Last week my good friends Jamie Garland and Steven Summer (former MLB.com "Beat the Streak" champ) pointed out this utterly outlandish article to me. Dayn Perry of CBS Sports published his "Top 100 Players in MLB right now" rankings, and Antonio Senzatela was ranked ahead of Clayton Kershaw, the greatest pitcher of his generation. Zack Cozart was ranked ahead of Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant. You get the idea.
Now, I must do my journalistic duty by highlighting the fact that Perry wrote, "The rankings you're about to see reflect nothing more than who's been the best through the first two months of the 2017 season."
Okay, fine, he made his parameters clear, but what's the point of a list based upon that? Can't we just pull up the 2017 MLB statistics and look at them? If you're not going to analyze and interpret the data -- compare it to past seasons, project performance going forward -- aren't you basically saying, "So and so has good stats so far"? I see zero value in such a list.
So, naturally, my rankings are going to include more analysis, projection and common sense. We all know Kershaw is 100 times better than Senzatela, so what does Perry accomplish by ranking the kid ahead of the legend? Probably just trying to rile people up. Without further ado, here are my considerations:
1. If I look at this season's stats for a particular player, what do they tell me about him? Is he trending up, down or providing valuable year-over-year consistency? Is his early statistical output an aberration?
For example, Mark Reynolds is having a very productive offensive season, but he's played for 7 teams in 11 years and is a lifetime .237 hitter who has struck out over 195 times in four separate seasons. This year he's hitting .307 and playing at Coors Field. We can interpret who the REAL Mark Reynolds is, can't we?
2. I have always, always, always valued a consistent batting average hitter over an all-or-nothing home run hitter. Professional at bats and approaches are of paramount importance to me. Obviously, the best offensive players are those who provide the best of both worlds.
3. Throwing hitters, starting pitchers and relievers into the same pot is an EXTREMELY difficult thing to do. Try making one of these lists yourself -- reviewing the most important stat categories, trying not to forget injured or suspended stars, comparing hitter and pitcher values -- and you'll understand why it's impossible to satisfy everyone. So many individual decisions have to be made.
4. Expanding upon one of those comments...since I'm not following Dayn Perry's model, I will be including injured and suspended players. I cannot dismiss a player's ability simply because he is injured or suspended.
5. I can, however, use injuries and suspensions as tiebreakers. For example, the Aroldis Chapman vs. Andrew Miller debate was a hot topic last postseason (yeah, I'm talking about you, Marty DeSantis) and since Chapman stumbled out to a slower start and got injured, I can give Miller the nod in the short-term.
6. Consistency, consistency, consistency. For example, I'm not putting Ryan Zimmerman -- a very serious NL MVP candidate -- ahead of Adrian Beltre, simply because Zimmerman got off to a scorching start while Beltre was injured. Too small of a sample size. Compare their preceding three or four seasons, and you'll know who the better player is.
7. Let me know if I missed anyone. It's hard to keep tabs on over 200 players.
I'm sure there's more, but you'll get the idea as I go along. The synopses will be short because, well, this is a long-ass list.
** EDITOR'S NOTE: The list was finalized on 6/3/2017. Most stats as of that date. **
Honorable Mention (in no particular order)
Tony Watson, CP, Pirates
Mike Foltynewicz, SP, Braves
Andrelton Simmons, SS, Angels
183. Eduardo Nunez, 3B, Giants: Excellent basestealer with valuable position versatility.
135. Adam Eaton, OF, Nationals: What an unfortunate injury for the Nats. Eaton is a grinder who creates havoc at the top of the order, especially one as deep and talented as Washington's. He could be a major missing X-factor in the postseason.
Jarrod Dyson, OF, Mariners
AJ Ramos, CP, Marlins
Garrett Richards, SP, Angels
Antonio Senzatela, SP, Rockies (speak of the Devil)
Kelvin Herrera, CP, Royals
Andrelton Simmons, SS, Angels
Jed Lowrie, Infielder, A's
Cesar Hernandez, 2B, Phillies
Brandon Drury, 2B, Diamondbacks
Brandon Drury, 2B, Diamondbacks
Johnny Fro's Top 200 MLB Players
200. Brandon Kintzler, CP, Twins: In terms of closer's job security and pure stuff, he was an afterthought heading into the season. Now he's the steady fireman for a surprising first-place team. (2.66 ERA, 14 saves)
199. Jason Vargas, SP, Royals: This crafty veteran lefty has been a revelation this season. Based on pure stats -- 2.08 ERA, 1.10 WHIP -- he could easily be in the top 20 or 30, but this start feels fluky. 4.06 lifetime ERA.
198. Ken Giles, CP, Astros
197. Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates: Lifetime achievement award. Could soon fall out of the top 200.
196. Hunter Renfroe, OF, Padres: Emerging player. Swing reminds me of Ryan Zimmerman.
195. Aaron Altherr, OF, Phillies
194. Mark Reynolds, 1B, Rockies
193. Mike Napoli, 1B, Rangers
192. Nick Markakis, OF, Braves
191. Yonder Alonso, 1B, A's: Off to a career start after hitting .253 with 7 homers for the entirety of 2016. He's in the same boat as Vargas.
190. Ian Desmond, 1B/OF, Rockies
189. Yunel Escobar, 3B, Angels
188. Jon Gray, SP, Rockies: Very good stuff, brutal park. Strikeout pitcher; currently injured.
187. John Lackey, SP, Cubs: A tremendous competitor who has never backed down from a big moment, but his stuff is deteriorating significantly. Saw him consistently around 90 MPH the other day. Could be on his way out like McCutchen.
186. Hunter Pence, OF, Giants
185. Mitch Haniger, OF, Mariners: Sprinted out of the gate looking like one of the most talented all-around players in the game, but quickly fell victim to injury. If he comes back healthy and continues that production, he could easily be a top 100 guy.
184. Justin Smoak, 1B, Blue Jays
182. Billy Hamilton, OF, Reds: "He's the fastest kid alive." - Superbad
181. Steven Souza, Jr., OF, Rays
180. Carlos Beltran, DH/OF, Astros: Headed in the same direction as McCutchen and Lackey.
179. Charlie Morton, SP, Astros: Juiced out of his mind this season, throwing 99 MPH at times. Not surprisingly, his strikeout rate has climbed in comparison to previous years.
178. Victor Martinez, DH/1B, Tigers: A past-his-prime professional hitter. Always liked him.
177. Trevor Story, SS, Rockies: Last season's 27 homers may have been a little fluky, but he's starting to heat up again after a slow start this year. Young guy with pop, plays at Coors.
176. Seung Hwan Oh, CP, Cardinals: Almost lost his job early in the season, but has since righted the ship. Was highly-touted coming into the year. Don't think he's quite as good as people think.
175. Roberto Osuna, CP, Blue Jays
174. Kevin Kiermaier, OF, Rays: A very nice all-around player. Fun guy to watch -- plays with passion, puts together quality at bats and runs the bases well while putting on an absolute show in center field with his glove.
173. Melky Cabrera, OF, White Sox: A veteran, professional switch hitter. Off to a slowish start this year, but hit .296 last season with 42 doubles (.285 lifetime hitter).
172. Logan Morrison, 1B, Rays: Has never been a terrible hitter, but his scorching start is well above his usual level of production. Should come back down to earth some.
171. Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, Dodgers: Has been a hot topic around the league, but we've seen young Dodgers come up scalding before: Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig. Neither has been able to replicate their early success, when the opposing scouting reports were still under development. We'll see how Bellinger responds long-term after his first mini slump.
170. Yasmani Grandal, C, Dodgers
169. Salvador Perez, C, Royals
168. Jonathan Villar, 2B, Brewers: Did you know that he was the #16 overall fantasy player last season? Ahead of studs like Charlie Blackmon, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Anthony Rizzo and Daniel Murphy? Well, unfortunately, Villar's been terrible this year. The rest of the 2017 campaign will determine whether or not he drops out of the top 200 or works his way back into the top 100.
167. Masahiro Tanaka, SP, Yankees: Could be heading the same way as Victor Martinez, Carlos Beltran, John Lackey, etc. Tanaka's once-rubber arm looks stiff and fatigued. Hopefully the hot summer days will loosen his wilting wing.
166. Tanner Roark, SP, Nationals
165. James Paxton, SP, Mariners: Was unfortunate to see him get hurt after a blazing start. Paxton is a rare breed: A true left-handed flamethrower. His arrow is pointing up, but he'll need to stay healthy and show consistency.
164. Evan Gattis, C/DH, Astros
163. Joey Gallo, Rangers
162. Marwin Gonzalez, Utility, Astros: Always had power and raw talent, but his batting average is surprisingly high this season (.314). Probably shining because of the Astros' incredible lineup protection. Another player with useful versatility like Eduardo Nunez and Hernan Perez.
173. Melky Cabrera, OF, White Sox: A veteran, professional switch hitter. Off to a slowish start this year, but hit .296 last season with 42 doubles (.285 lifetime hitter).
172. Logan Morrison, 1B, Rays: Has never been a terrible hitter, but his scorching start is well above his usual level of production. Should come back down to earth some.
171. Cody Bellinger, OF/1B, Dodgers: Has been a hot topic around the league, but we've seen young Dodgers come up scalding before: Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig. Neither has been able to replicate their early success, when the opposing scouting reports were still under development. We'll see how Bellinger responds long-term after his first mini slump.
170. Yasmani Grandal, C, Dodgers
169. Salvador Perez, C, Royals
168. Jonathan Villar, 2B, Brewers: Did you know that he was the #16 overall fantasy player last season? Ahead of studs like Charlie Blackmon, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Anthony Rizzo and Daniel Murphy? Well, unfortunately, Villar's been terrible this year. The rest of the 2017 campaign will determine whether or not he drops out of the top 200 or works his way back into the top 100.
167. Masahiro Tanaka, SP, Yankees: Could be heading the same way as Victor Martinez, Carlos Beltran, John Lackey, etc. Tanaka's once-rubber arm looks stiff and fatigued. Hopefully the hot summer days will loosen his wilting wing.
166. Tanner Roark, SP, Nationals
165. James Paxton, SP, Mariners: Was unfortunate to see him get hurt after a blazing start. Paxton is a rare breed: A true left-handed flamethrower. His arrow is pointing up, but he'll need to stay healthy and show consistency.
164. Evan Gattis, C/DH, Astros
163. Joey Gallo, Rangers
161. Avisail Garcia, OF, White Sox: Mini Miggy is finally breaking out. Always had high expectations.
160. Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees: Hasn't even been close to what he was last year, but the raw talent is still there. He'll find the rhythm again and head back toward my top 100.
160. Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees: Hasn't even been close to what he was last year, but the raw talent is still there. He'll find the rhythm again and head back toward my top 100.
159. Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
158. Jose Ramirez, 3B, Indians
157. Jose Quintana, SP, White Sox: Having a horrific year after early-season trade rumors, but has been a top-tier lefty in recent years. We'll give him a chance to bounce back.
156. Alex Wood, SP, Dodgers: Has never been a favorite of mine -- hittable, flat fastball -- but he's pitching extremely well and has always had an excellent curveball. Attacking the zone with no fear, as well.
155. Andrew Benintendi, OF, Red Sox
154. Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Yankees
153. Travis Shaw, 3B, Brewers: Off to a hot start for the second-straight season, but this time it looks a little more sustainable. Shaw is refining his approach and enjoying the friendly confines of Miller Park (ball jumps outta there).
152. Chris Owings, SS/2B, Diamondbacks
151. David Peralta, OF, Diamondbacks: An emerging professional hitter. Always seems to hit for a solid average with extra base hits. Just needs to stay on the field.
150. Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Reds: See Travis Shaw, then swap Miller Park for Great American Ballpark.
149. Jeff Samardzija, SP, Giants
148. Drew Pomeranz, SP, Red Sox
147. Yasmany Tomas, OF, Diamondbacks: Love the mechanics of his swing and his undeniable power, but he has no position and injuries are beginning to become an issue.
146. J.T. Realmuto, C, Marlins: Has a beautiful hitting approach for a catcher. Nice short swing with gap-to-gap ability.
145. Mike Moustakas, 3B, Royals
144. J.A. Happ, SP, Blue Jays: A serious Cy Young contender last season. Stats have normalized this year.
143. Michael Pineda, SP, Yankees: The Jekyll and Hyde of big league pitchers.
142. Kendrys Morales, DH, Blue Jays: This savvy vet was like a poor man's David Ortiz last season. He's just at that stage of his career where he sees everything very clearly at the dish. He's a clutch hitter with a pure pro approach.
141. Julio Teheran, SP, Braves: Arguably the most overrated pitcher in the MLB. Just watch him pitch, and you'll know what I mean. His stuff is surprisingly mundane. Has been getting rocked this season, and had another clunker a few years ago.
140. Alex Colome, CP, Rays
139. Raisel Iglesias, CP, Reds: Cincinnati's prized arm. They just never quite know what to do with him. Long-term...is he a starter or reliever? Either way, he has fantastic stuff and good results early in his career.
138. Matt Bush, CP, Rangers: What a reclamation project by the Rangers. A former No. 1 overall pick in the draft -- a longggg time ago -- who, while driving under the influence, struck an innocent man and ruined his life. There is absolutely no doubt that Matt Bush is an asshole -- but he throws flames and gets people out.
137. Dan Straily, SP, Marlins: Really coming into his own over the course of the past two seasons. Strikeout rate is rising dramatically.
136. Ivan Nova, SP, Pirates
136. Ivan Nova, SP, Pirates
134. Rick Porcello, SP, Red Sox: See the explanation for J.A. Happ, except Ricky actually won the Cy Young.
133. Ender Inciarte, OF, Braves: One of the elite defensive players in the world, and he can hit .290 for you at the top of your order.
132. Hernan Perez, Utility, Brewers: Probably the second-best utility man in the game right now. Gets versatile stat production and can play anywhere you need him to.
131. Mike Leake, SP, Cardinals: Having an absolutely phenomenal season, but he's pitching over his head. His early-season stats are an outlier. Talk about a guy with average stuff.
130. Dylan Bundy, SP, Orioles: Could have a rising star on our hands here. As an inexperienced starter, it's extremely difficult to pitch well in the AL East. It's even more difficult pitching your home games at Camden Yards. Bundy has been as good as advertised.
129. Gerrit Cole, SP, Pirates
128. Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals
127. Gregory Polanco, OF, Pirates: Has some of the best pure talent in baseball, just needs to stay healthy and establish consistency of production.
126. Rougned Odor, 2B, Rangers: Which is the real guy...this season's bum or last year's star?
125. Greg Holland, CP, Rockies: How many people had Greg Holland at No. 1 in their preseason closer pool? Raise your hand if you did. Anyone? No friggin' way. This guy is blatantly juicing, but his numbers have been downright astonishing, especially at Coors.
124. Carlos Santana, DH/1B, Indians
123. David Robertson, CP, White Sox
122. Justin Upton, OF, Tigers
121. Eric Thames, 1B, Brewers: Goes on the "Obvious Juicers Who Haven't Been Caught" list with Greg Holland, Jake Arrieta and Jose Bautista. Doesn't look like Thames' early-season heroics are even remotely sustainable.
120. Danny Duffy, SP, Royals
119. Jeurys Familia, CP, Mets
118. Corey Knebel, CP, Brewers
118. Corey Knebel, CP, Brewers
116. Luis Severino, SP, Yankees: Like Knebel, this kid has incredibly filthy stuff. The question long-term will be: Will he maintain consistent success, or will he continue to show similarities to his elder teammate Michael Pineda?
115. Scott Schebler, OF, Reds: Has become Cincinnati's cheap-but-equally-effective replacement for Jay Bruce. Schebler is tied for 3rd in the majors with 16 dingers, after showing power potential in just 82 games last season. Stock is rising.
114. Chris Davis, 1B, Orioles
113. Marcus Stroman, SP, Blue Jays
112. Gio Gonzalez, SP, Nationals
111. Ian Kinsler, 2B, Tigers
110. Zack Cozart, SS, Reds: Has gotten off to hot starts in the past, kind of like the aforementioned Travis Shaw and Eugenio Suarez, but I'll need to see him maintain his elite level of production before I move him into my top 100. Can you believe that Dayn Perry had this guy No. 4 overall?? Come onnnnn.
109. Aaron Sanchez, SP, Blue Jays: He's the pitching equivalent of Gregory Polanco. Show-stopping talent, but needs to stay healthy and find consistency.
108. Felix Hernandez, SP, Mariners: Another lifetime achievement award. Arrow pointing downward.
107. Jonathan Lucroy, C, Rangers: A professional hitter as far as catchers go, but a bit overrated if you really examine his stats.
106. Michael Brantley, OF, Indians: Great to see him back and healthy. A very, very good major league ballplayer.
105. Jay Bruce, OF, Mets: Has displayed a much better approach with the Mets in his second go around, but has rocketed into some hard outs in the past month or so. Overall, for his career, he has been a dependable home run hitter with some RBI capability.
104. Justin Bour, 1B, Marlins: An emerging, bruising power hitter who uses all fields and is beginning to hit for average, as well.
103. Todd Frazier, 3B, White Sox: Has a ton of power, but has suddenly forgotten how to make contact with the ball. 40 homers last season, 35 the year before.
102. Cody Allen, Indians: Would easily be in the top 100 if he got ahead in counts more and walked less guys. He's extremely effective, anyway.
101. Lance Lynn, SP, Cardinals: Was one of my top fantasy sleepers coming back from injury this year. Has not disappointed with a 2.97 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. This guy's a bulldog.
100. Marco Estrada, SP, Blue Jays: Don't ask me how he does it; he just does. His stuff is shitty but he's been a consistently good pitcher the past 3 seasons.
99. Robbie Ray, SP, Diamondbacks: I took a lot of flack from Frank Valeriano and Steven Summer for this guy. My stance is that Ray has always had electric stuff and a penchant for strikeouts, but his control issues hurt his ERA and WHIP. This season, not surprisingly as he matures and continues to hone his craft, he has dropped down to a 3.00 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in an extremely difficult hitters' park. I don't think there's any question that Robbie is a top-tier lefty in the making.
98. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
98. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers
96. Mark Trumbo, DH, Orioles
95. Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins: Skill for skill, he's a little better version of Elvis Andrus to me. Basestealers who can hit for average are such a rarity these days. Just look at guys like Billy Hamilton and Rajai Davis.
94. Ervin Santana, SP, Twins: Guess the juice is still in his system from the season he got caught. Has been one of the best pitchers in the world this year.
93. Wade Davis, CP, Cubs
92. DJ LeMahieu, 2B, Rockies
91. Jake Arrieta, SP, Cubs: Frank Valeriano and Steven Summer were also pissed when I initially had Robbie Ray ahead of Arrieta. I'm going to give in to them for now because I understand that Arrieta has been one of the premier pitchers in baseball for the past handful of seasons. I have to agree that he has a better track record than Ray. However, I project that Ray will be better going forward. We'll see if I'm right at season's end.
90. Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox
89. Matt Holliday, DH/1B, Yankees
88. Jedd Gyorko, 3B, Cardinals: I'm going to put him on "The List" with some of the other culprits. You know, the list that rhymes with berROIDS or merROIDS. Yes, I know those aren't words. Regardless, Gyorko has miraculously duplicated his tremendous production from last season.
87. Lorenzo Cain, OF, Royals
86. Josh Harrison, Utility, Pirates: The best utility man in the MLB, and one of Big Fro's favorite ballplayers. I can see why my dad likes him: Harrison is a consistent contact hitter who uses all fields, plays all over the diamond and plays with passion and determination every, single day. He's an old school ballplayer. There's nothing not to like.
85. Trea Turner, SS, Nationals: Looked like he was well on his way to becoming a top 25 player as a rookie, but just hasn't been the same as a sophomore. Ultimately I think he's a super talented young player who will work his way back into my top 50.
84. Nomar Mazara, OF, Rangers
83. Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels
83. Albert Pujols, 1B, Los Angeles Angels
81. Cole Hamels, SP, Rangers: Look at this lefty's career stats. As steady as they come.
60. Brian Dozier, 2B, Twins
80. Christian Yelich, OF, Marlins: Overall he's an impressive young player, but hasn't been as good or valuable as I thought he'd be this season.
79. Miguel Sano, 3B, Twins: Becoming the face of the franchise for a Twins club that is surprising many.
78. Michael Conforto, OF, Mets: For once, I credit hitting coach Kevin Long for correcting a struggling hitter's flaws. Conforto stormed onto the scene as a high-impact rookie during the Mets' run to the World Series, but totally regressed last season due to blatant mechanical flaws. Conforto was tipping and losing his balance on more than half the pitches he saw. This year, from day one, Conforto has made a concerted effort to maintain level shoulders while trusting that he can drive outside pitches deep to left center. He's responded by batting .308 with 14 homers.
77. Corey Dickerson, OF, Rays: A veryyy tricky player to rank. With the Rockies in 2014 and '15, he hit .312 and .304, while also providing some homers and doubles. However, in 2016, his first season with the Rays, he dipped all the way down to .245, with a painfully low .293 OBP. So naturally, after a clunker of a year like that, he was dismissed as an afterthought heading into this season. It was easy for detractors to say, "He was only good because of Coors." However, Dickerson has destroyed that common sentiment by hitting .336 this year and leading the American League in both hits (79) and doubles (19). He's pacing a career-high in homers as well.
76. Zack Greinke, SP, Diamondbacks: Bouncing back this season after an extremely rough, transitional first year with the D'Backs. It may be the same division, but Chase Field is an entirely different animal than Dodger Stadium.
75. Kyle Hendricks, SP, Cubs: There's no way he's as good as his numbers were last season, but he's been decent enough this year to stick in my top 75. One of the game's best control-and-command pitchers, but his stuff is super underwhelming.
74. Jean Segura, SS, Mariners: It's like he alternates with monster numbers every other season, particularly for a shortstop. He doesn't have the year-to-year consistency like middle infielders Jose Altuve and teammate Robinson Cano, but Segura is still an electric player and one of the MLB's most valuable all-around shortstops.
73. Johnny Cueto, SP, Giants: Having a bit of a down year, but has been one of the best and most consistent starting pitchers in the NL for quite some time.
72. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
71. Dellin Betances, RP, Yankees: In terms of pure stuff, there's no question he's in the top 2 or 3 in the universe. If you genetically-engineered a pitcher in a lab, he wouldn't have better intangibles or attributes than this impressive kid. Just an absolute stud.
76. Zack Greinke, SP, Diamondbacks: Bouncing back this season after an extremely rough, transitional first year with the D'Backs. It may be the same division, but Chase Field is an entirely different animal than Dodger Stadium.
75. Kyle Hendricks, SP, Cubs: There's no way he's as good as his numbers were last season, but he's been decent enough this year to stick in my top 75. One of the game's best control-and-command pitchers, but his stuff is super underwhelming.
74. Jean Segura, SS, Mariners: It's like he alternates with monster numbers every other season, particularly for a shortstop. He doesn't have the year-to-year consistency like middle infielders Jose Altuve and teammate Robinson Cano, but Segura is still an electric player and one of the MLB's most valuable all-around shortstops.
73. Johnny Cueto, SP, Giants: Having a bit of a down year, but has been one of the best and most consistent starting pitchers in the NL for quite some time.
72. Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
70. Jacob deGrom, SP, Mets: Has hit a rough patch of late, but has been one of the premier pitchers in the NL over a four-year span. His command hasn't been as sharp after his surgery. Arrow could be pointing downward.
69. Ryan Zimmerman, 1B, Nationals: Has suddenly regained his bat speed of about 10 years ago. Slim, fit and explosive. He's on that Joey Bats "lean" juice. Regardless of how he's doing it, he's a frontrunner for NL MVP.
68. Evan Longoria, 3B, Rays: Could be trending downward.
67. Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
66. Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers: One of my favorite players. Adrian plays with passion and confidence, one of the best possible combinations for a professional athlete. This vet was a born ballplayer. It's in his blood.
65. Adam Jones, OF, Orioles
64. Chris Archer, SP, Rays: Has elite stuff and an excellent strikeout rate, just needs to cut down on his walks and pitch into better luck. His ability indicates that he should be a top 50 player.
63. Michael Fulmer, SP, Tigers: The reigning AL Rookie of the Year is off to a fantastic start to his big league career. No sophomore slump for this pure talent.
62. Starling Marte, OF, Pirates: Should be a top 50 all-around player, but I'm clearly punishing him for the PED suspension. We don't know exactly HOW much the drugs have helped him to this point in his young career. Arrow could go either way, depending on how he looks upon return.
59. A.J. Pollock, OF, Diamondbacks: Has the potential to be a top 25-30 player, just needs to stay on the field.
58. Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays
57. George Springer, OF, Astros: Has been a nice sparkplug for the best team in baseball. Just not quite as good as teammates Altuve and Correa. Springer's a fellow UConn Husky!
56. Hanley Ramirez, DH/Utility, Red Sox
55. Carlos Carrasco, SP, Indians: In that same "stuff" category as Corey Knebel and Dellin Betances. Boasts absolutely vicious stuff.
54. Khris Davis, OF, A's: One of the elite pure power hitters now.
53. Starlin Castro, 2B, Yankees: Go ahead, be one of those people who thinks Theo Epstein is a genius and/or savior. Just remember that he LOVED Jason Heyward and could not wait to get rid of Castro, who is hitting .317 with 9 homers to Addison Russell's .209 and 3 homers. Castro's one of the best contact hitters in the game.
52. Wil Myers, 1B, Padres: Has found his comfort zone as San Diego's franchise player.
51. Xander Bogaerts, SS, Red Sox: Incredibly high at bat quality. Has a fantastic eye and uses all fields. Definitely learned a lot from Big Papi.
50. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
50. Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
48. Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers
47. David Price, SP, Red Sox: For the regular season, I'm a big David Price guy. Sure he's battled injury early on, but last year he led the AL with 230 innings pitched in his first season at Fenway. Price has thrown over 200 innings 7 times, while sporting a lifetime 3.21 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He's pitched in the AL East his entire career, and is unquestionably one of the best pitchers of his generation. In the postseason, however, he struggles because he attacks the zone TOO often with his fastball. I love that strategy throughout the long regular season, but in the playoffs you have to change speeds, eye levels and hit spots. Price doesn't have enough finesse to dominate in the postseason.
46. Dallas Keuchel, SP, Astros: Dominant season, horrible season, dominant season. I don't like soft tossers, but he's probably the best in that category.
45. Jon Lester, SP, Cubs
44. Lance McCullers, Jr., Astros: Has superstar stuff with a command pitcher's finesse and location. Throws his wicked hammer on 2-0 and 3-1 counts with total confidence. A star on the rise.
43. Aroldis Chapman, CP, Yankees
42. Corey Kluber, SP, Indians: Still feeling some of the effects of wearing out his arm during a long, hard-fought run to the World Series. Kluber was a gutsy horse for Tito Francona.
41. Craig Kimbrel, CP, Red Sox
40. Andrew Miller, RP, Indians: Put him in to start the inning, or give him the ball with bases loaded and the game on the line; it doesn't matter. He's lights out no matter what the situation. Throws any pitch on any count and features the best lefty slider since Randy Johnson.
39. Carlos Martinez, SP, Cardinals
37. Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Marlins
36. Yu Darvish, SP, Rangers: Are his "gyroball" and slider the same thing? Whatever those things are, they are friggin' nasty. Moves from behind a right-handed batter's back to 5 inches off the outside corner. Insanity.
35. Kenley Jansen, CP, Dodgers: Has always drawn comparisons to Mariano Rivera, and he's really starting to show that kind of consistency. Kenley's the best and most reliable closer in the game right now.
34. Corey Seager, SS, Dodgers
33. Francisco Lindor, SS, Indians: Already one of my favorite players to watch, but he's becoming a bit overrated as far as his bat goes. .301 with 15 homers last year, .267 batting average this year. He's a fun player with a jaw-dropping glove, but let's not rush him into the top 10.
32. Stephen Strasburg, SP, Nationals
29. Marcell Ozuna, OF, Marlins: Becoming the mini Vladimir Guerrero. Has "found" it like Daniel Murphy, Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez and the player you'll see at No. 26. Some hitters reach a divine stage in their careers where the game just seems to slow down. Everything clicks.
28. Jose Abreu, 1B, White Sox: Model of consistency. A born hitter.
27. Adam Duvall, OF, Reds: Has emerged very similarly to Jake Lamb.
26. Matt Kemp, OF, Braves: Has been one of the best and most reliable hitters in baseball since joining the Braves midway through last year. Just knocking the cover off the ball.
25. Edwin Encarnacion, 1B, Indians
24. Madison Bumgarner, SP, Giants: What an unfortunate injury.
23. Noah Syndergaard, SP, Mets: What an unfortunate injury.
22. Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox: Slowing down a bit this season, but I think he'll breakout into a major hot streak.
21. J.D. Martinez, OF, Tigers: Beast! Remember when the Astros let him go when they could barely win 50 games?
20. Charlie Blackmon, OF, Rockies
20. Charlie Blackmon, OF, Rockies
18. Robinson Cano, 2B, Mariners: It's like the Mariners always have the sweetest swing in the game: Ken Griffey, Jr. and now Robbie.
17. Buster Posey, C, Giants: The Giants are an un-sexy team, but they've won three recent World Series and Posey is the heart-and-soul of the club. Clutch hitter, solid catcher, classy leader. Some aspects of value are completely intangible.
16. Nelson Cruz, DH, Mariners: The best pure power hitter in the MLB. A la Albert Belle, or Sammy Sosa to a lesser degree.
15. Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers: Body is finally starting to break down. One of the greatest hitters of our generation, and probably of all time.
14. Yoenis Cespedes, OF, Mets: Was the most valuable player in the National League from 2015-2016, but has simply gotten too muscular. Yo-Yo is a showstopping all-around talent, but he needs to get back on the field and stay there. If he doesn't, he's heading out of my top 20.
13. Carlos Correa, SS, Astros: Will soon be joining Mike Trout and Bryce Harper at the top of the list.
12. Josh Donaldson, 3B, Blue Jays
11. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
11. Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
9. Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, Cubs
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies
7. Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros
6. Max Scherzer, SP, Nationals
5. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks
4. Bryce Harper, OF, Nationals
3. Chris Sale, SP, Red Sox
2. Clayton Kershaw, SP, Dodgers
1. Mike Trout, OF, Angels
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