If you could be any MLB player...?

Question

Who would it be? Consider things that would factor their overall quality of life...

Factors to consider:

Talent vs hard work

Pitching every 5 days vs on call to pitch every day vs playing every day vs bench player

Paparazzi following

City

Fan pressure

For example, when considering a player, you'd have to decide whether it's worth being in the center of the New York fan base and media, but on a winning team that spends a lot, or if you'd rather live a relatively quiet life in Kansas City with lesser prospects.

Just a name won't be winning best answer

Answer 1

Ryan Braun

He is one of the best power hitters in the game

He is only in his 2nd year

He just signed an 8-year deal with the Brewers

The Milwaukee fans are great, me being one myself

there is virtually no media pressure at all

no one follows you around in the city

everything is just more relaxed in milwaukee

even though we have the smallest market, we are in the upper third in attendance, so the team is supported

Answer 2

A-Rod. Terribly handsome, richest guy in the history of the sport, beautiful women throwing themselves at you, and on top of all of that, you are one of the best players in the history of the game. Cant beat that, can you?

Answer 3

Chase Utley and here's why:

I love playing infield and grew up playing 2B.  He's one of, if not the best player at that position (batting wise), he gets paid a respectable amount and he plays in a PA city on a good team that competes.  Sure there is pressure in Philly like JRoll was just quoted as saying, but I think pressure can be a good motivator.

*  I'd rather play every day than be a bench player.

*  I grew up in PA. so that has value to me as well.

Answer 4

I would love to be Torii Hunter

I think he's a very respectable leader and he always gives fans his attention. Makes nice plays out in centerfield, team first attitude and on a good ballclub.

What i like most about him though is that he's a very lighthearted person who just plays every game with a smile on his face. I want to be as happy as he is with my future job :)

Answer 5

Either Mike Hampton or Carl Pavano.  They've both made a ton of money over the last few years and neither really did anything.

edit: I've pretty much been in rehab anyway.  Surgery to repair a torn labrum 5 years ago and surgery to fix a torn ACL two year ago.  This fall I'll be having more surgery on my knee to fix a torn cartlidge.

Answer 6

I would either be Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, or Brian Wilson. They are great pitchers, and besides, Wilson can pitch up to 100mph... who wouldn't want to do that?!?

They've all got great stuff

Answer 7

Carl Pavano sounds good. Make $40 mil in 4 years for pitching in about 10 games. All I have to do is injure myself and get in car accidents to keep it up.

O... sorry coach I can't pitch today.... my... uh... what excuse do I have today? .... OH. I need tommy john surgery! That will keep me out all season amirite?

Answer 8

Ryan Sweeney (rookie on A's).

He's a really great player on offense and defense. He's such a dedicated player and has a great heart for the game of baseball. He's such a great player. He has such a great heart for the game that he made this gme saving diving (it was amazing) catch and then sprained his thumb. That shows how much heart he has. He seems like such a nice person and he's an all-star in the making =]

Answer 9

GREG "MAD DOG" MADDUX

Answer 10

I've always wanted to be CC Sabathia or Torii Hunter.CC has the sickest name and i love how Hunter spells his name.

Answer 11

Eric gagne, 10 million just to be horrible, i think i can do that.......

Answer 12

Mariano Rivera.

Coming into the game in the 9th, enter sandman blaring out of the speakers, fans snapping pictures and cheering you on.... Ive never seen him pitch but its something that i would love.

Answer 13

Albert Pujols

Probably the best baseball town in America. Great Fans.

He is extremely talented, and he works very hard.

He still gets to lead a somewhat quiet life and enjoy being the best.

Opposing teams are pitching to him less an less.

Answer 14

Pedroia, because he's an awesome player, he's got a great attitude, and man I love his swing!

Answer 15

Criag Biggio ,....look at his career 20 years and his life is just begining

Answer 16

I think I would take the all-round player much like a Ryne Sandberg or a Eric Davis.

Hits for power, has speed, a great glove, was a fan favourite (probably the most important factor, after all, they do pay my salary)

Plus, they played for clubs with a rich history and (in the case of Wrigley) a very old and classic park.

Really, when it comes down to it, if you are making millions of dollars, what can you buy with 12 that you can't buy with 9.