Best Player in Baseball this Year?

[philkiecker]

Many think that it is unanimous that Alex Rodriguez is the single best player in baseball. They also think that he will continue to prove that this year. In my fantasy league, he was the number one drafted player virtually everywhere. WhileI think that it is difficult to compare a hitter to a pitcher, I disagree and instead I think that Johann Santana will be the best player in baseball this year. He was an incredible strike out spe******t for the Twins. Now that he's with the Yankees, he'll really thrive and won't ever lose. Anybody have any thoughts on who they think will be the best player this year?



Santana is with the METS and not the YANKEES...............

[leighdu]

Agree that A-Rod is the most likely player to put up similar numbers to last year. Santana has gone downhill the past couple of seasons, and although he will likely put up good K numbers, he seems to be on a track where his performance is on the downward trend.

[philkiecker]

Where are you basing the fact that his numbers will go down? They have remained steady the past couple of years. He didn't have as many wins last year, but he still threw over 235 strikeouts...not to mention the fact that he will have a much better team behind ihim in the Mets. Thus he may be able to win more games yet again.

[diggyj]

Hard to say. What defines best player in baseball, is it actual stats, is it fantasy stats, is it MVP awards? A-Rod will have a great year but there are some players to keep an eye on. These players may also be MVP candidates in their respective leauges. In the NL a couple of players to watch are Prince Fielder and Chase Utley. First, Fielder hit 50 HR's last year for a team that was only in contention for that reason, add Rickie Weeks, potential break out season and he could have a monster year. He also received 1st place MVP votes last year. Utley is a great hitter who plays in a hitters ballpark, he had over 100 RBI's last year and if he stays healthy he only gets better having Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard in the lineup. Also pitchers Penny, Peavy, Webb. In the AL there are some great pitchers, Halladay, Verlander. As for as big years I think Miguel Cabrera and Manny Ramirez will have MVP type years. Cabrera has a new contract, watch out. As for Manny, well he has never won the AL MVP award which is odd since he always finishes in the top 10 in voting, 2 World Series rings, and he continuously puts up huge numbers on great teams. I think this is the year he wins the MVP award.

[leighdu]

His numbers over the course of the last 4 seasons show his whip, k's, and wins are on the downward trend. Have you ever pitched on any level? If so, and if you speak to others knowledgeable, that the way he pitches, his arm will give out before he even reaches the age of 35. The only thing that might help him this year is that he is pitching in a new league.

[diggyj]

Well lets take a look at his performance yesterday! 7 innings of 3-hit ball. Not bad at all. As for his performance this season, i'm still undecided because of his switch to the NL. I personally like the NL more because the managers are much more involved due to the fact that there is no DH in the NL. They are required to make more moves as they relate to pitching changes, substitional and positional changes. Santana may find himelf being pulled out of games sooner depending on the situation in the game. Also he will be much more fatigued this year in the NL because he now has to get into the batters box and not only hit, but also run the base pads. For that reason I don't think he will be a CY YOUNG candidate. He will probably have a good year but not a great year.

[diggyj]

Look back at my post when I said a possible NL MVP this year was Chase Utley. Man he is smoking hot. Leads the leagues in HR's, 3rd in RBI's. Leads for 2nd baseman in All-Star ballot voting and has more votes than anyone except for "Big Pappi". Right now I am sticking with my prediction, he will be the NL MVP this year.