Okay, so with the winter meetings in full swing I can’t get my mind off baseball. Let’s get real here though, when can’t I get my mind off baseball? So that got me thinking, who is going to play for team USA in 2013. David Wright and Joe Mauer have already signed up, Craig Kimbrell says he wants to play. So I put together a projection, well more like a wish list, of who will play for the good ole red, white, and blue.
First Base
Prince Fielder- Tigers star signed a fatty contract before going into the season with the Tigers last season and didn’t disappoint. With an OPS of .940 look for Prince to be a cornerstone on this squad.
Adam LaRoche- LaRoche was a huge part of that solid Nationals squad this year that shocked everyone by winnin 98 games.
Second Base
Brandon Phillips- He can hit anywhere in the lineup, possibly the best defensive infielder out there right now, and just an all around good guy to have in any clubhouse.
Dustin Pedroia- The Laser Show is a former MVP who hasn’t tapered off anytime lately. Average-solid defense with a lot of pop on the bat.
Third Base
David Wright- Wright just signed a $120 million contract with the Mets, and for good reason too. Former gold glover, annual silver slugger contender, this guy is the real deal.
Chase Headly- Dude was 5th in the NL MVP voting this year and was sought after by a lot of teams at the deadline last year. The Padres didn’t move him because they realize how valuable he is to the club and is quickly becoming the leader of the San Diego clubhouse.
Shortstop
Troy Tulowitzki- Traditionally shortstop is a position lacking on the offensive side of the ball. This isn’t the case with Tulo as he year in and year out puts up corner outfield numbers at the plate.
JJ Hardy- The Orioles made the playoffs this year and a large part of that was due to solid play of JJ Hardy. He also carried my fantasy team some weeks this season.
*Derek Jeter has played the last two, but I don’t know how it would go over with Yankee management coming off his knee injury even if he was healthy by then.
Catcher
Joe Mauer- Another former MVP, and no he’s not Canadian, that’s Morneau, I checked. Can also be utilized at first base in a pinch.
Buster Posey- Reigning MVP of the NL, the biggest reason the Giants won the World Series (Besides Bruce Boche), and also can play the first base bag.
Outfield
Ryan Braun- Yet another MVP, Paid well by the Brewers to do what he does best, hit for average, hit for power, drive in runs, get on base, and play a solid defense. Ryan Braun may be the best player in the game on a consistent basis.
Josh Hamilton- Don’t know where he’ll play in the MLB next year, but to have another former MVP in that outfield who can hit bombs, hit for average, and drive in runs, isn’t a bad thing at all.
Giancarlos Stanton- He has just come unglued playing for the Marlins the last two seasons, look for him to do the same with his new team in Toronto, surprisingly he is ‘Merican.
Trout- Mike “Mofukn” Trout, the rookie of the century, should have been MVP if not for a triple crown winner, he may be the best outfielder alive, Cuba better make sure if they hit home runs they are at least 50 feet over the fence or Trouty’ll rob ‘em all day long.
Jay Bruce- All Star, Hits for power, might not hit for average. If that bat gets hot though, look out, he won’t miss too many of them.
Andrew McCuttchen- Large factor in the semi-resurgence of the Pirates baseball team, Cucth is another 5 tool player and annual MVP candidate.
Starting Pitchers
Justin Verlander (Boyfriend to Kate Upton alone should get him anything he wants)
Chris Sale- Where the hell did he come from, just dominated this year
CC Sabathia- Former CY young, current fat ass, throws the ball by people
RA Dickey- Knuckle-ball extraordinaire, great dude, might get traded, amazing pitcher
Mat Latos- Young arm that proved his worth for the Reds, emotional nut job, hell of an arm
Relievers
Jonathan Papelbon- Bat shit crazy, but aren’t all closers
Sean Marshall- Nobody hits this guy, especially lefties
Craig Kimbrell- Rivaled Aroldis Chapman as the best closer in the game this year
Chris Perez- Man all these guys are nuts
Joel Hanrahan- He scares me, and that’s why he should be on the mound
Jim Johnson- Led the league in saves, also has the most generic after school special name ever
Utility Infielder/Outfielder
Ben Zobrist- can and has literally played everywhere and hit everywhere in the lineup, and does a pretty dam good job doing it too.
So there is my 28 man USA baseball roster. Feel free to comment on suggestions, I’d like to here some debating on this issue. Oh, and if you haven’t yet. Check out our facebook page, we post cool pictures, sports news, and all kinds of other stuff on there all the time. So throw us a like.
What’s the best ways to follow the WBC? I watch MLB network and I go to the main WBC website. Any other suggestions?
I plan to try to grab a WBC HR when the games come to AT&T Park. I will be in my kayak where I grabbed many in the past. I am hoping for lefty hitters with power because that’s what I need. Adam LaRoche, Prince Fielder type of hitters!
Thanks,
DAVE EDLUND