List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 13
22. Josh Hamilton
Few years ago, Josh Hamilton was one of the finest players in baseball. However, he nearly ended his career due to his non-serious attitude towards his profession. Overcoming drug addiction, the left hander did a terrific job to get his life in order. Regrouping
himself, he resurfaced with Cincinnati Reds in 2007 and immediately he started to show the potential and talent the Reds thought he had when they signed him in the 1999 draft. Later, Hamilton was traded to the Texas Rangers.
Hamilton displayed some high quality hitting skills with the Rangers as he hit 32 home-runs with 130 RBI’s and an impressive .910 OPS in his first year. Showing his strength and temperament, he put on a performance in the Home Run Derby that will not be
forgotten. While critics suggested that his defence was sub-par in 2008, he improved significantly from 2009 with 19.2 Fld.
For his all round abilities, Hamilton earned a reputation of being “the Natural” as there are not many things on the field this guy can’t do. If he can maintain his current form in 2012 as well, Hamilton will surely be placed a lot higher in my Power Rankings
for next year. However, consistency and persistent hard work are going to be the key to another successful year for the striker.
“This is an awesome team to be around. Great guys. I want to be a part of that. I want to work harder and I want to work better. If I did something stupid—something I shouldn’t be doing—it would be all over the nation. I would be such a hypocrite, I’d let
everyone down. That’s why I go to the ballpark, and I go home. Park. Home. Park. Home,” said Hamilton.
He further added, “After four years of putting my body through h**l I’m amazed at how well it’s held up. I go to sleep every night and wake up every morning, and everything’s clear.”
23. Clayton Kershaw
Since he appeared in the Majors, it was clear that Kershaw was a special talent. The left hander produced match winning performances in his very first MLB season as he led baseball in H/9 (6.3). It was thought that if he could learn
to throw strikes (his BB/9 was 4.8 in 2009), he could be become one of the top pitchers in the game. Although Kershaw made the most of his opportunities in the 2010 season, it wasn’t until 2011 that he truly realised his immense potential as he helped the
Los Angeles Dodgers secure memorable wins.
Showing his strength and determination, the starter was 21-5 in 2011, as an 80 percent winning average is not bad after all. With his sensational 2.28 ERA, he also made it to the All Star eleven and he went on to win the NL Cy Young
award. Improving his game play significantly, Kershaw cut his BB/9 all the way down to 2.1, which combined with his fondness for striking-out the batters, made for an amazing K/BB of 4.59, an astonishing achievement.
In addition to being absolutely superb in the pitching department of the game, Kershaw can play a crucial role with gloves as well. Being only 23, there is not much to dislike about the pitcher. If he continues to perform well, with
little bit luck on his side, who knows what he can accomplish in his career.
Continued in Part 14
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