2012 MLB Free Agents: Top Players by Position
By Editorial Staff
Now that all of the option decisions are official, Major League Baseball’s class of 2012 free agents is set. While we are all aware of the big names on the market, I wanted to take a moment to try and build the best current starting nine using this year’s free agents.
Ramon Hernandez – C
Albert Pujols – 1B
Kelly Johnson – 2B
Jose Reyes – SS
Aramis Ramirez – 3B
Josh Willingham – LF
Grady Sizemore – CF
Carlos Beltran – RF
David Ortiz – DH
Again I’ll say that I am trying to put together the best current roster, not looking ahead to the future.
The big decision to be made is my first baseman. While Fielder is younger and had a better 2011 statistically, Pujols’s career numbers are ridiculous. Even with his down year, Albert still has a career OPS north of 1.000 and showed us all what he is capable of this October.
Aramis Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran were no-brainers for me.
I understand Grady Sizemore is a serious injury-risk, but if he’s healthy he’s the best option in center field. I was tempted to go with Michael Cuddyer over Josh Willingham because of versatility, but Willingham has been solid with the stick over his career.
With Brandon Phillips off the market, I chose Kelly Johnson over Aaron Hill. Ramon Hernandez is my catcher, beating out Ryan Doumit who can’t seem to stay on the field.
Starting Pitcher
C.C.’s staying in New York, and while I don’t know that he’s an ace, C.J. Wilson is the best of the rest.
Reliever
I’m a big Heath Bell fan. His numbers speak for themselves.
So there’s my roster; let me know how you agree or disagree. If you disagree I’ll be looking for your alternative and why. Happy Offseason.