| I am here to give you my opinion as to the best players in the National League this year. Its not a list with massive over analysis of age and park effects, its just the list of people I think are the best, most exciting, players in the league. I offer no apologies, but will take the certain criticism with my usual dignity, flair, and crying into my pillow at night. Without further ado….
Catcher:
1) Mike Piazza - the best hitting catcher in baseball history, bar none. He is not even average defensively, but is such a stud with the bat no one cares.
2) Jason Kendall - another young, exciting player. He doesn't have the pop, but he has the speed. Gee, didn't we say that about Craig Biggio ten or fifteen years ago? Jason, can you field?
3) Javy Lopez - he is hindered by the fact that he never gets 500 AB's. He still puts up great numbers.
First Base:
1) Jeff Bagwell - without a doubt, first base belongs to Bagwell. The complete package of fielding, hitting, running, and quiet leadership make him one of the best, most consistent players of our era.
2) Todd Helton - he is a young up and comer. He will be a stud for years, but his lack of base running skills put him just a notch below Bagwell.
3) Mark McGwire - I couldn't leave him out of here, could I? That monster bat is the magic that brought many people back to the game. His health concerns me in his bid for Aaron's record. He is a man worthy of holding the record, just as Aaron has been.
Second base:
1) If I have to pick just one, it would be Jeff Kent. He has been one of the most unheralded producers for the past three years. His time has come.
2) Edgardo Alphonso - Another up and comer in the mold of Todd Helton, solid for a couple of years and then some breakout years. Yes, Virginia, he is for real.
3) Craig Biggio - the old, steady one is coming off a major knee injury at the age of 35. He's a major question mark, but I'll put him in here because he reminds me of the guy that introduced me to fantasy baseball.
Shortstop:
1) Edgar Renteria - in a category that the AL overshadows with its three Hall of Famers, Edgar is a solid number one in the field and with the bat.
2) Barry Larkin - the old man has still got it. He should come back and have a great year this year. He is still one of the most exciting players to watch.
3) Rafael Furcal - How little we know of ye... He was fantastic last year in making me feel old, as he was born in the year of my first summer love. I think he will be a star for years.
Third Base:
1) Chipper Jones does it all; hence, Chipper Jones is number one. He fell a little bit from his '99 stats, but he is still the best third baseman.
2) Scott Rolen - his only issue is his back or else he might be challenging Mr. Jones. Let's hope they come to their senses and change to grass in Philly so we can see this guy play for a long time.
3) Fernando Tatis - last year was an aberration, he's a stud, trust me. Montreal got the steal of the year… 4) A fourth in this category only - Adrian Beltre - Superstar…write it down.
Left Field:
1) Barry Bonds - he still is the real deal. He doesn't run as much as he used to, but who doesn't love to see him hit ‘em in the Bay.
2) Luis Gonzalez - Who? That's right, Luis Gonzalez. He has been spectacular the last two years and while, not young, he still gives 150% on every play. He's even a Jim Rome favorite.
3) Gary Sheffield - The Hall of Fame talent that nobody wants, but he's still one of the most talented hitters on the league.
Center Field:
1) Ken Griffey jr. - he started off slow last year and still finished 271-40-118. This guy has a lot a left despite worries about last season's splits. He will be pushed every year, though, by our number two guy,
2) Andruw Jones - lightning in a bottle...This guy has all the physical goods to be Willie Mays, the question is: does he have the head or heart for it. His talent alone may take him to the Hall of Fame. A joy to watch play the game…
3) Steve Finley - He just never seems to get old. He hit for a career high 35 homers last year and then had off season surgery for ruptured discs in his back. Another 150% guy.
Right Field:
1) Vladimir Guerrero - The league's best player for the next five years. This man has had a great career and he's only 26. He will be the first to surpass A-Rod's contract. INCREDIBLE.
2) Sammy Sosa - If I put in McGuire, I have to put in Sammy (Plus my wife would have my head if I didn't). He's still the ultimate (healthy) home run hitter.
3) Moises Alou - a great comeback year after the injury. A little injury prone, but he always seems to be in the middle of a rally…
Starting Pitcher:
1) Randy Johnson - who else actually scares major league All-Stars? This guy is, at times, completely unhittable.
2) Kevin Brown - he went to LA and now gets less Pub than before he got there? You figure that one out because it had nothing to do with his pitching. An ace in the hole…
3) Greg Maddux - A skinny guy without an overpowering fastball. His only big talent is the ability to move the ball inches at a time as it crosses the plate. Possibly the best control since Eck. 15 wins for 13 consecutive seasons...and counting. I love to watch this guy pitch. Nobody is a better technician on the mound.
Relief Pitcher
1) Trevor Hoffman has been the best for years in the NL and will continue to be unless
2) Rob Nenn keeps it coming. He closed fast last year and could easily over take Hoffman this year.
3) Armando Benitez - Its been a long time coming, but he finally moved towards his potential. That nasty fastball should keep hitters at bay for a while.
Coach
I thought I'd throw in an extra category here, just for the heck of it. The one coach that I have admired for years is Tony LaRussa. I remember him in Chicago and then as the leader of an incredible A's team and now he has brought a winner to St. Louis. He and Dave Duncan could lead my team any day.
Later...
Article first appeared at www.e-sports.com
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