List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 16
28. Ryan Zimmerman
While it is very unclear whether or not Bruce Harper will be leading the Nationals one day, there is no doubt that player is Ryan Zimmerman. It is not easy to find talented and MVP calibre third basemen these days. However, Washington's left handed striker
has produced match winning performances throughout his career to establish himself as one of the best in the business on both sides of the ball.
“Special. Well mature beyond his age. Just a pro. If you put him in another country or another planet, nobody would know how long this guy has been up here. He’s special. He’s got a special kind of makeup, and none of that goes to his head, whether it’s
struggles, success, or being the marquee guy on every billboard. He’s made to handle all this,” Nationals' manager Manny Acta said.
Although Zimmerman has displayed some high quality skill since the start of his career, it was not until 2009 when he truly fulfilled his immense potential. Batting with an impressive average with 33 home-runs, 106 RBI’s, 7.3 WAR and a sensational .889 OPS,
he made it to the All Star team for the first time in his career during the same season. In addition to his amazing hitting abilities, the striker posted an incredible 13.7 Fld to win his first ever Golden Glove award.
His 24.6 Fld since 2009 is the fourth best among all players in the third base position. The left hander continued his excellent form in 2010 as well and he helped the Nationals win memorable encounters. Making a name for himself, he posted a career high
.898 OPS and he set the sixth best 7.2 WAR in the League.
Although he missed most of the 2011 season due to health and fitness issues, Zimmerman’s performances in the previous two seasons were absolutely mind-boggling. Considering his recent efforts, he is easily one of the brightest young stars of our generation.
Zimmerman will be looking to maintain his superb form in 2012 as well to register his name in the list of all time greats. However, self-belief and hard work are going to be the key for him if he wants to achieve consistency at this level.
29. Justin Upton
Justin Upton started his MLB career when he was only 19 and he looked to be a very promising young player. However, he failed to live up to expectations as his first few seasons were a bit of a roller coaster ride. Upton continued to work hard anyway. He
had a breakout season in 2009, hitting 26 home-runs with 86 RBI’s and an outstanding .899 OPS.
Although he was unable to make the most of available opportunities in 2010, he bounced back brilliantly in 2011 as he rediscovered his power play. The right hander went on to hit 31 home-runs with .529 slugging and a 6.4 WAR, which were the best stats of
his career.
It will not be wrong to say that he helped the Diamondbacks considerably in rising to the top of the National League in 2011. For his match winning abilities, he finished fourth in the NL MVP vote. Considering that he is still very young, it will be safe
to say that Upton hasn’t reached his peak.
Continued in Part 17
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