Playing With Fire: Midterm Edition
Although it is hard to believe, one quarter of the baseball season is already over. Because of that, we decided that we would run down some of the best players all season long this year. Consider that the season is still young, and there is still time for these guys to slump, but so far these are the best of the best.
Catcher: Geovany Soto/Brian McCann
These guys have put up similar numbers so far this year, and will be highly touted catchers for years to come. Soto has struck out more, but has a higher average than McCann so far this year, which is mainly the only difference between the two. Hold onto these guys, because as they garner more experience they only get better.
First Base: Lance Berkman
'Berk' runs away with this one. He has really started to bust out in the past few weeks, raising his average just above .390. The 'Astro'nomical (ESPN can't drift away from that phrase) is leading all hitters in home runs with 15 and is one RBI short of the lead. Berkman's value is higher than ever, and he can't possibly continue on with these numbers... or can he? Time will tell, but some people are overly excited about his success right now. This is a situation where if you time it right, this could be a huge trade in your favor.
Second Base: Chase Utley
Utley has been unstoppable in the Phillies lineup this year. Now that Jimmy Rollins is back, it could really boost Utley's value. Not only has he hit for contact this year, but is second in home runs with 14. This could be the third year in a row that a Phillie wins the NL MVP award if Utley can stay healthy. Hold onto him, because he shows no sign of slowing down.
Third Base: Chipper Jones
The only hitter in baseball retaining a .400+ average is a dead give away here. Chipper has really stepped up for the Braves this year from both sides of the plate leading all third basemen in the following categories: batting average, hits, home runs, rbi's, total bases, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Chipper already has a few nagging injuries this year, but nothing serious. As much as I love Chipper, it would be a good idea to trade him while his value is at it's peak.
Short Stop: Hanley Ramirez
This year, many owners were hesitant whether or not H-Ram would be able to produce anything similar to those of last year. Those that gambled have come up huge so far with Hanley's .327 average, 9 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. Ramirez is still really young and has a strong upside, and with more experience he just gets better.
Outfield: Nate McLouth, Matt Holliday, and Josh Hamilton
Outfield is the toughest to pick from, being forced to leave out hot hitters like Ryan Braun, Xavier Nady, Raul Ibanez, etc. McLouth has been a huge asset to his owners this year with his .300+ average and 11 home runs. He isn't trying to steal nearly as many bases as expected though. He's got a strong upside, but it is very unlikely for him to finish the year hitting above .290.
Holliday is just a notch above those left out because he has stolen bases, hit for average, and displayed his power. If he had more opportunities, he would certainly knock in more runs, but his offensive counterparts in Colorado have been slow to start. Holliday's average could climb some more, along with the power.
Hamilton was a big surprise last year, and this year has been even better. Leading the league in RBI's for most of the season, Hamilton has helped the Rangers to exceed expectations so far this season. It is very unlikely that he will continue to lead the league in RBI's, but he will continue to be a quality hitter for a years to come.
Designated Hitter: Milton Bradley
Who would have though Bradley would out-hit David Ortiz or Travis Hafner? The answer is no one. Don't expect things to stay this way.
Starter(s): Brandon Webb
I would choose more than one, but Webb has been by far and away the best. Winning in each of his 9 starts, Webb has been unstoppable. Although he is starting to allow more runs as the season progresses, the Arizona offense has stepped up big time. 20 wins is easily in the realm of possibility, but don't expect more than 25.
Closers: George Sherill/Francisco Rodriguez or Brandon Lyon/Joe Nathan
Sherrill and K-Rod each have over 15 saves, but boast ERA's higher than 3 (which will most likely go down), but Lyon and Nathan each have 12 saves with ERA's under 2. Nathan is the only of the four yet to blow a save still, so the case could easily be made for him. As long as these guys stay healthy, they won't be losing their job's any time soon.
Minor Leagues: Mike Hessman
I had to put this in there because the Toledo Mud Hens first basemen has 18 home runs, which have gone unnoticed by many. Sure he is blocked in Detroit, but Hessman could be brought up and showcased for a trade to a contender. Hessman has been in the majors before with the Atlanta Braves, but posted nothing similar to these numbers in AAA.
Catcher: Geovany Soto/Brian McCann
These guys have put up similar numbers so far this year, and will be highly touted catchers for years to come. Soto has struck out more, but has a higher average than McCann so far this year, which is mainly the only difference between the two. Hold onto these guys, because as they garner more experience they only get better.
First Base: Lance Berkman
'Berk' runs away with this one. He has really started to bust out in the past few weeks, raising his average just above .390. The 'Astro'nomical (ESPN can't drift away from that phrase) is leading all hitters in home runs with 15 and is one RBI short of the lead. Berkman's value is higher than ever, and he can't possibly continue on with these numbers... or can he? Time will tell, but some people are overly excited about his success right now. This is a situation where if you time it right, this could be a huge trade in your favor.
Second Base: Chase Utley
Utley has been unstoppable in the Phillies lineup this year. Now that Jimmy Rollins is back, it could really boost Utley's value. Not only has he hit for contact this year, but is second in home runs with 14. This could be the third year in a row that a Phillie wins the NL MVP award if Utley can stay healthy. Hold onto him, because he shows no sign of slowing down.
Third Base: Chipper Jones
The only hitter in baseball retaining a .400+ average is a dead give away here. Chipper has really stepped up for the Braves this year from both sides of the plate leading all third basemen in the following categories: batting average, hits, home runs, rbi's, total bases, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Chipper already has a few nagging injuries this year, but nothing serious. As much as I love Chipper, it would be a good idea to trade him while his value is at it's peak.
Short Stop: Hanley Ramirez
This year, many owners were hesitant whether or not H-Ram would be able to produce anything similar to those of last year. Those that gambled have come up huge so far with Hanley's .327 average, 9 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. Ramirez is still really young and has a strong upside, and with more experience he just gets better.
Outfield: Nate McLouth, Matt Holliday, and Josh Hamilton
Outfield is the toughest to pick from, being forced to leave out hot hitters like Ryan Braun, Xavier Nady, Raul Ibanez, etc. McLouth has been a huge asset to his owners this year with his .300+ average and 11 home runs. He isn't trying to steal nearly as many bases as expected though. He's got a strong upside, but it is very unlikely for him to finish the year hitting above .290.
Holliday is just a notch above those left out because he has stolen bases, hit for average, and displayed his power. If he had more opportunities, he would certainly knock in more runs, but his offensive counterparts in Colorado have been slow to start. Holliday's average could climb some more, along with the power.
Hamilton was a big surprise last year, and this year has been even better. Leading the league in RBI's for most of the season, Hamilton has helped the Rangers to exceed expectations so far this season. It is very unlikely that he will continue to lead the league in RBI's, but he will continue to be a quality hitter for a years to come.
Designated Hitter: Milton Bradley
Who would have though Bradley would out-hit David Ortiz or Travis Hafner? The answer is no one. Don't expect things to stay this way.
Starter(s): Brandon Webb
I would choose more than one, but Webb has been by far and away the best. Winning in each of his 9 starts, Webb has been unstoppable. Although he is starting to allow more runs as the season progresses, the Arizona offense has stepped up big time. 20 wins is easily in the realm of possibility, but don't expect more than 25.
Closers: George Sherill/Francisco Rodriguez or Brandon Lyon/Joe Nathan
Sherrill and K-Rod each have over 15 saves, but boast ERA's higher than 3 (which will most likely go down), but Lyon and Nathan each have 12 saves with ERA's under 2. Nathan is the only of the four yet to blow a save still, so the case could easily be made for him. As long as these guys stay healthy, they won't be losing their job's any time soon.
Minor Leagues: Mike Hessman
I had to put this in there because the Toledo Mud Hens first basemen has 18 home runs, which have gone unnoticed by many. Sure he is blocked in Detroit, but Hessman could be brought up and showcased for a trade to a contender. Hessman has been in the majors before with the Atlanta Braves, but posted nothing similar to these numbers in AAA.
