List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 33
65. Lance Berkman
When Lance Berkman was signed on by the Cardinals to be their regular right fielder, many of us thought it wasn’t a wise move as Berkman was considered to be awful in right field.
However, the move didn’t backfire as Berkman went on to register one of the finest seasons of his career in Major League Baseball. His sensational run in 2011 season goes on to show why John Mozeliak is the General Manager of St. Louis Cardinals and people like us are not.
The left handed striker displayed some high quality hitting skills throughout the 2011 season to further prove that the deal was one of the best and most effective moves of the season.
Helping the Cardinals win the World Series, Berkman showed glimpses of his pre-2010 form. Batting with a decent average with 31 home runs and 94 RBI’s, he brought significant value on the table. Strengthening St. Louis’ offence over the top, he ultimately helped them win the World Series.
There is no denying that Berkman is one of the most consistent and gifted hitters in the game right now. However, his poor defence lets his down sometimes and he will be hoping to bring significant improvement in this department of the game to cement his place in the Cardinals’ side.
His Fld for the last couple of season is not that great. If the left hander can maintain his current form in 2012 and improve his defensive play, he is likely to be placed a lot higher on next year’s list of top 100 performers.
“There's a little more margin for error this year. Last year, it felt like we had to win every game. That wasn't a lot of fun. I don't care how he pitches. He's out there and his mom just passed away. It's a very high honour, ... I remember when I was being recruited to go there ( the and they take you through the hall of honour and see all the guys' pictures and stuff. It doesn't even cross your mind then that one day you'll have your picture up there,” said Berkman in an interview.
66. Aramis Ramirez
Between 2004 and 2008, Aramis Ramirez looked in commanding form as he became the most talked about player in Major League Baseball. However, injuries overwhelmed the right handed striker in 2009 and 2010 as his production suffered drastically.
Until May 31 2011, Ramirez’s On-base slugging was sitting at a poor .743 but from that point onwards, he raised the level of his game to cement his place in Milwaukee Brewers.
Over the second half of 2011 season, Ramirez batted with great control as he hit 22 home runs and 74 RBI’s to establish himself as one of the best third baseman in the business.
The veteran third baseman will be looking to continue his heroic form in 2012 as well to help the Brewers overcome the loss of Prince Fielder. It is worth mentioning that Ramirez’ defence hasn’t been one of the strongest points of his game play, so he should be trying to prove himself as an asset to the Brewers with the bat.
Continued in Part 34
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: