The Young-Stars Team
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by user Bobbyjim45
There is a new generation of baseball players coming up and they have taken the baseball world by storm. Move over Barry Bonds, Randy Johnson and Mike Piazza. Here comes Cabrera, Kazmir and Mauer.
The following is a roster of the best MLB players 25-and-under. The teams were picked mostly on how good the players are right now, but potential was also mixed into the equation. I’ve listed an entire starting rotation, lineup and bullpen (well, a three-player bullpen). Enjoy your 2006 Young-Stars… wouldn’t you love it if they were on your team?
SP 1 – Carlos Zambrano: This guy is a horse. He’s the anti-Wood and Prior in that he’s consistent and can actually stay on the field. He’s already an emotional leader on a Cubs team that’s been far from great this year. Honorable Mention: Dan Haren
SP 2 – Francisco Liriano: He’s already being touted as the next Johan Santana. The scary part is that Santana and Liriano are on the same team. Honorable Mention: Jered Weaver
SP 3 – Scott Kazmir: This 22-year-old lefty looks absolutely spectacular already. He likely won’t be with Tampa Bay for too long… hopefully he doesn’t become a Yankee (this is an opinion article). Honorable Mention: Justin Verlander
SP 4 – Dontrelle Willis: His unorthodox style certainly gets the job done. He hasn’t had a great ’06 season, but a rebound could be in the cards in the second half. Honorable Mention: Ervin Santana
SP 5 – Rich Harden: Though he’s on the DL right now, Harden is a great young player. Like Mulder, Hudson, and (probably) Zito before him, chances are he won’t be an Athletic his whole career, but should be great anywhere. Honorable Mention: Jon Lester
C – Joe Mauer: Mauer is having an insane season. He’s hitting .390 and could threaten .400 if he keeps it up. Honorable Mention: Brian McCann
1B – Prince Fielder: No, Ryan Howard does not qualify for this list because he’s 26. Fielder is still a great player, though, and he has the right pedigree. Honorable Mention: Justin Morneau
2B – Robinson Cano: Cano came out of a Yankees farm system that was supposed to be barren and he’s done pretty well for himself. He’s on the DL right now (I’m shedding tears over this), but should come back in a week or two. Honorable Mention: Rickie Weeks
3B – David Wright: This guy proved in the Home Run Derby that he’s more than just a line drive hitter (though the juiced balls and corked bats may have screened our vision). He’s a solid defender and has his Mets on top of the NL. Honorable Mention: Hank Blalock
SS – Jose Reyes: Reyes completes the Mets’ nasty left infield. These guys will challenge Jeter and A-Rod for the best left infield in New York and maybe the rest of the game in the upcoming years. Honorable Mention: Hanley Ramirez
LF – Miguel Cabrera: Though Cabrera mostly plays third base, he’s too good to keep out of the starting lineup. He can also play outfield so that’s where he’ll go to make room for Wright. Honorable Mention: Nick Swisher
CF – Grady Sizemore: Many outside Cleveland don’t consider Sizemore a premier young gun; either because they don’t realize he’s only 23 or they don’t realize how much talent he has in center. He’s a true five-tool player. Honorable Mention: Jonny Gomes
RF – Carl Crawford: Crawford may be the most athletic player in the league. He’s a fantasy player’s dream as he begins to even develop a little power. Crawford is probably the fastest guy in baseball as well. Honorable Mention: Alex Rios
RP 1 – Francisco Rodriguez: Because of the fact that he’s mostly remembered for winning the World Series in 2002, many people don’t realize that K-Rod is still only 24. This guy will be good for a long time. Honorable Mention: Chris Ray
RP 2 – Bobby Jenks: Here’s another guy known for World Series heroics. Jenks is a cool customer and should also be great for a long time. He’s a big flamethrower who Ozzie Guillen loves to have anchoring his pen. Honorable Mention: Josh Johnson
CL – Jonathan Papelbon: Is he a starter or is he a closer? I think he’ll eventually be a starter, but who really cares right now? He’s the best closer in the league and he’s only 25. It doesn’t matter whether Papelbon’s in the rotation or in the pen; he’s just a pitcher. Honorable Mention: Huston Street
The Lineup:
SS Jose Reyes
C Joe Mauer
3B David Wright
LF Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
RF Carl Crawford
CF Grady Sizemore
2B Robinson Cano
SP Carlos Zambrano
Date
Tue 07/11/06, 6:31 am EST
