List of top 100 performers in the game – MLB 2012 Update - Part 38
75. Michael Bourn
Although it hasn’t been easy to find All Star calibre centre-fielders in the last few seasons, Michael Bourn is an exception. Bourn displayed some high quality defensive and offensive skills to make a name for himself. It will not be wrong to say that he is the best in centre-field since his breakthrough season in 2009.
In addition to being an excellent centre-fielder, Bourn is a great team-mate to have. He also has the ability to play his natural game freely even in crunch situations. Last season, he looked in commanding form as he posted his best career average of .294. With 61 stolen bases, he demonstrated his agility and athleticism on the field.
His WAR of 13.8 since 2009 is the second best among all centre-fielders. He also has the best 174 SB among all players during the same period of time. Such speed makes it easier to figure out why he is one of the best centre-fielders in the game right now. While he may not be as powerful as Manny Ramirez, Prince Fielder or Miguel Cabrera, his speed and pace is what makes him a special baseball player.
Bourn has produced some magical performances in his tenure with Houston Astros. With his speed, he brings tremendous defensive skills into play as his Fld of 22.9 since 2009 is third highest among all centre-fielders. For his consistent glove work, he was awarded consecutive Golden Gloves in 2009 and 2010.
76. Shaun Marcum
Had Marcum been more consistent, he would be placed a lot higher on my list of Top 100 performers in the game. The right handed thrower possesses some great pitching skills. His fast ball and slider are one of the best in business. However, his fitness has always remained an issue for him. Due to poor health, he missed most of the games in 2009.
The starter showed great determination, fighting skills and mental toughness to make a strong return to Major League Baseball. He resurfaced in 2010 to make 31 starts for the Blue Jays. With 13-9 win-loss record and a decent 3.64 ERA, he helped the Blue Jays secure important wins during the MLB season.
“He can take any of his pitches and throw them wherever he wants, and whenever a guy can do that it’s a pretty special thing,” Brewers' catcher Jonathan Lucroy said. “He’s like a surgeon out there; he just executes and locates, that’s really what it is.”
“It doesn’t matter where you’re at, the main thing is being consistent; throwing strikes, attacking the hitters, keeping the ball down, and going deep in the game,” Marcum said in an interview. “What you want to do every time is go out there and go deep in the game, be consistent, and get wins.”
However, he was traded to Milwaukee Brewers for prospect Brett Lawrie during the same season and he has shown tremendous improvement in his game play since then. In his very first season with the Brewers, he shut his critics by pitching in 200.2 innings (his career best). He also earned an outstanding 3.54 ERA and 3.73 FIP. Undoubtedly, he played a crucial role in taking the Brewers to the postseason. He will be looking to continue his great run in 2012 to cheer up some of his disappointed fans.
Continued in Part 39
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