MLB Top 100 Players

Joe Posnanski of ESPN just came out with a listing of his Top 100 MLB players. It is amazing how quickly the game changes. The list is full of young players who are impacting the game in ways that will keep them highly ranked for years to come. There are also a few notable players sliding down the list.

At first glance it is no surprise to see Albert Pujols ranked #1. The Cardinals first baseman is phenomenal. He hits everything. Albert has also remained clean in regard to all the allegations and incriminations over steroids. Truly a unique and gifted player that fans have come to trust. Amid Alex Rodriguez' fall from grace, there is certainly no other player worthy of the mantle of MLB's best player.

When one mentions Alex Rodriguez, many have immediate responses. They either love him or hate him. The man who disappears in October has led a charmed life up until this year. His personal life has been turbulent with the breakup of his marriage and his professional life has come under intense scrutiny due to steroid use. Despite all his troubles, he is still a dangerous hitter. He finds himself ranked #6 on the list which could signal that this Yankee icon is in decline.

Two of the best stories of the year on the mound come from the Royals Zack Greinke and San Francisco's Tim Lincecum. These two young pitchers are dominating games and at this point in the season have each notched 10 wins. These two phenoms are certain HOF'ers. Watching them battle hitters is like watching great artists paint. Don't be surprised if Greinke wins the AL Cy Young award and Lincecum gets his second in a row.

Surprisingly, players like Miguel Cabrera and Mark Teixeira find themselves in the middle of the Top 25, which speaks volumes for the talent represented on this list. Both are big time players with great plate awareness. Solid hitters and solid defenders, these two are consistent producers of offense for their respective teams.

Overall the list paints a great picture of the current state of Major League Baseball. It is also an amazingly diverse list that includes numerous races and ethnicities representing numerous positions on the field. Pitchers, catchers, hitters both young and old dot this landscape. What other sport can boast players named Mauer, Ramirez, Suzuki and Santana all playing together in harmony? It is what makes professional baseball so exciting. It also is a great picture of the finite time these athletes have. As some players have fallen down the list after long reins at the top it is exciting to watch new stars take their place.

It also gives hope to the fans that as the sins of baseball mark era's of play, eventually a new era rises and with it the opportunity for the game to recapture the spirit of honesty and fair play. Seeing Albert Pujols ranked as baseball's best player ushers in a new era. One that every fan of the game can hope is a little better than the previous one.

Sources:

Joe Posnanski, "My Top 100 Players", ESPN.com