List of top 100 performers in the game - MLB 2012 Update - Part 9
14. Cliff Lee
After moving to four different teams within a period of twelve months, Cliff Lee landed at the place where he wanted to be; Philadelphia Phillies. As soon as he got into the Phillies side, he raised his game to an entirely new level as he went on to become
the second best starter in the game. Following his consistent performances, he was the most talked about player in the baseball world. While, Philadelphia failed to live up to the expectations, Lee continued to impress the critics with some high quality pitching.
Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz said, “When he has all four pitches working...it makes it easy for me to call the game. He can move the ball around. He can change speeds. He can hit spots. He can do whatever he has to do.”
Coming back into the Phillies’ side, Cliff Lee finished in the top five in the NL, achieving sensational results. The 2008 AL Cy Young winner, Lee had 17 wins with 232.2 IP, 238 K, 2.40 ERA, 1.03 WHIP. The right hander has earned a unique record of having
the third best WAR (20.5) among all starters since 2009.
Surely, the key to his success has been his control over the ball. Posting a wonderful BB/9 of two or less each in the past four seasons, he has looked on top of his game. He also had an astonishing 10.28 K/BB.
Although it took Lee years to achieve his target, he is finally where he wanted to be and it will not be wrong to say that he is the best left handed pitcher in the game right now. Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan said, “He's the most consistent pitcher I've ever
seen. Whether he is on the mound or in the clubhouse, Cliff Lee is the picture of serenity. Unfazed, unhurried, unflappable, unexcitable.”
15. Jacoby Ellsbury
In 2007, Jacoby Ellsbury made a big difference to the mediocre Boston Red Sox side and he eventually played a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the World Series, as The Red Sox went on to win it in sensational fashion. Ellsbury then earned a reputation
of an explosive catalyst from 2008 to 2009, when he stole 120 bases. His future with the Red Sox looked very dark when he missed most of the games in season 2010 due to growing health and fitness issues.
However, Ellsbury came back strongly in 2011 to make his future with the team secure. Showing his dynamic hitting abilities, he smashed 32 HR, 105 RBI and an exceptional .928 OPS. In addition to his capability with the bat, he played a fantastic centre field
with an impressive 15.6 FLd. His fielding was so good that he went to win the Golden Glove award. With a superb 9.4 WAR, he finished second in the AL MVP voting results.
Ellsbury is finally proving that in addition to being a pure speedster, he has worked hard on other areas of his game as well. If he continues his impressive form with the bat and gloves in 2012, he will be placed a lot higher on the Power Rankings list
next year.
Continued in part 10
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