Nine By Design 26

I just want to send out prayers to anyone that reads this little blog that may know anyone involved in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  I have readers all over the world and though I don't know most of you, I appreciate the visit.  I wouldn't want anything to happen to anyone, let alone something as major as this was. 

The 2011 MLB season is just around the corner.  It's just 20 days away before opening day.  Today's Nine By Design will be if I was putting together a MLB team and money was no object, who I would pick for my team.  This and the Fantasy Baseball League I'm in, is as close as I'll ever get to putting a major league team together.  It's just fun, if you're into that sort of thing.  On with the weekly list...

Derek's MLB Team:

Catcher: Joe Mauer - Catcher is one of those positions where you don't get a lot of production.  The position is too demanding on the body.  He's the best one going right now.  Honorable Mention:  Brian McCann and Buster Posey

1B: Albert Pujols - He does it every year.  Hits for power and batting average.  One of, if not the most feared hitter in the league.  Just too good to pass up.  Honorable Mention: Joey Votto and Adrian Gonzalez (Cabrera has a drinking problem).

2B: Dustin Pedroia - Really?  Him?  Yes, he's a former Rookie of the Year and MVP.  He never shuts up and does stuff on the field that he shouldn't be able to do.  He's a team leader.  Honorable Mention: Robinson Cano and Rickie Weeks (Utley and Kinsler have too many injuries)

3B: Evan Longoria - He's young, good looking and a really fantastic player.  He had an "off" year in 2010, but it was still better than most players "on" year.  Honorable Mention: David Wright and Ryan Zimmerman

SS: Hanley Ramirez - What could've been if the Red Sox kept him?  He's simply the best player at a very specific position.  There are very few impact SS in the league and he's done it more often than the others.  Honorable Mention: Troy Tulowitzki and Derek Jeter

OF: Carlos Gonzalez - Huge breakout year in 2010, plus great defense

OF: Ryan Braun - Great all around in the Triple Crown categories (HR, RBI, AVG)

OF: Ichiro Suzuki - Yes he's old, but has never hit under .300 or had less than 200 hits

Honorable Mention: Carl Crawford, Josh Hamilton, Shin-Soo Choo and Matt Holliday (to name a few)

SP: Roy Halladay - When he's healthy, there is no better pitcher.  The guy you want on the mound in any game.  Just always scary good.  Reminds me of a harder throwing Greg Maddux.  Honorable Mention: Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum and Jon Lester.

We're done with another week.  Hopefully, everyone had a good one.  See you again next time.  Cheers, Happy Weekend!