AL East by Position: Third Base
1. Alex Rodriguez (Yankees) - Let's get it out of the way: Alex Rodriguez is a formerly roided up douche bag who annoys people pretty much every time he opens up his mouth. He wears Wet-n-Wild Razzle Dazzle lip gloss and slaps the ball out of people's gloves like some kind of namby-pamby and yells behind players when they're trying to catch a pop up. He's an undeniable fame whore who is desperate for the attention and approval of everyone around him. I'd take him on my team even with all of that ridiculousness, though, because he is one of the most talented baseball players in the history of the game and possibly the best I've ever seen. He'll be 34 in 2010 and thus in the supposed decline of his career, but even a declined A-Rod is better than most other things you're going to see.
2. Evan Longoria (Rays) - If the baseball fairy came to me and said, "You can pick one position player from any other team to add to the already existing players on the Orioles," Longoria is the player I would take. He's obviously not the best position player in baseball right now, but for being just 23 years old his numbers are phenomenal. In just less than two seasons he has 60 HR and 75 2B and he's only going to get better. He does strike out a ton but I subscribe to the Adam Dunn philosophy of hitting: when you OPS >.900 (which I'm certain Longoria will do this year and beyond) who gives a darn how many times you strike out? He increased his walks from 2008 to 2009 and if he can stay up around 75 BB he'll be good to go. Oh, and of course it doesn't hurt that he plays great defense.
3. Adrian Beltre (Red Sox) - There are a lot of mixed opinions about Beltre and how much value he brings a team. There is no denying his glove is one of the best in the game. Every defensive metric available (including my EYES) tells me how amazing Beltre is at third base. Even in years when his bat is substandard (such as last year, for example), Beltre's glove carries him. Beltre signed a one year deal with the Red Sox in the hopes that being on a contending team in a hitter friendly ballpark will boost his numbers for a big payday in 2011. It was a smart move for both him and the Red Sox and I think he's going to have a very good year.
4. Miguel Tejada (Orioles) - Ah, Miggi. What is there to say? He's playing third base for the first time in his career but I don't think he'll have too much trouble. He was never a defensive whiz at shortstop but he always had a strong arm. With Izturis at SS I think the left side of the infield will be just fine defensively. Tejada's bat will definitely help the Orioles lineup in 2010 and as long as he doesn't start acting like a giant baby he could be a fine addition to the team. He obviously doesn't come close to the current talent of Rodriguez or Longoria, but if he puts up a solid year at the plate (in line with his 2009) he could be almost as valuable as Beltre.
5. Edwin Encarnacion (Blue Jays) - I honestly don't know much about Edwin Encarncion so before I just threw him at the bottom of the list based on his numbers and the fact that he's a Blue Jay, I did a little research. He was drafted in the 9th round of the 2000 Amateur Draft by the Reds and in 2005 was ranked the Red #1 prospect by John Sickels and the 28th best hitter in the minors. He hasn't lived up those expectations though and it's now 5 years later. Encarnacion will be 27 years old in 2010 and will be going into his 5th full time season. At this point it seems like being league average is the best the Blue Jays can hope for from him.
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Longoria over Tulo?
I’d have to go with Troy if I could have anyone in the league, even though Longoria’s contract is amazing.
To be understood is to be a prostitute. ~ Fernando Pessoa
How do you even choose between the two?
Both are top defensive players at tough positions and both look poised to OPS over 900. Not to mention both have very friendly contracts.
"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law
by Reddrummer9187 on Feb 13, 2010 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
I choose based on scarcity
But it is hard to see one being a loser by picking either.
Hanley is another great choice, of course. Much like Stacey forgot Tulo, I plum forgot Hanley.
To be understood is to be a prostitute. ~ Fernando Pessoa
what if somebody started a honeymooners blog
called kramdenchat.
"Whoooooooaaa Doggie!" -- Gary Thorne
"You can pick one position player from any other team to add to the already existing players on the Orioles"
Got to go with Hanley Ramirez.
Librarians are hiding something
i agree
that’d eliminate a black hole with great htiing and he Hanley can filed pretty good.
Don't give up, don't ever give up. - Jim Valvano
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Feb 13, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Hanley’s bat is better than Evan but Hanley’s defense is so god awful. He really shouldn’t be SS. Once you factor in defense and their respective contracts, it’s pretty close between the two.
Vizzini: Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?
Man in Black: Yes.
Vizzini: Morons.
Actually, in taking a closer look at their contracts, Longoria’s deal is sooooo much better than Hanley. Hanley has a 6Y/$70M contract whereas Longoria has a 6Y/$17.5M contract. I’ll take Longoria over Hanley. I have a feeling that Hanley is probably slightly better than Longoria even once you factor in run prevention, but the Longoria is so dirt cheap.
Vizzini: Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?
Man in Black: Yes.
Vizzini: Morons.
If you are considering contracts
There is no doubt in my mind that Longoria is the one you want. As others mentioned Hanley’s defense isn’t great and their 2009’s were comparable in value according to fangraphs.
If you dont consider contracts, then obviously Pujols comes into consideration. I think if you put him on the Orioles roster for this year, they instantly have a chance to contend for the playoffs. He is just that good.
"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law
by Reddrummer9187 on Feb 13, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
When I made that statement
the only other players I really thought of that might top Longoria would be Hanley and Pujols. Pujols is to me the best player in baseball but I decided is too old. I mean he’s not old and he’ll be good for years to come obviously, but Longoria is what, 6 years younger than him? I have to take that consideration. Hanley is also awesome and plays a tougher position (where he probably won’t last) but I guess it just comes down to preference. I’m sure Hanley would excel in any division but seeing Longoria make mince meat out of Yankee and Red Sox pitching gives him a special place in my heart.
I admit Tulo did not cross my mind but it was probably because he plays in the NL West and I have a hard time paying attention to that division. Wrong coast, wrong league, easy to overlook.
I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry
not to mention...
there are unsubstantiated rumors that pujols is considerably older than he’s listed at, juicing rumors,,,not that those are dealbreakers per se, but hanley ramirez and longoria have “clean sheets” as far as i know.
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Feb 14, 2010 7:31 AM EST up reply actions
I was wondering why Pulos wasn't the guy ...
… and figured it was age you held against him.
Thinking over the long haul, it is hard to argue, but the thought of Albert in an O’s uniform has been a fantasy for so long for me that I can’t help but stick with him.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Not considering contracts
It’s Pujols for me. Sure he’s a good bit older but his offensive and defensive contributions are still going to be pretty awesome for the next 4-5 years.
Vizzini: Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?
Man in Black: Yes.
Vizzini: Morons.
when you put it that way
i def want longoria.
by twistedlogic on Feb 14, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Not that these numbers completely speak to how he’ll perform post 30, but check out Pujol’s projected career statistics (scroll down a bit). Absolutely sick. I love Longoria but he has a two year pro track record.
Vizzini: Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates?
Man in Black: Yes.
Vizzini: Morons.
Look at who he compares too.
That screams out he should be an O.
Clarence, It's better to have a gun and not need it, then need a gun and not have it.
Looking at just their 2009 stats, I'm not sure Hanley's defense is so bad
to make up for a .061/.046/.017 difference in batting lines, not to mention an extra 16 steals.
Josh Bell
Is why it’s not close to me. Hanley Ramirez would solve so many problems on this team it’s not even funny.
Librarians are hiding something
well josh bell is a future hall of famer
so yea….def go with the SS
by twistedlogic on Feb 13, 2010 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
maybe...
…if only he faced righthanders!
I think he should be a league average 3B, which is definitely valuable. SS is a black hole and has been for awhile. I really can’t even remember the last SS prospect the Orioles developed. And really, Cal played 3B in the minors!
Librarians are hiding something
I love the first line of this post, just throwin it out there
"On my tombstone just write, 'The sorest loser that ever lived.'"
Earl Weaver

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