No Surprise: Pujols Is the Choice
SI had their annual executive and scout poll in which they ask: Which 5 active players would you pick to start a franchise?
Voting was done on a 5-4-3-2-1 points scale. Here are the top 15, in order of total points.
- Albert Pujols
- Evan Longoria
- Zack Greinke
- Joe Mauer
- Hanley Ramirez
- Johan Santana
- Roy Halladay
- Alex Rodriguez
- Jonathan Papelbon
- Tim Lincecum
- Grady Sizemore
- Justin Upton
- Carlos Beltran
- Chase Utley
- David Price
Also receiving votes were Jimmy Rollins, Francisco Rodriguez, Rick Porcello, Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, Ryan Howard, Adam Jones, David Wright, Josh Hamilton, Dan Haren, Fernando Martinez and Stephen Strasburg.
There weren’t any White Sox or Cubs selected. I was surprised that these players did not receive any votes: Ian Kinsler, Adrian Gonzalez, Carlos Quentin, Matt Wieters, Curtis Granderson, Justin Verlander, Carlos Pena, Justin Morneau and Nick Markakis. I was also surprised that some of the participants selected closers. If I was selecting 5 players to begin a franchise I certainly wouldn’t pick a closer, or any relief pitcher.
Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl
Gotta agree with you about Morneau. Also missing from the list is Miguel Cabrera. FIRE FORD MANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Gives you an idea of how dumb some scouts and GM’s are in MLB. Trust me, I have met a few on both ends. DUMB.
What about Prince Fielder??
I’m shocked that Morneau and Kinsler aren’t mentioned as well.
Actually Fielder is having a great season. Just thought of another name: Cole Hamels
Yes, Fielder is having a great season…by his standards. But he’s still an overweight, slow, bad fielding first baseman who can hit the ball real far. Nothing more. Certainly not a guy you build a team around.
Good call on Hamels.
Dude–1.000 OPS is a great season by anyone’s standards. And he’s only 25. I wouldn’t build my team around him, but I also wouldn’t mind him hitting cleanup either.
Yes, his OPS is over 1.000 now, but the season is only two months old, so the point is moot. His lifetime OPS is barely over .900. And he may still be relatively young, but I don’t believe he’ll have a long career with a physique like that.
Again, I just find it hilarious that you still can’t admit how ridiculous you picking Fielder over Pujols was last year. Hate is a dangerous thing.
I find it hilarious that you still harp on the Fielder pick. “His lifetime OPS is barely over .900″ Do you know how awesome that is?
Why is Greinke so high? I know he’s having an amazing season, but I would think it’s a small sample size to base starting a whole franchise on. Also, has David Wright fallen or what? Two years ago, and this would have been David Wright perched in the top 3.
Great post Zoner.
Do you realize how much lower it is than Pujols? LOL
Apparently not.
Jose Reyes also fell off the list.
dhaab–everyone falls short of Pujols.
Some of these players are the flavor of the moment.
BTW, Zoner, have you noticed Joe Mauer’s power numbers so far this season? Pretty impressive. Sometimes power comes later in a players development.
Just in case anyone is wondering, I am having some tech issues and I am unable to post anything right now. Should be up soon…hopefully.