn't be a bad bet.

 

[Boom_70]

If not Pujols, who will be the best player for MLB this year?

Starlin Castro. He's hitting .615 and is on pace for 162 extra-base hits.

Serious answer: Joey Votto has been Pujols (maybe even a bit better) for two years straight now, and is less likely to see some age-related decline. Wouldn't be a bad bet.

When you look at many of the "top 10" lists from fantasy leagues, it seems like there are 7 or 8 players that could move to top for 2011 if all breaks right. Staying injury free is paramount. Votto definitely on that list.
The guy who is a real enigma to me is Carlos Gonzales. Is he for real or a one season wonder?

 

[dkphxf]

Miguel Cabrera, at 14, is way too low. He's easily top three.

 

[RickStain]

It's all subjective and HIS opinion but I have my doubts about listing 32 of baseball's best players and Ryan Howard isn't mentioned. Also, Pujols may be the best hittter but he can't run. How can you be baseball's best if you can't move?

By adding way more value overall than anybody else. That's like asking how the guy with 10 $100-bills is richer than the guy with 5 $100-bills, 5 twenties and a few ones.

"How can he be richer when he doesn't have any ones?"

 

[LongTimeListener]

No Dodgers in the top 32.

Can't honestly say I disagree with that.

Kershaw could be on this list next season.

Kemp seems unusually interested in playing this season -- is it a contract year? -- which would put him up there pretty high if he keeps it up.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

Until Pos went to SI, I had no idea he was such a seamhead.

 

[Boom_70]

Until Pos went to SI, I had no idea he was such a seamhead.

I always figured he was given his time in KC. At some point a little of Bill James had to rub off on him. Perhaps a further window into his beef with Murray Chass.

I love this column on the top 32. A lot of good information packed in. Wish I read before I drafted my fantasy team.

 

[NickMordo]

Cabrera at 14 with his "off the field problems"? Really? Yes, because baseball players have never drank. He is arguably the best pure hitter in baseball, and I'd put Pujols at 1 and Cabrera at 1A, just in terms of being a threat at the plate. He's not that bad of a defensive player, either, considering his size and lack of athleticism in the field.

Maybe I am biased because I have seen Cabrera carry the Tigers ever since he showed up, but he is a beast.