Post by sharksrog on Jan 24, 2013 17:49:55 GMT -5
We have discussed how the Giants' players have fared thus far in MLB's Top 10 Players Right Now at the positions of center field, second base, starting pitcher and relief pitcher. Based primarily on Sergio Romo's #2 ranking among relievers, the Giants have fared well so far. They have had a player mentioned in each of the four categories, even though three of the four were players who just missed the final cut.
So how do those and other Giants players rate?
Matt Cain is likely just outside the top 10 in pitchers, just as the MLB Network had him ranked. He wouldn't be a misfit in the top 10.
Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Lincecum would also be worthy of discussion if the list were expanded to top 25 or top 50.
Sergio Romo got a very nice ranking at #2 among relievers. I felt even a year ago that he was among the top 10 (although he wasn't picked there), and now he seems deserving of a top-5 rating.
Santiago Casilla is another top 25 or top 50 type of guy. Probably Jeremy Affeldt too.
Behind the dish, Buster Posey clearly belongs in the top 2 along with Joe Mauer.
Brandon Belt at first base isn't yet in the top 10 discussion, but a year from now he might be.
Marco Scutaro has been in the discussion at second base. He doesn't seem out of place in the top 15, and one could even make an argument for the top 10. Bill James ranks him at #5.
Brandon Crawford has a long way to go to become a top 10 shortstop, but his glove certainly ranks there.
Pablo Sandoval will rank in the top 10 at the hot corner. If he remains healthy in 2013, he could reach the top 3.
Gregor Blanco is no Barry Bonds in left field, and this is likely the Giants' weakest position.
Angel Pagan seems right outside the top 10, and one could make an argument for him to be included.
Hunter Pence likely won't make the top 10 list in right field, but a year ago he must have. And a year from now, he might again rank there.
Former Giant Melky Cabrera could crack the top 10 list in left field, although the taint of steroids may well keep him out. Certainly his on-field performance the past two seasons would seem to put him just outside the top 5.
Speaking of left field, Brian Kinney ranks 20-year-old Bryce Harper at #3, behind only Ryan Braun and Matt Holliday and ahead of Josh Hamilton. Such is the expected star power of Harper.
A year from now I think Harper has a fine chance to surpass Holliday, and two years from now he might even be better than Braun on a Right Now basis.
And I flat-out LOVE Ryan Braun, who appears to be on his way to the Hall of Fame.
So how do those and other Giants players rate?
Matt Cain is likely just outside the top 10 in pitchers, just as the MLB Network had him ranked. He wouldn't be a misfit in the top 10.
Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Lincecum would also be worthy of discussion if the list were expanded to top 25 or top 50.
Sergio Romo got a very nice ranking at #2 among relievers. I felt even a year ago that he was among the top 10 (although he wasn't picked there), and now he seems deserving of a top-5 rating.
Santiago Casilla is another top 25 or top 50 type of guy. Probably Jeremy Affeldt too.
Behind the dish, Buster Posey clearly belongs in the top 2 along with Joe Mauer.
Brandon Belt at first base isn't yet in the top 10 discussion, but a year from now he might be.
Marco Scutaro has been in the discussion at second base. He doesn't seem out of place in the top 15, and one could even make an argument for the top 10. Bill James ranks him at #5.
Brandon Crawford has a long way to go to become a top 10 shortstop, but his glove certainly ranks there.
Pablo Sandoval will rank in the top 10 at the hot corner. If he remains healthy in 2013, he could reach the top 3.
Gregor Blanco is no Barry Bonds in left field, and this is likely the Giants' weakest position.
Angel Pagan seems right outside the top 10, and one could make an argument for him to be included.
Hunter Pence likely won't make the top 10 list in right field, but a year ago he must have. And a year from now, he might again rank there.
Former Giant Melky Cabrera could crack the top 10 list in left field, although the taint of steroids may well keep him out. Certainly his on-field performance the past two seasons would seem to put him just outside the top 5.
Speaking of left field, Brian Kinney ranks 20-year-old Bryce Harper at #3, behind only Ryan Braun and Matt Holliday and ahead of Josh Hamilton. Such is the expected star power of Harper.
A year from now I think Harper has a fine chance to surpass Holliday, and two years from now he might even be better than Braun on a Right Now basis.
And I flat-out LOVE Ryan Braun, who appears to be on his way to the Hall of Fame.