These type of threads were done a few years ago by Blue Cardinal, and now that a few years have passed, times have changed and we may (or may not) have a new perspective on who we think is best. This series will be used to help identify who WZ think is the best current baseball player. While some positions are deeper than others, if you aren't the best at your own position you can't be the best in the game. With that being said, here's the criteria I'd like you all to use:
Who you think will play the best for THIS season only? Not in 5 years, not who's been the best in the past 5 years. Salaries aren't accounted for either. If you choose Jonathan Lucroy over Yadier Molina, it better be because you think Lucroy will have a better season, NOT because he will give you more bang for your buck.
This ISN'T a lifetime achievement award. Think of it like this: if you are a GM, and you have any 1 catcher you can take for THIS YEAR ONLY, who would it be?
Also, for catcher, try to use guys that will play primarily at catcher (so no DH-first or multi-position guys (unless their primary position is catcher))
---
Catcher's somewhat of an interesting position, as there's a few guys that are younger that have supreme offensive talents but may be pushed to a different position due to the wear and tear of the position. With that being said, here's my top 3:
3. Buster Posey - The one real concern with Buster is how he will come back from his season-ending injury he suffered last season. If he produces like he did in his rookie year, it shouldn't take him long to be staked as the best catcher in the game. He and the Kung Fu Panda are the main pieces of this Giants offense.
2. Yadier Molina - By far and away the best defensive catcher in the game, he experienced a breakthrough season offensively last year, with a .160 ISO and not much luck (.311 BABIP, only slightly above his career average). This is his age 29-30 season, so we could see him play some great ball for these next 2-3 years before he drops off a bit (which tends to happen quickest on catchers).
1. Brian McCann - The most consistent catcher that plays almost exclusively at catcher. He's hit 20+ HR's in 5 of his 6 full seasons, posted multiple 4-5 WAR seasons, and has ISO in between .180-.220 (very good for a catcher). He's slumped a bit so far to start the season, but I won't doubt him getting near his career averages in the important stats.
Even with these guys, there's a lot of talented players I didn't even mention due to one reason or another - Joe Mauer, Carlos Santana, Alex Avila, Miguel Montero, and Mike Napoli. They won't all be included on the poll, but I would be satisfied with any of these guys behind the plate.
Previous Entries
1st base: Albert Pujols
2nd base: Robinson Cano
3rd base: Miguel Cabrera and Evan Longoria
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki
Who you think will play the best for THIS season only? Not in 5 years, not who's been the best in the past 5 years. Salaries aren't accounted for either. If you choose Jonathan Lucroy over Yadier Molina, it better be because you think Lucroy will have a better season, NOT because he will give you more bang for your buck.
This ISN'T a lifetime achievement award. Think of it like this: if you are a GM, and you have any 1 catcher you can take for THIS YEAR ONLY, who would it be?
Also, for catcher, try to use guys that will play primarily at catcher (so no DH-first or multi-position guys (unless their primary position is catcher))
---
Catcher's somewhat of an interesting position, as there's a few guys that are younger that have supreme offensive talents but may be pushed to a different position due to the wear and tear of the position. With that being said, here's my top 3:
3. Buster Posey - The one real concern with Buster is how he will come back from his season-ending injury he suffered last season. If he produces like he did in his rookie year, it shouldn't take him long to be staked as the best catcher in the game. He and the Kung Fu Panda are the main pieces of this Giants offense.
2. Yadier Molina - By far and away the best defensive catcher in the game, he experienced a breakthrough season offensively last year, with a .160 ISO and not much luck (.311 BABIP, only slightly above his career average). This is his age 29-30 season, so we could see him play some great ball for these next 2-3 years before he drops off a bit (which tends to happen quickest on catchers).
1. Brian McCann - The most consistent catcher that plays almost exclusively at catcher. He's hit 20+ HR's in 5 of his 6 full seasons, posted multiple 4-5 WAR seasons, and has ISO in between .180-.220 (very good for a catcher). He's slumped a bit so far to start the season, but I won't doubt him getting near his career averages in the important stats.
Even with these guys, there's a lot of talented players I didn't even mention due to one reason or another - Joe Mauer, Carlos Santana, Alex Avila, Miguel Montero, and Mike Napoli. They won't all be included on the poll, but I would be satisfied with any of these guys behind the plate.
Previous Entries
1st base: Albert Pujols
2nd base: Robinson Cano
3rd base: Miguel Cabrera and Evan Longoria
Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki
