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2007 MLB
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2007 Shortstop Predictions
The best player who steps on
the field in little league normally runs out to the
shortstop position. However, in the big leagues, many
fans and media members alike wouldn’t call any of the
games’ elite shortstops the best player in the league or
even the best player on their teams. This has a lot to do
with the fact that shortstops often don’t put up the same
power numbers that outfielders do for example. The
shortstop position almost has a prima donna air to it
along the same lines of the quarterback position in
football. I don’t think this description is fitting as I
feel, in many cases, the major league shortstops are the
best athletes on their teams, and they are even grittier
players with their ability to get dirty on ground balls
and when swiping bases. They are responsible for
performing other vital operations besides just hitting
the long ball. If we take a look at some of the games
best shortstops, I think you’ll see that many of these
guys are underrated and undervalued by fans and the
media.
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I’ll start with a shortstop in The Big Apple, and I’m
not talking about the one in pin stripes. Jose Reyes is
the do-it-all shortstop for the New York Mets. David
Wright and Carlos Beltran get a lot of attention on that
team, but Reyes is arguably the best player. How many
shortstops in history could hit for the cycle, record a
three-homerun game, record switch-hit homers in a game,
earn two stolen base crowns, a Silver Slugger award and
two triples titles all by age 23? I’m guessing just
Reyes. This guy also had as many RBIs in the lead-off
spot as Alfonso Soriano last season. Not bad for a guy
many consider the third best player on his team. He
might actually be the best all-around player in
baseball.
With Ryan Howard hitting bomb after bomb last season,
Jimmy Rollins’ numbers went overlooked. The Phillies’
shortstop set a club record for homeruns and runs scored
by a shortstop last season. He stroked 25 bombs, had 83
RBIs, and gave the Phillies a speed threat by stealing
36 bases. I think you’ll see Rollins become a member of
the 30/30 club this season.
Derek Jeter’s glove, clutch hitting, and his ability to
work the count with one of the best eyes in baseball
makes him an MVP candidate in my book every year. Last
season, “The King of New York” hit .343 with 97 RBIs and
added 34 stolen bases. This guy is the benchmark of
consistency and probably wouldn’t be touted as highly
either if he wasn’t playing in the big market of New
York.
Miguel Tejada is considered the best player on the
Orioles, but he is the rare exception across the league.
Playing on a bad team even hurts this phenomenal
talents’ numbers.
You might not even know who Hanley Ramirez is, but you
will soon. This Marlins rookie was the first ever
under-23 player to combine 40 doubles, 10 triples, 15
homeruns, and 10 thefts. He shattered the last number
recording 51 steals.
What has been overlooked when looking at many of these
players at the plate is there ability to get on base and
their speed which allows them to swipe bases in critical
situations, stretch doubles into triples, and score from
first when needed. Who ever said the best player is the
one who hits the most homeruns? Let’s give some
all-around players their much deserved accolades and at
least consider that they may very well be the best
players on their respective teams.
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