Top 10 players of 2012 season – MLB Featured – Part 2
6. R.A. Dickey
R. A. Dickey is one of the most influential players in Major League Baseball these days. His ability to throw knuckleballs with control and accuracy makes him a danger for every batting line-up. However, Dickey was unable to take his side to the playoffs
despite putting up some impressive numbers during the regular season.
It will not be wrong to say that his numbers are worth the National League Cy Young Award. The right hander finished the season with an impressive 20-6 record with a 2.73 ERA, which is the best for National League.
“If you aren't willing to face your demons-if you can't find the courage to take on your fear and hurt and anger-you might as well wrap them up with a bow and give them to your children. Because they will be carrying the same thing...unless you are willing
to do the work,” said Dickey in an interview with a leading sports website.
He also led the league in strike-outs (230). His 1.053 WHIP in 233.2 innings is what impresses me the most. A knuckleball does not have any spin on it, which means it is difficult for the pitcher to control its’ flight. Yet, Dickey managed to walk only 54
batters all season long. It will be interesting to see if the knuckleball specialist can bring more consistency in his results in the next season to win the Most Valuable Player Award.
5. Robinson Cano
New York Yankees’ second baseman Robinson Cano is a beast when it comes to hitting the ball. He belted home-runs all around the baseball park last season to win the Home Run Derby. Although he was outclassed by Prince Fielder in this year’s Home Run Derby,
his form with the Yankees seemed unaffected.
Cano finished the season with a staggering .313 batting average with 33 home-runs and 94 RBI’s. His 0.929 OPS was also among the top to in the American League; also the highest of his career.
“He gave us this energy that rubs off on everyone else. He’s a great player already,” Former Yankees’ batting coach Don Mattingly said.
“We know how good he is. We just hope one day he remembers us,” Former team-mate Johnny Damon said.
“I think you could probably hit Robby anywhere you want,” Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi said.
Cano possesses a unique ability to up his game play under pressure. When Yankees were battling with the Baltimore Orioles for the American League East Division, the left hander looked on top of his game, hitting .615 in the final nine games with three home-runs
and 14 RBI’s.
He homered twice in the final game of the year to help New York clinch the AL East title.
4. Adrian Beltre
Throughout the season, Adrian Beltre put together some fine performance. When Texas Rangers’ outfielder Josh Hamilton was not performing after the All Star Break, Beltre was there to take him out of the slump.
In first half of the season, Beltre looked at his best as he hit .326 with 15 home-runs and 54 RBI’s, fuelling Rangers’ run to the top of American League West Division standings table. The second half proved even better for him as he hit 21 home-runs with
48 RBI’s
Overall, he was .321 with 36 home-runs and 102 RBI’s, putting together one of the finest seasons of his career.
Continued in Part 3
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