List of top 100 performers in the game - MLB 2012 Update - Part 5
7. Joey Votto
Joey Votto is a very quite person as he does not seem to generate the kind of buzz other players like Mark Teixeira, Prince Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez do. Being with a very small club, the Cincinnati Reds does not help the cause either. However, since the
Canadian has joined Cincinnati, very few have been able to perform better than him.
All-Star Corey Hart said, “He's completely underrated. You don't see many guys with that mix of power and average. Some of those guys only hit home runs, but he can hit .300. He's just a really good big league hitter, and then he's a good defensive player.
He does some of it all.”
For the last three years, the Red’s first baseman has been ranked in the top five in Majors League Baseball. Hitting with an excellent .38 average, 18.9 WAR, 161 wRC + and .418 OBP, he is one of the most talented players in the game right now. During the
2010 season, he posted some impressive stats. Blasting 37 homers with 113 RBIs and 1.024 OPS, he took home the NL MVP award.
Usually the first basemen does not fancy catching and fielding but Votto certainly is not one of them as his 7.8 Fld is sixth best among all first basemen since 2009. Following his consistent performances with the gloves, he won his first Golden Glove award
in 2011 and rest assure, it will not be his last. Still in a binding with the Reds for next two years, many already doubt that Votto will stay with his current club beyond 2013.
The Reds will have to do some serious thinking before Votto leaves them for good. At least, they need to take advantage of having one of the world’s best hitter in their squad for two more seasons. Votto, on the other hand, will be looking to make the most
of available opportunities while he is with Cincinnati Reds. Considering his immense strength and striking abilities, he can only get better with time and experience.
“Joey is a quality young man who cares about his teammates. I asked him once why he never gets angry on the field when something goes wrong and he said: 'I don't want to show up my teammates”, said Reds manager, Dusty Baker.
8. Justin Verlander
When Justin Verlander made his debut with Detroit Tigers back in 2006, the entire baseball world took note of his pitching abilities. In 2006, he was named the best Rookie of the Year and then he secured his first no hitter against Milwaukee Brewers in 2007.
Considering his skills and strength, it was clear that with some fine tuning of rough edges, Detroit’s ace could become the best pitcher in the game.
Verlander then had excellent 2009 and 2010 seasons as he achieved reasonable results. However, it was not until the 2011 season that he truly fulfilled his phenomenal potential. Securing his first AL Pitching Triple Crown award with 24 wins, 2.40 ERA and
250 K, he was the most talked about player in 2011. His wonderful performance let the Tigers reach the American League Championships. Having a jaw breaking 107-57 career record, the four-time All-Star is likely to play a crucial role in the Tigers’ success
in future.
Continued in part 6
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: