Top Five 2008 MLB Players

Here is my list of the top 5 MLB players from 2008. I took everything into consideration, from leadership to defense, innings pitched to K to BB ratio.

#5.Brad Lidge- Closer Philadelphia Phillies

2-0, 41 saves, 1.95 ERA, 95 K in 69.1 IP... 0 blown saves.

41 saves in 41 opportunities. Pretty impressive for a guy that lost his job in Houston last season. Without Lidge, the Phillies do not even come close to the World Series, let alone winning the whole thing. He turned 41 wins into 8 inning affairs, case closed. Another 31 times he went out and held leads or kept the score tied, finishing one of the greatest seasons by a closer ever. And because Francisco Rodriquez gets 62 saves, he did it all with little fanfare... until the Phillies were champs that is.

#4. Hanley Ramirez- Shortstop Florida Marlins

.301 avg, 33 HR, 67 RBI, 125 R, 35 SB, .940 OPS

Now this guy is just filthy. All those numbers look good, then you realize he hit leadoff in the National League! He would be #1 on this list if he wasn't so young, he has not quite grasped the leadership thing yet, but hopefully he will. Defense is still a bit suspect, but a move to the outfield will do him good in that department.

#3. Cliff Lee- Starting Pitcher Cleveland Indians

22-3, 2.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 170 K to 34 BB

From being demoted to the minors in 2007 to AL Cy Young award winner? Yes sir, Cliff Lee had a season that is unbelievable. 22 wins, a mid 2 ERA to finally fulfill the promise he showed back in 2005. He was nearly automatic on the mound, using guile and smarts to destroy the American League all season long. Oh, he's got some good "stuff" too.

#2. Dustin Pedroia- Second Base Boston Red Sox

.326 avg, 17 HR, 83 RBI, 118 R, 54 2B, 20 SB, .992 Fielding

Talk about playing with a chip on your shoulder, that is the entire right side of the Boston infield, but Pedroia does it all. 6 errors all season playing in the most pressure packed stadium in the majors all year long, Pedroia earned the AL MVP award, and was probably the most complete player in the major leagues this season. Leadership, hustle, versatile, that is Boston's favorite "jockey".

#1. Albert Pujols- First Base St. Louis Cardinals

Avg .357

HR 37

RBI 116

Runs 100

SB 7

2B 44

OPS 1.114

Defense, offense, leadership and accountability. That is why he is #1 on my list. There is not a team in the league that would not salivate over the thought of acquiring Pujols. I have a feeling that he will add to the 2 MVP awards he already has in his trophy case. And one more thing, he will just be 29 years old on opening day this year.

With any list of this sort, people will think I'm nuts, but here are some honorable mentions. When you do not see guys like Ryan Howard, Manny Ramirez or A-Rod on this list, please remember that it's not all about numbers, fielding, integrity and leadership also played a role.

Honorable mentions:

CC Sabathia, Johan Santana, David Wright, Kevin Youklis, Jonathan Papelbon, Mariano Rivera, Roy Halladay, Josh Hamilton, Ichiro Suzuki, Chipper Jones, Aubrey Huff, Nick Markakis, Justin Morneau, Lance Berkman, Mark Teixieria, Chase Utley, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Dempster.

If I forgot anyone, sorry, I did my best!!!