On my flight to Arizona I decided to have a little fun to help me sit still for five hours. I made a list of my ten favorite current players in the MLB. The reason I like each of these players is completely random, and they are not in any specific order. So, here we go…
1) Roy Halladay (Phillies): Ok, how can I not start with this workhorse? I just love how intense he is all the time. He has great composure and is always dedicated to making himself, and everyone around him, a better pitcher. He is a role model to all pitchers, Phillies and non-Phillies. I feel comfortable with him on the mound. I know that he has been battling injury recently but I feel confident that he will be the first to let the trainers know when something ‘isn’t quite right’. He just makes me want to run up the ‘Rocky steps’ in Philly with every piece of Phillies gear on that I own!
2) RA Dickey (Blue Jays): I figured I would keep up the pitching theme and go with Dickey next. His story is so inspiring that it is really hard not to like him. He recently published a book “Wherever I Wind Up” that tells the story of his very troubled childhood and how hard he worked to get to where he is today. He has overcome so much adversity in his life that it is hard to believe that he is as humble as he is with his recent success. He is the only straight knuckleball pitcher left in the Major Leagues… and he doesn’t even have an ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. He was told so many times in his life that he wouldn’t succeed at baseball. In my eyes, he just continues to defy the odds and is the model of someone who was persistent at pursuing his dreams. True inspiration!!
3) Josh Hamilton (Angels): While talking inspirational stories, makes sense to go with Hamilton next. He also wrote a book about his life struggles, called ‘Beyond Belief’. His story really is unbelievable, and in a different way then Dickey’s. He had a pretty ‘normal’ childhood and was always a baseball star. However, when getting hurt early in his professional career, he slowly spiraled down the path of alcoholism, to the point of almost killing him. After hearing him talk about near death experiences, its amazing that he could not only recover, but recover and win a home run derby, hit four home runs in a game, lead his team to a World Series, etc. I can’t imagine how hard it is to keep his head up with all the negativity that people throw his way. I know that I get very defensive when people talk sh*@*$ about him (same as with Michael Vick). Don’t try me… I think that those who have, would second that. Ha
4) Juan Pierre (Marlins): Juan Pierre defines my favorite type of player to watch, and to also have on my fantasy team. I love guys who get on base, regardless of how, who can steal bags on any pitcher, and who keep everyone in the field on their toes. You never know what Juan Pierre is going to do when he is on the base pads! I know, I know... his arm in the outfield is a downfall, but he is always working on it. He dives for every ball that comes his way, and his play never lacks effort. I read Tim Kurkjen’s book and will never forget a story he told about Pierre. He talked about how he is the first one to show up to the field everyday. He recalled a time that he witnessed Pierre being the only one in the park hours before a game, rolling a ball down the foul ball line over and over to study the movement a ball will take when hit down the line. I have to admit, I shed a few tears when he left the Phillies in the off season. He is a reality, and a fantasy steal!
5) Dustin Pedroia (Redsox): Sticking with small fast guys here… Dustin Pedroia is a player who never comes to the park without his game face on, and never leaves without a dirty uniform. He plays 100%, one hundred percent of the time. His energy projects into the stands in Fenway park, thus he has the potential to motivate every player in the dugout as well. Unfortunately the Redsox have had a toxic clubhouse the past few years, so he hasn’t been able to rally players like he is capable. All last year, I just felt sorry for Pedroia with all the controversy and negativity that surrounded the team. That just isn’t how he rolls! I am hoping that the new faces in the Sox clubhouse, specifically John Farrell and Shane Victorino, can help Pedroia define leadership. Dustin Pedroia is also made of steal… rarely gets hurt or complains about an ailment!
6) Shane Victorino (Redsox): Since I just mentioned Victorino, makes sense for him to be next. I have always loved Victorino for his great personality and attitude. Every time he is on the field, you can tell that he loves the game of baseball, that he is having fun, and that he is living his dream. He also falls into the category of a fast guy, who gets himself on base. And his defense is exciting; he never fails to make a ‘web gem’ worthy catch. He is also very involved off the field in charity work and other events in the community. He has done a lot of work speaking out in support of ADHD diagnosis and treatment and has made himself a role model for those who suffer from it. And yes, I also shed a tear when he was left the Phillies. I did scream my head off cheering for him when I went to Dodger stadium last year though…
7) Carlos Ruiz (Phillies): CHOOOOOOOCH! Chooch is probably my favorite current player on the Phillies. He has been Mr. Clutch the past few years. Last year, he led the Phillies in hitting and was probably the only player on the team who didn’t go through a massive hitting slump. And his plays at the plate take my breath away. He plays with NO fear! Last year at Spring Training he threw a baseball up to me in the stands from the bullpen and it made my day. If only he spoke English, maybe we could have had a conversation. Haha. And he has the best nickname in the MLB!
8) Ian Kinsler (Rangers): Ian Kinsler has been my fantasy second baseman for three years in a row, and he has been a consistent corner for me. He is definitely one of those players who is a good fantasy player and reality player. I have seen him play tons of times in Fenway and he is exciting to watch; very dynamic player who keeps his cool in the media and on the field. He was also very supportive of Josh Hamilton during his time in Texas. You can feel his passion when you watch him play. And I love how he always wears old school short pants with his socks up.
9) Andrew McCutchen (Pirates): Obviously he also falls into the category of a speedy player who gets on base, and is unpredictable on the base pads. I will never forget watching him round all four bases in his rookie year in some insane amount of record time. He is a very well rounded player; you can tell he is insanely athletic along with having innate baseball talent. Off the field, he has a great sense of humor and is interactive with fans, making the game more fun for everyone. He has done some hilarious stuff with the MLB Fancave and I definitely listened to some of his advice prior to submitting my 2013 application. Thanks Cutch!
10) Derek Jeter (Yankees): Who doesn’t respect Derek Jeter? I honestly get so heated when people wear those stupid shirts “Jeter Sucks” and/or talk about hating him, etc. It’s just SO annoying! What is there to hate? He is one of the best baseball players of all time. He is so humble and well spoken. He gives his all every time he steps on the field. He is turning 39 this year, and is still thought of as one of the best players in the game. I put people who say they hate him in the category of people who say they hate Payton Manning. These people just hate people who are good. Stop drinking the Hatorade people and respect good baseball!!
Like I said, this list is completely random. I just put it together for fun and to pass time. Some of the honorable mentions on my list include: Robinson Cano, Kung Foo Panda, Evan Longoria, Cliff Lee, Paps, Sergio Romo.
If you have any thoughts after reading this, feel free to tweet, email, or send me a Facebook message. I love talking about this stuff. Fun stuff to debate!
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