ESPN's baseball experts rated the best in the game in several different categories:
Dave Campbell |
Dave Campbell's top five clutch hitters
1. Jason Giambi, 1B, A's
With .396 average and 13 HR in September 2000, he led the A's to the West title.
2. Manny Ramirez, RF, Red Sox
Nearly single-handedly got Cleveland back into playoffs last year.
3. Edgar Martinez, DH, Mariners
Even when Seattle had Junior and A-Rod, Edgar was the guy nobody wanted to face.
4. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
During the Yankees' run of four World Series titles in five years, Jeter has been their toughest out in the postseason.
5. Rafael Palmeiro, 1B, Rangers
With all the thunder in the Texas lineup, Palmeiro is still the guy who could hurt you most.
Honorable mention: Carlos Delgado, Juan Gonzalez, Frank Thomas, Jeff Kent, Todd Helton, Edgardo Alfonzo, Jeff Bagwell.
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Orel Hershiser |
Orel Hershiser's top five big-game pitchers
1. Pedro Martinez, Red Sox
Simply unhittable.
2. Tom Glavine, Braves
Glavine is a master at changing speeds, which is essential in big games, when adrenaline is surging through hitters' bodies.
3. Roger Clemens, Yankees
His big-game performance speaks for itself.
4. Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks
While his big-game performance doesn't speak for itself, as dominant as Johnson is, I'd still want him taking the hill for my team in a big game
5. Greg Maddux, Braves
Four Cy Young awards. Enough said.
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Jayson Stark |
Jayson Stark's top five ballparks
1. Camden Yards
So beautiful, I'd be happy to sit there all afternoon and watch them mow the grass.
2. Fenway Park
That moment, when you first lay eyes on that field -- The Monster, the triangle, the scoreboard, the light tower Big Mac bashed, the left-field grass where Ted once roamed -- it all defines to me why baseball is such a magical game.
3. Wrigley Field
Is there any place on earth where people are having more fun than Wrigley?
4.Yankee Stadium
It's not just a ballpark; it's the Museum of Modern Baseball History.
5. Coors Field
Crazy, gorgeous place.
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Peter Gammons |
Peter Gammons' top five unsung players
1. Mike Matheny, C, Cardinals
He gives his soul for pitchers, and pitchers determine who win.
2. Joe Randa, 3B, Royals
Reliable and productive.
3. Einar Diaz, C, Indians
The next Tony Pena?
4. Shigetoshi Hasegawa, P, Angels
Where would the Angels be without him?
5. Rich Aurilia, SS, Giants
Led NL shortstops in homers the last two years.
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Buck Showalter |
Buck Showalter's top five future managers
1. Jerry Royster
Milwaukee's bench coach has been around a long time. He has great demeanor and a consistent personality.
2. Ron Wotus
The San Francisco coach has managed at every level, has had the good fortune of Dusty Baker's influence and doesn't carry a big ego.
3. Mike Stanley
He has a certain aura and toughness that garner respect. He also has great people skills.
4. Carlos Tosca
Atlanta's Triple-A manager has been with several quality organizations, has a great reputation and is a sharp student of the game. He's also bilingual, which certainly helps.
5. Chris Speier
The D-Backs third-base coach has a great personality, is very driven and stays consistent. He has a real passion for the people in baseball.
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Mike Macfarlane |
Mike Macfarlane's top five catchers
1. Pudge Rodriguez, Rangers
The prototype. A perfect catcher in every regard.
2. Brad Ausmus, Astros
He commands respect and gets it.
3. Jason Kendall, Pirates
The best all-around athlete of all catchers.
4. Mike Piazza, Mets
Underrated defensively, and is a great leader.
5. John Flaherty, Devil Rays
The best catcher no one knows about.
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Tim Kurkjian |
Tim Kurkjian's top five emerging stars
1. Pat Burrell, 1B, Phillies
He had 18 homers and 79 RBI in 408 at-bats as a rookie; he may strike out 200 times, but he'll hit 40 homers and 100 RBI.
2. Richie Sexson, 1B, Brewers
A tremendous athlete with remarkable power and a terrific first baseman. He'll hit 40 homers playing in Miller Park with its 372-foot alleys.
3. Tony Armas Jr., P, Expos
He has a tremendous feel for pitching. His great instincts come directly from his father.
4. Lance Berkman, OF, Astros
21 homers and 67 RBI in 353 at-bats last year; a switch-hitter with power from each side. With enough playing time he could get to 30 and 100.
5. Russell Branyan, DH, Indians
Another 200-strikeout season waiting to happen, but he has great power. With a chance to play, he could hit 35 homers.
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Dave Campbell |
Dave Campbell's top five defensive infielders
1. Omar Vizquel, SS, Indians
He has the most magical feet in the game.
2. Roberto Alomar, 2B, Indians
He gets to the ball quicker than Cinderella's sisters.
3. Fernando Vina, 2B, Cardinals
Turns the double play faster than anyone else in the game.
4. Pokey Reese, 2B, Reds
2000 wasn't quite up to the standard he set in '99, but he has tremendous range and a great arm.
5. Troy Glaus, 3B, Angels
Great range, great hands, great arm; don't be fooled by the 33 errors he had in 2000.
Honorable mention: J.T. Snow, Rey Ordonez, Alex Rodriguez.
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Brian McRae |
Brian McRae's top five defensive outfielders
1. Andruw Jones, CF, Braves
Along with great speed and arm, he knows how to play every hitter in the league.
2. Ken Griffey, Jr., CF, Reds
He's absolutely fearless in the outfield.
3. Barry Bonds, LF, Giants
He plays left field as well as it can be played.
4. Jim Edmonds, CF, Cardinals
Overlooked defensively last year because of his power numbers.
5. Jermaine Dye, RF, Royals
Overlooked period, because he plays in Kansas City.
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Rob Neyer |
Rob Neyer's top five general managers
1. Billy Beane, A's
With a low payroll, the A's have won 178 games over the last two years. 'Nuff said.
2. Brian Sabean, Giants
Four straight winnnig seasons and two division titles, despite mid-range payrolls.
3. Pat Gillick, Mariners
Veteran GM built great Blue Jays, solid Orioles and he's now keeping the Mariners competitive despite the loss of superstars.
4. Jim Bowden, Reds
Reds are always competitive despite financial limitations. Shouldn't have fired Jack McKeon, however, and his infatuation with speed makes less sense now than it ever has.
5. Gerry Hunsicker, Astros
Barely edges out fellow Texan Doug Melvin of the Rangers for the fifth slot, and could drop off the list entirely if the Astros don't bounce back from their nightmarish 2000 season.
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