List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 27
51. C.J. Wilson
C.J. Wilson should be given credit for imploring the Texas Rangers' management to provide him with an opportunity to pitch out of the rotation prior to 2010 and he did make them look good the past couple of seasons.
The 31-year-old southpaw has given sensational performances in the last two years in Major League Baseball. Going 31-15 with a decent 3.15 ERA and 49.2 GB percentage, he made the most of the available opportunities. Additionally, his WAR (10.5) over the
same period of time is the ninth best among all starters in the Majors.
A significant drop in BB/9 led Wilson to post a career best 2.78 K/BB and 1.19 WHIP in 2011. Despite making half his starts in Arlington, Wilson has been very successful since 2010.
“It's hard to be opinionated about a role until the games start. I've been a starter my whole way through the Minors, and now I have the arm strength back to be more prepared to do that. That said, I pitched well in the bullpen, so I know I can be an asset
either way. I may not be where I was last year, but I'm where I need to be. That's a good sign, but it's not about being able to do that once,” said Wilson in an interview.
52. Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist has improved his game play significantly since his days as the Tampa Bay Rays' super utility man. Playing a full MLB season for the first time, the left handed striker responded brilliantly as he hit 27 home-runs with 91 RBI’s. He also went on
to post the 10th best (.948) OPS in the League. His 19.2 WAR since 2009 was the third best in the Majors in the same time frame and it ranked ahead of hitters such as Joey Votto, Miguel Cabrera and Troy Tulowitzki.
Although Zobrist played 80 percent of his starts at second base in 2011, a large part of his success is down to his ability to play at almost all positions on the field. In addition to being a dynamic hitter, he puts a lot of effort into his defensive game-play
and that is what makes him one of the most well rounded players in baseball right now. The striker will be hoping to continue his good form in 2012 to earn a huge pay day at the end of the season.
53. Ian Kennedy
Ian Kennedy was one of the most promising players for Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2010 season as he posted solid stats (7.79 K/9, 1.20 WHIP and 3.80) very quietly. For a team that finished last in the NL West, Kennedy proved to be a blessing in disguise.
However, things change pretty fast in 2011 as Kennedy went on to record his most successful season.
Making a striking breakthrough, he finished first in the NL with 21 wins in 222 innings. His 2.88 ERA was the seventh best among all starters in 2011. In addition to an impressive 5.0 WAR and 3.60 K/BB, he had a decent 1.09 WHIP as well.
He certainly played a crucial role in leading his team to the first from worst. Considering his performances, he was a strong candidate for NL Cy Young award. Still 27-year-old, he is yet to reach his career peak and he is expected to get better with each
game.
Continued in Part 28
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