Nick Markakis (1 Viewer)

[The_Man]

Interesting -- and admittedly somewhat biased-- discussion at the Baltimore Sun's blog about Nick Markakis. There's some speculation that he's the best all-around OF in baseball right now, in a class with Grady Sizemore and Ryan Braun.

What do you think?

The other question is, if you're starting a franchise, what position players do you take ahead of him (remembering he's still only 25). It's a pretty short list for me:

Albert Pujols

Hanley Ramirez

Jose Reyes

David Wright

Grady Sizemore

Other guys in the discussion:

Evan Longoria

Chase Utley

Ian Kinsler

Mark Teixeira

Miguel Cabrera

Ryan Braun

 

[Oh Yes!]

There's some speculation that he's the best all-around OF in baseball right now, in a class with Grady

slow it down now. slow it down...

 

[avoiding injuries]

Over Adam Jones and Matt Weiters?

 

[wilked]

Over Adam Jones and Matt Weiters?

Yes, twice on Thursdays as wellOf the top list, I would remove Reyes and put in Longoria and Braun. I am torn on Cabrera, lots of pluses and minuses (do I get a DH ;-) Those are the only positional players (and frankly, I am not sure I take a pitcher over any of them) I take before Markakis

 

[pollardsvision]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Sizemore

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

Fielder

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

 

[Finless]

Braun

Sizemore

Kinsler

Hanley

Reyes

Wright

Kemp

Pujols

Longoria

Bruce

Adam Jones

Utley

Miggy

For starters

 

[pollardsvision]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

Come on now...

I'm not sure why those guys would be considered a stretch. It's an MVP, the guy who would've been the MVP if not for an injury, and the best young(ish) 1B in the league outside of Pujols, Teix, and Miggy.

I like Markakis alot, I just like those guys better.

 

[wilked]

Bill James has proven to know a thing or two about baseball and ranking talent. Here is how he sees it

http://diamondbacks.scout.com/2/803961.html

 

[PIK95]

Ellsbury

 

[avoiding injuries]

Over Adam Jones and Matt Weiters?

Yes, twice on Thursdays as wellOf the top list, I would remove Reyes and put in Longoria and Braun. I am torn on Cabrera, lots of pluses and minuses (do I get a DH ;-) Those are the only positional players (and frankly, I am not sure I take a pitcher over any of them) I take before Markakis

Hmmm... I was being sarcastic here. The fact that it was taken serious makes me feel even better about the young O's talent.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I always liked Markakis - but never thought about where he ranked.

C - McCann/Mauer

1B - Pujols/Fielder/Votto/maybe Cabrera

2B - Kinsler, Utley, Pedroia

3B - Longoria/Wright/A Rodriguez

SS - H Ramirez/Reyes

OF - Braun/Kemp/Bruce/Sizemore/Markakis

Sure I am missing a few. Rule out the catchers. I would take Pujols, maybe Fielder, Votto, Kinsler, Utley, Longoria, ARod, Wright, Hanley, maybe Reyes, Braun, Sizemore, maybe Bruce ahead of Markakis

I would take Markakis over wither catcher, maybe Cabrera, Pedroia and Kemp.

 

[wilked]

FIELDER??

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Michael Crabtree inkyring:

 

[trogg78]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

Come on now...

I'm not sure about pedroia. But I think I like Carlos Quentin a little better than Markakis. A Gon is still right there with him, he's just not on a good team.

 

[gman74]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

 

[Statorama]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

Thank you. The hyperbole was getting a bit much for a player that is basically Mark Grace without the gold glove defensive talent.

 

[Finless]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

Thank you. The hyperbole was getting a bit much for a player that is basically Mark Grace without the gold glove defensive talent.

He's basically a Greek, poor man's Torii Hunter

 

[blackjack23]

This thread is ridiculous. Markakis is a very good OF and should have a very good career with some AS Game appearances sprinkled in but there is no shot he ever becomes a superstar or HOF type player. I can see him having a Paul ONeill type career. Theres at least 25 players Id take over him and 2 on the Orioles.

 

[gman74]

This thread is ridiculous. Markakis is a very good OF and should have a very good career with some AS Game appearances sprinkled in but there is no shot he ever becomes a superstar or HOF type player. I can see him having a Paul ONeill type career. Theres at least 25 players Id take over him and 2 on the Orioles.

There are 3 guys in the Al Central that he will never start over. Granderson,Sizemore,Quentin. Let alone Ichrio among others

 

[gman74]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

Come on now...

Cmon on now what,Pedroia was league MVP

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

Thank you. The hyperbole was getting a bit much for a player that is basically Mark Grace without the gold glove defensive talent.

Basically Mark Grace? Why don't you just cancel life and call him the last sign of the apocalypse? He's no Gracie.

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

Come on now...

Cmon on now what,Pedroia was league MVP

If you can't see what baseball was doing by giving Pedroia that award you'll never get it. Love Pedroia, don't get me wrong. But Pedroia-Pujols? Pedroia-Pujols? Pedroia-Pujols? Not even close.

 

[Eviloutsider]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

 

[gman74]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

Come on now...

Cmon on now what,Pedroia was league MVP

If you can't see what baseball was doing by giving Pedroia that award you'll never get it. Love Pedroia, don't get me wrong. But Pedroia-Pujols? Pedroia-Pujols? Pedroia-Pujols? Not even close.

He was saying Markakis was better than those in bold and I just pointed out Pedroia was an MVP. I do however agree Pujols is head and shoulders above Pedroia especially when Pujols was hurt all season.

 

[gman74]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

I can't see how you can have Braun,Wright above Cabrera.

 

[thetman]

Markakis is a good player, but not a great player. There are too many players I'd rather than him to mention though.

 

[Eviloutsider]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

I can't see how you can have Braun,Wright above Cabrera.

I am thinking long term, NL here. Cabrera will be a DH soon enough.

 

[gman74]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

I can't see how you can have Braun,Wright above Cabrera.

I am thinking long term, NL here. Cabrera will be a DH soon enough.

Actually Cabrera is working hard at 1B and is closer to a gold glove 1B than a DH. This is only his first fully season at 1B and he just turned 26 a couple weeks ago. It would not surprise me to see either a gold glove and or a run at a triple crown and league MVP in the next 3 years.

 

[The_Man]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

 

[blackjack23]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

I can't see how you can have Braun,Wright above Cabrera.

I am thinking long term, NL here. Cabrera will be a DH soon enough.

I was actually VERY impressed by his defense in the short series vs the Yanks. Wouldnt surprise me if he worked hard enough if he became GG caliber like Pujols did.

 

[blackjack23]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.

Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.

Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.

Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

So? You realize that 32 players in each league make the all-star team. Doesnt make him among the best players in the game.

 

[blackjack23]

What the hell, I'll play along. Here's my list (not really in order):

Miggy

Pujols

Hanley

Wright

Reyes

Braun

ARod

Utley

Pedroia

Kinsler

Longoria

Kemp

Quentin

Adrian Gonzalez

As far as hitters to, that might be about it. There's alot of guys that I'd have a tough time deciding b/w, but those are guys I'm sure I'd take over Markakis.

(I left Teix off b/c I hate that schmuck)

I think that fits with the overall point of your thread. That's not a very big list.

Come on now...

Cmon on now what,Pedroia was league MVP

I know Im gonna be ripped for being a homer here but IF Cano continues to hit like he is doing Id even take him over Markakis. Hed be right up there with Pedroia and Kinsler. Now Im not sure if he can sustain this and I was even ready to trade him this offseason but hes worked really hard at his plate discipline and even though he still doesnt walk as much hes been taking a lot more pitches and working the count a ton.

 

[gman74]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

His career BA is 303 because he is hitting 90 or so points above his career BA a month into the season. Even if he was a Redsox he still would not be an all star over Ichrio,Quintin,Sizemore,Granderson just to name a few. No chance he wins a batting title

 

[pollardsvision]

I always liked Markakis - but never thought about where he ranked.

C - McCann/Mauer

1B - Pujols/Fielder/Votto/maybe Cabrera

2B - Kinsler, Utley, Pedroia

3B - Longoria/Wright/A Rodriguez

SS - H Ramirez/Reyes

OF - Braun/Kemp/Bruce/Sizemore/Markakis

Sure I am missing a few. Rule out the catchers. I would take Pujols, maybe Fielder, Votto, Kinsler, Utley, Longoria, ARod, Wright, Hanley, maybe Reyes, Braun, Sizemore, maybe Bruce ahead of Markakis

I would take Markakis over wither catcher, maybe Cabrera, Pedroia and Kemp.

Cabrera's averaging 32 HR and 119 RBI per season and has a lifetime .310 BA. He just turned 26 less than 2 weeks ago. He's becoming a decent fielder, but even if he were to become a DH, he'd still be a very valuable guy.

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

I can't see how you can have Braun,Wright above Cabrera.

I am thinking long term, NL here. Cabrera will be a DH soon enough.

So will Braun. There are t-ballers who play a better left than that guy.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I always liked Markakis - but never thought about where he ranked.

C - McCann/Mauer

1B - Pujols/Fielder/Votto/maybe Cabrera

2B - Kinsler, Utley, Pedroia

3B - Longoria/Wright/A Rodriguez

SS - H Ramirez/Reyes

OF - Braun/Kemp/Bruce/Sizemore/Markakis

Sure I am missing a few. Rule out the catchers. I would take Pujols, maybe Fielder, Votto, Kinsler, Utley, Longoria, ARod, Wright, Hanley, maybe Reyes, Braun, Sizemore, maybe Bruce ahead of Markakis

I would take Markakis over wither catcher, maybe Cabrera, Pedroia and Kemp.

Cabrera's averaging 32 HR and 119 RBI per season and has a lifetime .310 BA. He just turned 26 less than 2 weeks ago. He's becoming a decent fielder, but even if he were to become a DH, he'd still be a very valuable guy.

I didn't say he wasn't a very valuable guy. However, long term I would potentially take Markakis over him. I view Miggy the same way I view Fielder. Immense hitting talent, but will be a liability in the field as they age.

 

[The_Man]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

His career BA is 303 because he is hitting 90 or so points above his career BA a month into the season. Even if he was a Redsox he still would not be an all star over Ichrio,Quintin,Sizemore,Granderson just to name a few. No chance he wins a batting title

His career batting average coming into this season is .2994 (season averages of .291, .300., .306 and .381 this year). It's a real stretch to consider him a career .300 hitter. Put it this way, do you think his career average is likely to go up over the next 3 years, or down?To be honest, I'm surprised anyone feels this passionately about Nick Markakis. Though I will stand by my original point that he is an excellent and underrated player.

 

[gman74]

I always liked Markakis - but never thought about where he ranked.

C - McCann/Mauer

1B - Pujols/Fielder/Votto/maybe Cabrera

2B - Kinsler, Utley, Pedroia

3B - Longoria/Wright/A Rodriguez

SS - H Ramirez/Reyes

OF - Braun/Kemp/Bruce/Sizemore/Markakis

Sure I am missing a few. Rule out the catchers. I would take Pujols, maybe Fielder, Votto, Kinsler, Utley, Longoria, ARod, Wright, Hanley, maybe Reyes, Braun, Sizemore, maybe Bruce ahead of Markakis

I would take Markakis over wither catcher, maybe Cabrera, Pedroia and Kemp.

Cabrera's averaging 32 HR and 119 RBI per season and has a lifetime .310 BA. He just turned 26 less than 2 weeks ago. He's becoming a decent fielder, but even if he were to become a DH, he'd still be a very valuable guy.

I didn't say he wasn't a very valuable guy. However, long term I would potentially take Markakis over him. I view Miggy the same way I view Fielder. Immense hitting talent, but will be a liability in the field as they age.

I don't know anyone that would potentially take Markakis over Cabby when Cabby is putting up numbers compared to Hank Aaron and Ken Griffey JR according to his wiki page. The difference between Fielder and Cabby is Miguel is half a foot taller and weighs less than Fielder. Miguel is not skinny but also not fate either he is just a massive human. Fielder is just fat and will be a DH soon. Cabrera is already a top 5 player in the Majors

 

[avoiding injuries]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.

Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.

Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.

Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

So? You realize that 32 players in each league make the all-star team. Doesnt make him among the best players in the game.

You skipped over all of the substance (stats) in The Man's post and chose to critique the all-star comment?

 

[avoiding injuries]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

His career BA is 303 because he is hitting 90 or so points above his career BA a month into the season. Even if he was a Redsox he still would not be an all star over Ichrio,Quintin,Sizemore,Granderson just to name a few. No chance he wins a batting title

Pretty sure they still divide at bats by hits to determine the career BA. Not sure why you're trying to diminish his great start to this season. No chance he wins a batting title? Are you upset that this thread was started about Nick and not Miggy? Lot of negativity come out of you about Markakis. I don't get it.

 

[blackjack23]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.

Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.

Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.

Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

So? You realize that 32 players in each league make the all-star team. Doesnt make him among the best players in the game.

You skipped over all of the substance (stats) in The Man's post and chose to critique the all-star comment?

Thats the only point I wanted to critique. I wasnt really disagreeing with anything else he was posting.

 

[Smack Tripper]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

 

[Smack Tripper]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

And he plays in a shoebox of a ballpark and he's barely getting 20 out. How you think he's in the same class with a Braun or Longoria or Hanley is crazytalk. Give me Longoria to start any team. Hanley then Braun.

 

[blackjack23]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

Youre really splitting hairs here. Longoria is better defensively and younger so Id take him but Wright has the track record

 

[Smack Tripper]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

Youre really splitting hairs here. Longoria is better defensively and younger so Id take him but Wright has the track record

Well yeah, but starting a franchise is the key. Wright will be a 1b by July '10

 

[Homer @ RJ]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

Braun over Longoria is worse. If you're starting a franchise, you don't do it with a DH. I think Braun would be somewhere 8th-12th on my list. I think Longoria would be the #1 choice of most people. Keith Law said recently (IIRC) that he would be his. The defense and the offense combined are so good.

 

[gman74]

This thread is funny. Markakis has averaged less than 20 Hrs also less than 90 RBI only 6 triples and under 300 for his career and he is considered elite. Those are not only not elite numbers they are borderline at best all star numbers. If he has made an all star team with those numbers its only because they have to take someone from every team.

You're underscoring my point in starting this thread -- the guy is vastly underrated.He's only 25, and could end up winning the batting title this year.Last year, when he was 24, and hit 20 HRs and batted 306. The year before, he hit 23 HRs, had 112 RBI, and hit .300.Plus, he led the AL in OF assists last year.Also, his career batting average is .303. If this guy played for the Red Sosx, he'd already be an All-Star.

His career BA is 303 because he is hitting 90 or so points above his career BA a month into the season. Even if he was a Redsox he still would not be an all star over Ichrio,Quintin,Sizemore,Granderson just to name a few. No chance he wins a batting title

Pretty sure they still divide at bats by hits to determine the career BA. Not sure why you're trying to diminish his great start to this season. No chance he wins a batting title? Are you upset that this thread was started about Nick and not Miggy? Lot of negativity come out of you about Markakis. I don't get it.

I am negative because when you are talking Fielder,Braun,Longoria,Hanley,Sizemore,Miggy,Quentin you are talking about the elite young players in the league hands down and I am sure I left out a couple. Markakis is not anywhere in the class of those players. When the leaves turn brown Markakis will be nowhere close to the BA champ

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

Braun over Longoria is worse. If you're starting a franchise, you don't do it with a DH. I think Braun would be somewhere 8th-12th on my list. I think Longoria would be the #1 choice of most people. Keith Law said recently (IIRC) that he would be his. The defense and the offense combined are so good.

I'd build up the middle...so Utley, Kinsler, Hanley Ramirez, Grady Sizemore would all be ahead of Cabrera.Now add in Pujols and suddenly Cabrera isn't even in the top 5. Wait, didn't someone say he was already a top 5 player in the majors? Shoot, A-Rod is also ahead of him as is Longoria without a doubt. Shall we continue? If you are keeping track at home that's at best 8th place for Cabrera and we haven't even tapped into the pitching pool and we are graciously leaving Wright, Fielder, Howard,and Braun off that list.I wonder if Miggy is top 20?

 

[Finless]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

Braun over Longoria is worse. If you're starting a franchise, you don't do it with a DH. I think Braun would be somewhere 8th-12th on my list. I think Longoria would be the #1 choice of most people. Keith Law said recently (IIRC) that he would be his. The defense and the offense combined are so good.

I'd build up the middle...so Utley, Kinsler, Hanley Ramirez, Grady Sizemore would all be ahead of Cabrera.Now add in Pujols and suddenly Cabrera isn't even in the top 5. Wait, didn't someone say he was already a top 5 player in the majors? Shoot, A-Rod is also ahead of him as is Longoria without a doubt. Shall we continue? If you are keeping track at home that's at best 8th place for Cabrera and we haven't even tapped into the pitching pool and we are graciously leaving Wright, Fielder, Howard,and Braun off that list.I wonder if Miggy is top 20?

Miggy not top 20? That just ridiculous. I'd put him in my top 5-ish. He's young and he's a beast. He's been mashing the ball since he got to the big leagues. I think he'll pan out just fine as a first baseman. Fielder? He wouldn't be in my top 20.

 

[gman74]

I think the number one player I would take is Braun. Number two is Hanley sollowed by Wright.

Wright over Longoria????

Braun over Longoria is worse. If you're starting a franchise, you don't do it with a DH. I think Braun would be somewhere 8th-12th on my list. I think Longoria would be the #1 choice of most people. Keith Law said recently (IIRC) that he would be his. The defense and the offense combined are so good.

I'd build up the middle...so Utley, Kinsler, Hanley Ramirez, Grady Sizemore would all be ahead of Cabrera.Now add in Pujols and suddenly Cabrera isn't even in the top 5. Wait, didn't someone say he was already a top 5 player in the majors? Shoot, A-Rod is also ahead of him as is Longoria without a doubt. Shall we continue? If you are keeping track at home that's at best 8th place for Cabrera and we haven't even tapped into the pitching pool and we are graciously leaving Wright, Fielder, Howard,and Braun off that list.I wonder if Miggy is top 20?

Howard and Pujols are almost 30 so they are out of my top 5. I never would take someone that plays every 5 days in the top 5 so pitcher is out.