List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 36
71. Tim Hudson
Atlanta Braves have a history of producing young and talented pitchers. Tim Hudson has been their latest revelation as the guy produced match winning performances for the Braves in 2011 and it will not be wrong to say that he is Braves’ best pitcher right now.
Hudson had made a decent start to his Major League Baseball career. However, his progress was halted significantly in 2008 and 2009 when he suffered from various forms of injuries. The right handed pitcher showed great determination and mental strength to recover from those injuries and he has posted some decent stats in his comeback season to win National League Comeback Player of the Year Award. Considering his consistent performances, he was also selected in the All Star team in 2010.
With 33 wins and an excellent 3.03 ERA in 67 starts, he has looked in commanding form since the start of 2010. Although his K/9 was a poor 6.6 in 2011, it has never been his strength. Improving his career GB% to 59 percent, he has been working hard on his game play. At the age of 40, Hudson is an experienced campaigner. He will be looking to make the most of available opportunities in 2012 before he calls it a career.
72. Alex Rodriguez
Undoubtedly, Alex Rodriguez is the best all around player the game has ever seen. Since he made his Major League Baseball debut, the right handed striker has given sensational results. He was the youngest player ever to hit 500 career home runs. With record fourteen 100-RBI’s season, he also has the richest contract in MLB history.
Winner of 2005 and 2007 American League Most Valuable Player of the season awards, Rodriguez has helped the Yankees secure memorable wins in the World Series. Although he is no longer a franchise player, Rodriguez can be an asset to any team when fit and healthy.
“He's a world champion. No one can say anything about him anymore. He's performed in October. He's performed on the biggest stage. He's got a World Series ring coming his way, and he deserves it,” said Yankees General Managers Brian Cashman in an interview.
Staying fit for the entire season has become an issue for him over the last few seasons. The third baseman has not been able to top 150 games in any of his seasons since 2007. However, that didn’t stop him from posting another 100 RBI and 30 Home runs season in 2010.
“Now I just have an opportunity to come out and play baseball and have fun, really continue to focus on what I did in '09—divorce myself of personal achievements and really buy into the whole team concept of winning ballgames. What can I do today to help the team win? It was the greatest year of my baseball career.”
Struggling with his health, A-Rod played in a very few games in 2011 as he posted his career worst .823 OPS. Known for his fighting spirit, Rodriguez is expected to bounce back strongly in 2012 season. To maximise his production and affectivity, the Yankees have assigned Rodriguez the DH role over the next six years. So it shouldn’t be surprise to anyone if Rodriguez is placed a lot higher on next year’s list of top 100 performers.
Continued in Part 37
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