It's long as hell and I rambel at times, so brace yourselves.

 

NL East Comparison

 

By Josh Clinton

 

For a dozen years, the National League East has been topped by the Atlanta Braves. In 2002, it seemed as if that was set to change. While Pat Burrell and David Bell struggled to hit .200, Javy Lopez put up the greatest single season for a major league catcher in history, and Marcus Giles turned into an all-star. In the mean time, the Florida Marlins were too busy putting together a World Series champion. Montreal was out playing in Puerto Rico, and New York continued it's the losing trend.

 

What will happen in 2004? Nobody knows for sure. Injuries are unpredictable, and off-years can always occur. For now, we can do nothing but compare and predict. So, without further a due, my position-by-position comparisons and predictions for the 2004 season.

 

Catcher: Johnny Estrada, Ramon Castro, Mike Lieberthal, Brian Schneider, Mike Piazza

 

Advantage: Mets, Phillies, Marlins, Expos, Braves

 

Despite coming off an injury-plagued season, Piazza is still the best catcher in the division, hitting .286 with 11 home runs in 234 at-bats. He should return to back to his dominating offensive status if healthy in 2004.

 

After an amazing 2003, Mike Lieberthal is barely a close second to Piazza. He had his best offensive season since 1999, hitting .313 while driving in 86 runs for Philly. He should continue to put up similar numbers in the Phillies high-octane offense.

 

Ramon Castro has yet to prove himself as a full-time threat, but indications point toward a good season in the batter?s box for Ramon. He virtually averaged a home run every ten at-bats (5 HR's in 52 AB's), which would be an astounding ratio for a full-time starter. Castro has built high expectations from management over the past few years, and should have no trouble contributing to the Marlins success.

 

Brian Schneider had an amazing year behind the plate, putting up a 52.9 caught stealing percentage. Offensively, Schneider is far from productive, hitting only .230 in 2003, which is why he is placed this low in the division ranks.

 

Johnny Estrada had a great 2003 season-- in triple-A. Estrada was a minor-league all-star last year, but has never seen major league success. If he can progress into a decent major league starter in 2004, he should have no problem passing Schneider on this list.

 

 

 

First Base: Adam LaRoche/Julio Franco, Hee Seop Choi/Wil Cordero, Jim Thome, Nick Johnson, Jason Phillips

 

Advantage: Phillies, Expos, Mets, Marlins, Braves

 

Jim Thome is the best first baseman in the National League east. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Thome hit .267 with 47 home runs in 2003, both numbers that should improve in 2004 with a year of national league experience under his belt.

 

In only 324 at-bats last season, Nick Johnson managed to hit .284 with 24 home runs, with an on base percentage of .422. Johnson should help anchor the Expos weakened lineup in 2004, and is by far the second-best first baseman in the division.

 

Jason Phillips came out of nowhere for the Mets last season and had an astoundingly solid year at the plate for New York, hitting .298 in 403 at-bats in 2003 weakening the blow from losing Piazza. Nothing points to Phillips decreasing his totals from last season, so look for another solid sophomore campaign.

 

Hee Seop Choi was acquired by the Marlins from the Cubs this off-season, and Florida seems both very excited and anxious to get the best first baseman prospect in baseball on the field. Despite winning Rookie of the Month honors in April, Choi had a poor season last year due to a concussion in which he suffered in a collision with Cubs ace Kerry Wood. It's unknown what to expect from Choi in 2004, but if he takes advantage of Pro Players spacious outfield, Choi could end up putting together a great season at the plate. Choi will be complemented by righty Wil Cordero, who was signed by the Marlins to a one-year deal. Cordero is a fabulous addition to the Marlins bench, and will platoon with Hee Seop at first base to start against left-handed pitchers.

 

Outside of the man one slot ahead of him in this ranking, Adam LaRoche is considered one of baseballs best prospects at first base. The Braves are just as excited to see LaRoche get on the field as the Marlins are with Choi. If he lives up to the hype, he may be able to surpass Choi by mid-season. With LaRoche, the Braves also have 45-year-old Julio Franco to platoon with him at first base. Despite his age, Franco still crushes left-handed pitchers, and will continue to be productive for Atlanta in 2004.

 

 

 

Second Base: Marcus Giles, Luis Castillo, Placido Polanco, Jose Vidro, Jose Reyes

 

Advantage: Braves/Expos, Marlins, Phillies, Mets

 

Simply put, Marcus Giles was the best second baseman in the national league in 2003. In his first all-star season, Giles put up astounding numbers at the plate, batting .316 with 21 home runs and a .390 on-base percentage, as well as a .917 OPS. If he does not live up to those numbers in 2004, expect any one of these players to overtake the first slot.

 

Jose Vidro, another all-star, is just as good as or better than the man ahead of him in this comparison. Vidro hit .310 with 15 home runs last year, exactly what we have come to expect from him. He and Giles are a split in my opinion, due to the fact that Vidro has proven he can put up all-star number?s year in and year out and Giles has yet to do so.

 

Just when you though the talent level might fall off the table, here comes Luis Castillo. A two-time all-star, Castillo has proven himself as a consistent threat at the plate just as Vidro. Although his stolen base totals dropped dramatically in 2003, expect him to recuperate a lot of his speed next year. Don't expect him to give up his gold-glove any time soon.

 

Placido Polanco arguably had his best year ever in 2003, hitting .289 with 14 home runs as the Phillies starting second basemen. At this point, he is still expected to start at second, although many have said he could switch to third to insert prospect Chase Utley in the lineup. Polanco is a consistent bat in the Phillies order, so don't expect a drop off at the plate any time soon.

 

Jose Reyes may only be 20-years-old, but seems to have the same talent level and presence as his division rival Miguel Cabrera. Reyes has a cannon at second base, and hit .307 with 5 home runs and 13 stolen bases until he suffered a season ending injury. If he keeps becoming better at the rate he is at, he could be one of baseball's top three second basemen by the time he turns twenty-three.

 

 

 

Third Base: Mark DeRosa, Mike Lowell, David Bell, Tony Batista, Ty Wiggington

 

Advantage: Marlins, Expos, Braves, Mets, Phillies

 

Despite missing the entire month of September with a broken hand, Mike Lowell still managed to be the best offensive third baseman in 2003. Lowell hit a random 32 home runs with 105 RBI last season, and is in no way expected to decrease in 2004. Lowell has consistently managed to top his career highs in almost every category each year of his major league career, and that isn't expected to change.

 

Tony Batista continues to put up high power numbers, belting 26 home runs and driving in 99 runs for Baltimore in 2003. Batista is expected to help bolster a lackluster third base for Montreal, who has been without a healthy Fernando Tatis (Tampa Bay Devil Rays), for the past few seasons. Batista should continue to drive in runs for Montreal, especially playing a quarter of his games in Hiram-Bithorn Stadium.

 

Although he has never been a full-time starter, Mark DeRosa has shown that he can hit major league pitching well enough to be a decent contributor to the Braves lineup. DeRosa hit .263 in 266 at-bats last season, but should not be expected to fill the shoes of Vinny Castillo.

 

In his rookie season, Ty Wiggington put up below average numbers, hitting .255 with 11 home runs and 77 RBI in 573 at-bats. There is no reason why Wiggington shouldn't improve, but no reason to believe he should be an above average major leaguer, either.

 

In 2002, he was a solid bat in the starting lineup of a World Series team. In 2003, he struggled mightily to hit .195 with 4 home runs in 295 at-bats for Philly. If he has a poor spring training, Bell will probably back-up Placido Polanco, while making Chase Utley the starting second baseman.

 

 

 

Shortstop: Rafeal Furcal, Alex Gonzalez, Jimmy Rollins, Orlando Cabrera, Kaz Matsui

 

Advantage: Expos, Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Mets

 

In addition to second base, the NL East is full of talent at shortstop, and it starts with Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera played in all 162 games for the Expos in 2003 while producing a career year at the plate. Cabrera hit .297 with 17 home runs and 80 RBI for the Expos, on top of 24 stolen bases. Cabrera is 29-years-old, but continues to progress as one of the best offensive shortstops in the national league.

 

Rafeal Furcal was an all-star for the Braves in 2003, and put up similar offensive numbers to Orlando Cabrera. Furcal hit .292 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI, including 25 stolen bases, while being three years younger at 26. Furcal won't have as many big bats behind him in batting order next year, but that shouldn't effect his progression as one of the best lead off men in baseball.

 

A two-time all-star, Jimmy Rollins' progression as an offensive stud has been slowed significantly. Still just 24-years-old, Rollins is not yet a lost cause for the Phillies. But if he continues to degress at this rate, he could be non-tendered by Philly next off-season. He is currently at the third slot on this list, but if Alex Gonzalez has another career year at the plate or Kaz Matsui becomes the stud that is expected, they could take Rollins' place.

 

With a career year in 2003, Alex Gonzalez is also one of baseball's best defensive infielders, regaurdless of position. Gonzalez hit decently for Florida last year, but was extreamely inconsistant, batting just .256, but knocking out 18 home runs and driving in 77 runs. If Gonzalez can mentally build up his confidence, there is no telling where his talen could take him.

 

Leaving Japan for the major leagues, it is unknown how Kazuo Matsui will pan out in the majors, but signs point to Matsui becoming a productive major leaguer. Matsui is a speedy player that makes contact regularly, and is expected to successfully move straight to the top of the Mets batting order. Don't expect Matsui to move past third on this list by season?s end, no matter how well he produces in 2004.

 

 

Left Field: Chipper Jones, Jeff Conine, Pat Burrell, Brad Wilkerson, Cliff Floyd

 

Advantage: Braves, Mets, Marlins, Expos, Phillies

 

Year in and year out, Chipper Jones has shown that he is one of the best hitters in the game. Why should that change now? Jones hit .305 with 27 home runs and 106 RBI in 2003, stats we have come to expect from him. No reason to believe he should fall from the top spot here.

 

Cliff Floyd only had 365 at-bats in 2003, but he seemed to make the most of them-- injured, no less. Floyd hit .290 with 18 home runs last year, and looks to become the focus of the Mets batting order. He should come back strong and ready to play.

 

Jeff Conine added another solid season to his resume, posting a .283 batting average and his best home run total in years with 20. Conine is the Marlins most consistent RBI threat, and can be counted on for 90-100 per season. This spot could be up for grabs by mid-season if Burrell or Wilkerson steps up.

 

Brad Wilkerson had an above average season, showing both a great strength and a great weakness at the plate. Wilkerson walked 89 times in 2003, while striking out 155 times. If Wilkerson can add some more pop to his home run (19) and RBI (77) categories, he may eventually split the third spot with Conine.

 

Pat Burrell had an absolutely unheard of 2002, mashing 37 home runs for 116 RBI. How did he progress in 2003? I guess you could say it was just as unheard of. Burrell hit .209 with 21 home runs and 64 RBI, such a downward spiral that some are questioning whether Burrell can ever match his production from just a year ago.

 

 

 

Center Field: Andruw Jones, Juan Pierre, Marlon Byrd, Carl Everett, Mike Cameron

 

Advantage: Braves, Marlins, Expos, Phillies, Mets

 

Is there anyone in baseball that fields their position as well as Andruw Jones? Not to mention dominating in the batter?s box as well? Not in center field at least. Jones is clearly the best all-round center fielder in baseball in my opinion. All at only 26, he's just going to keep on getting better and better.

 

A top ten Most Valuable Player votes getter, Juan Pierre means as much to the Marlins as any other player on any other roster. Pierre by far stole more bases than anyone in baseball with a franchise record 65. On top of that, Pierre hit .305 on the year, setting the franchise single-season hit record in the process (204). Like Jones, Pierre is just 26-years-old and will do nothing but improve.

 

He's one of those players that neither is over nor underrated, but just in-between. You always know what you're going to get from Carl Everett, who hit .287 with 28 jacks in 2003. Everett split the season between the Rangers and White Sox seamlessly, and projects to hit anywhere from third to fifth in the Expos batting order.

 

Marlon Byrd had a sluggish start to his major league career, but quickly picked up the pace toward the middle of the 2003 season. Byrd finished the year with a .303 batting average, and 11 stolen bases. Byrd also keeps the 26-year-old pattern going, and although he is farther behind both Jones and Pierre in the learning process, should be just as good as or better than he was last season.

 

Mike Cameron may not deserve to be ranked this low, but the Mets center fielder was unlucky enough to land in arguably the most talented division in baseball at center field. Cameron hit a dismal .253 with 18 home runs and 76 RBI in 2003, but will look to improve upon those numbers now that he is outside of Safeco. But don't count on it, considering that Shea Stadium is also one of the biggest parks in baseball today.

 

Right Field: J.D. Drew, Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Abreu, Juan Rivera, Timo Perez

 

Advantage: Phillies, Marlins, Braves, Mets, Expos

 

Until anyone else can prove otherwise, Bobby Abreu is the best right fielder in the division. Abreu continued his stellar offensive production in 2003, hitting .300 with 20 home runs and 101 RBI. Abreu also got on base at an awesome rate of .409. If Bobby continues to put up the numbers that we have become a custom to, he probably stays here all season.

 

Miguel Cabrera has yet to play a full season, but what a bang he made in his rookie season. Cabrera may have hit just .268, but has shown that he has the ability to hit .300 and produce somewhere near 20-30 home runs and 90-120 RBI. At only 20-years-old, Cabrera is light years ahead of any other hitter his age, and should continue to improve by leaps and bounds.

 

If J.D. Drew can actually manage to accumulate more than 425 at-bats in a single season, there is no reason he can't be as good, or even better than Abreu. Drew has shown the ability to hit for average and power, as well as steal bases. If he can stay healthy, by no means should you be shocked that he ends up atop this list at seasons? end.

 

In his last season as a full-time starter, Timo Perez batted .295 for the Mets in 2002. After a below average year both off the bench and as a starter, it is unsure what to expect from Perez in 2004. He's a guy that rarely strikes out, but also rarely walks. If he can go back to his form from a year ago, the Mets could be in good shape at right field.

 

Although unproven, Juan Rivera has shown signs that he can become an above-average major league starter. Acquired from the Yankees, Rivera will become the Expos starting right fielder in 2004, and could produce any where from .240-.270 with 10-20 home runs and 50-70 RBI for Montreal.

 

 

 

Rotation: Advantage- Marlins, Phillies, Braves, Expos, Mets

 

The Marlins have a young, talented, and cocky rotation the leads the pack in the National League East. Josh Beckett is expected to lead the rotation, and has been projected by many to be as good as anyone in 2004. With stuff comparable to any other pitcher in major league baseball, look for Beckett to win anywhere from 15-20. Brad Penny will probably be second in Florida's rotation. Penny has the stuff to match Beckett, but it's his confidence during the game that some question. If he can learn to trust all of his pitches, Penny can also win anywhere from 15-20 for Florida. It may not look like it on paper, but Carl Pavano was quite possibly the Marlins best, most consistent pitcher in 2003. He led the rotation in quality starts, and set a career high with 12 wins. If Pavano can do as well as some projections say he will, he'll end up with anywhere from 10-18 wins. The youngest of the rotation, Dontrelle Willis, made the biggest splash of last season, winning 14 games with a 3.30 ERA. With a World Series campaign under his belt after only one major league season, Willis could definitely be a 15-18 game winner in 2004, but could just as easily lose 10-12. Signed to a one-year, $750,000 contract, Darren Oliver is being viewed as a quality pick-up by Admin Beinfest. Although he does have a career ERA above 5.00, Oliver also has a career record above .500, and is a left-handed pitcher, both the only reasons why he is still in the game today. He will fill the fifth-starting spot well for a month, but don't look for him to be in the rotation any longer than that. The other fifth starter for Florida, starting in May/June, looks to be ace A.J. Burnett. Burnett was one of baseball's best pitchers in 2002, before having Tommy John surgery in April 2003. If he can pitch anywhere near what he did in '02, the Marlins should have one of the best rotations in the game.

 

The Phillies have a very talented rotation, but a few question marks. Kevin Millwood is the type of guy that can have 15-20 wins penciled in before a pitch is thrown. There are no worries that he will not be the ace he has always been. Randy Wolf was an all-star in 2003, but his ERA is a concern (4.23). Although all of his other stats are solid, as long as he wins, who cares? Vincente Padilla was very solid last season, and seems to be getting better and better. If he can continue to improve like he has, don't be surprised to see him in an all-star game himself. Eric Milton has been battling injuries over the past few seasons, but is a former 20-game winner, which can't be ignored. He made only three starts in 2003, but if he comes back strongly, he will be a force in that rotation. Although, he could just as easily decline. Brett Myers had a decent rookie season, posting a respectable 14-9 record, but a very concerning 4.43 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. If Myers can improve those two numbers, he may continue to be a decent fifth starter. If not, he won't get as lucky in 2004.

 

Although the Braves have lost three dominant starters in two years, they still have a decent rotation. Russ Ortiz, coming off of a 20+ win season, may not have the same success as he did in 2003. The Braves powerful batting order helped Ortiz tremendously last season, and will not be there to back him up. Look for anywhere from 15-18 wins. Second in Atlanta's rotation is Mike Hampton, who is coming off a decent season. He posted a 3.84 ERA with 14 wins and eight losses in 2003, and something is telling me he will improve upon those numbers in his second season outside of the place that he pitched as if he were drunk, Coors Field. Next would be Paul Byrd, a man who signed with the Braves over last year's off-season and did not even throw a pitch for them in 2003. If Byrd can come right back to what he did in 2002 for the Royals, they will have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, I just don't see him having the year some expect. Look for something in-between 10-14 wins. Although none of his stats were astounding but his record, Haracio Ramirez had a solid rookie season. He put up a 4.00 ERA and a great 12-4 record for the Braves, and under Mazzone, there is no reason to suspect he will decline. At age 30, John Thompson is hardly a good starter. He threw up a 4.85 ERA for the Texas Rangers last season, and even in a pitchers park with a great pitching coach, I don't see him putting together anything more than 12 wins or a 4.40 ERA for Atlanta.

 

Even though they lost their ace and a great veteran, the Expos rotation still looks to be above average in 2004. They no longer have to trade ace Livan Hernandez, who had a career year in 2003. Hernandez went 15-10 with a 3.20 ERA and an astounding eight complete games for the Expos in 233 innings pitched. If Hernandez can put up similar numbers next year, he is easily a legitimate number one starter. Tony Armas will also be returning for Montreal. The 25-year-old has tons of potential to be a great pitcher, but has yet to put it all together, and a lost season doesn't help. If he can step up, the Expos will have a better rotation than some fathom. Although he gave up a ton of hits, Tomo Ohka should be a decent third starter for Montreal in 2004. He posted a 10-12 record with a 4.16 ERA last season, both average numbers, but should improve as he becomes more and more experienced. Zach Day should also improve as his experience level grows. Day went 9-8 with a 4.18 ERA in an injury-ridden season, but should do well in his first full season as a starter in '04, and will probably be one of the better fourth starters in the league. In his rookie season, Claudio Vargas put up comparable numbers to Brett Myers, going 6-8 with a 4.34 ERA in 114 innings pitched. Vargas should be an average fifth starter in 2004, but don't be surprised if he does better than most think.

 

Unless Tom Glavine can regain his form as a dominant starter, the Mets have no real first starter. In a season bothered by back injuries, Tom Glavine had the worst season of his career. The potential hall of famer went nine and 14, with an ERA of 4.52. Don't expect much from Glavine in 2004, but he should put up better stats than those if healthy. Steve Trachsel was the Mets best pitcher in 2003, posting a solid 3.78 ERA and a great 16-10 record. If Trachsel can continue this success, the Mets rotation should be in fair shape for next year. Al Leiter had almost success as Trachsel in 2003. Leiter conceded a decent 3.99 ERA, while managing a great record of 15-9. He should help anchor the Mets rotation next season. Another rookie starter in the NL East, Jae Weong Seo put up very comparable stats to Haracio Ramirez, with a 9-12 record and an ERA of 3.82. If Seo can continue to be solid, the Mets have a very good situation at fourth starter. It's not definite, but the Mets fifth starter seems to be Aaron Heilman. In his short time as a starter for the Mets last season, Heilman posted a two and seven record with a 6.75 ERA in 65 innings. If the Mets are not confident in Heilman, don't be surprised if they go after a decent free agent starter such as Damian Moss or Orlando Hernandez to fill the spot.

 

 

 

Bullpen: Advantage: Phillies, Marlins, Braves, Mets, Expos

 

The Phillies obviously have the best bullpen in the division. With Tim Worrell and Rheal Cormier setting up, they should have no problem at the end of games. Middle and long relief should be no problem as well, with Amaury Telemaco and Roberto Hernandez.

 

Florida does not particularly have a strong bullpen. Setting up for the Marlins will be Chad Fox, who is coming off of a career year with the Red Sox and Marlins, and Mike Neu, who put up a 3.64 ERA in 42 innings with the A's. At middle relief, the Marlins have Nate Bump, who is coming off a decent rookie season in the Marlins pen, and Michael Tejera, with Tommy Phelps handling the long relief duties. The 29-year-old rookie Phelps posted a 4.00 ERA in 62 innings for the Marlins last season.

 

The Braves don't seem to have any above average relievers in the pen for 2004. While Kevin Grobowski and Antonio Alfonseca look to set up. Middle relievers will probably be Trey Hodges and Armando Almanza, who both had bad years in 2004. If statistics from last season have any indication on how well the Braves bullpen will be, they will most likely fall from this number three ranking.

 

New York has two great set up men in Mike Stanton and John Franco, but virtually nothing outside of that. Middle relievers will probably include Grant Roberts and David Weathers, as well as Dan Wheeler. The Mets bullpen should be average, but could be very good come mid-season if some prospects pan out.

 

The Expos have absolutely no bullpen. Set up men include Joey Eichsen and Luis Ayala, with T.J. Tucker, Dan Smith, and Chad Cordero as the middle relievers. Ayala could end up closing later in the season if Biddle is moved to the rotation and Armas starts the season relieving.

 

 

 

Closers: John Smoltz, Armando Benitez, Billy Wagner, Rocky Biddle, Braden Looper

 

Advantage: Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Mets, Expos

 

All-star John Smoltz is one of the best three Closers in the game, hands down. In just 64 innings, Smoltz still managed 45 saves and a sickening 1.12 ERA for the Braves. He should continue his dominance in 2004 as one of the best Closers in major league history.

 

Speaking of the best Closers ever, all-star Billy Wagner is probably on that list. In 86 innings, Wagner had 45 saves and a 1.78 ERA for Houston in 2003, and like Smoltz, should continue his dominant ways as a top all-time closer.

 

All-star Armando Benitez may also be considered one of the best Closers in major league history. Benitez had a down year converting saves in 2003, but still managed to be dominant with a 2.96 ERA and a .212 opponents batting average. If Benitez takes advantage of the pitcher?s park and low-pressure area of Miami, he should once again be a top five closer.

 

Braden Looper, the Marlins closer for most of 2003, should fit well in New York-- at first, anyway. The minute Looper blows his first save and Loopers hears it from the fans and press, he does not have the mental toughness to put it behind him. I don't feel that he will do badly as a Met, but don't be shocked to see him with 5-7 blown saves by the end of the season.

 

In his first year as a closer in 2003, Rocky Biddle had a horrible 4.65 ERA in 71 innings pitched, but did manage to convert 35 saves on the season. If he can bring his ERA down about a point, he could become one of the better Closers in baseball.

Great job josh...

you really take this columnist thing serious, at least you take your time and effort to say what you want.

 

/ end nice.

u must be bored

u must be bored

no, he does this for a hobby, and enjoys it, not to mention very good at it.

 

He's been doing this for a long time now, and continues to put up very nice articles.

 

 

:cheers to another great article

why no shortstop comparison?

why no shortstop comparison?

Holy s***, I completely over looked it.

 

*Smacks self in head*

 

*Edits article*

I liked it, but did I miss something or was SS not part of the breakdown...

 

 

Clearly AGon's the best

very good article :thumbup

 

but once you do the ss comparisions can you please post it

 

thanks

u must be bored

why you say that? Maybe he wants to get a career off that.. Gets paid well and does what he likes.. Not to mention he good at it.. Good Article Josh :thumbup

Good improvement...keep it up

Great job josh...

you really take this columnist thing serious, at least you take your time and effort to say what you want.

 

/ end nice.

 

he does this for a hobby, and enjoys it, not to mention very good at it.

 

He's been doing this for a long time now, and continues to put up very nice articles.

 

 

cheers to another great article

I liked it

 

very good article

why you say that? Maybe he wants to get a career off that.. Gets paid well and does what he likes.. Not to mention he good at it.. Good Article Josh

 

Good improvement...keep it up

 

Thank you all.

 

And it is now updated, shortstop comparison and all.

Oh, one more thing:

 

Matsui is the Mets' SS, Reyes plays second now. Go figure...

Oh, one more thing:

 

Matsui is the Mets' SS, Reyes plays second now. Go figure...

Someone else informed me of this.

 

I thought they were supposed to battle for it in ST?

 

Whatever, with a second conformation of this...

 

*Edits post... AGAIN*

Updated, hopefully for the last time.

 

Thank you for the updated info guys.

I enjoyed it, it was very good, but I don't think reyes will be 5th, and kaz is definitely not a great contact hitter: he strikes out a ton.

but I don't think reyes will be 5th

With all the talent the NL East has at second base, he needs to show me he can put up those stats in a full-season before I put him ahead of any one of those guys (although I have no doubt he will do so).

P.S.- I was curious and just checked the length of this comparison: 4,360 words; by far my longest column ever.

Great article Josh! :thumbup

 

 

 

I don't think AGon should be rated that low on the shortstop list. He is clearly the best defensive shortstop in the league hands down. Furcal is only an ok defensive fielder evidenced by his many errors in the season and the playoffs...

Furcal is only an ok defensive fielder evidenced by his many errors in the season and the playoffs...

And is a much better hitter.

Bump

Bump

:spam

great article ... keep it up

but I don't think reyes will be 5th

With all the talent the NL East has at second base, he needs to show me he can put up those stats in a full-season before I put him ahead of any one of those guys (although I have no doubt he will do so). He did have half a season's worth of at bats. He looks like a future gold glover (very quick reflexes).

Good work there Josh.