AL Team of the Future: Recap
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by user Timothy Moreland(Bball3345)
Here are the links to the original teams AL Team of the Future and NL Team of the Future.
At the beginning of the 2006 MLB season, I posted my picks for the “Team of the Future.” Here is a recap of the rules and my picks, as well as a look at how the players performed this season.
Catcher
Joe Mauer: As I said in the original, Mauer is way ahead of the pack at catcher. This year did even more to prove that statement. With solid defense behind the plate and a batting crown, Mauer looks to be locked into this slot for a long time.
First Base
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Mark Teixeira: Choosing Teixeira was an easy pick at the beginning of the year, but disappointed this season. By disappointment, I mean he was the third best firstbaseman in the AL, instead of the best. His HR total dropped into the 30s, which I thought he would hit 45-50 this season. Justin Morneau and Paul Konerko led the way at first base in 2006. Due to age, Morneau looks like the front-runner for 2007.
Second Base
Howie Kendrick: I took some grief for choosing a minor-leaguer to start my team of the future. Well, Kendrick got his first chance at the big leagues this season, shuffling between first and second base. His numbers weren’t impressive, hitting .285 with a .314 OBP, but keep in mind he is only 22-years-old and wasn’t allowed to settle in at his position. Robinson Cano, who I left off my Honorable Mentions, had the best season by a secondbaseman.
Third Base
Alex Rodriguez: Coming off an MVP season, this wasn’t too difficult a choice. Even though A-Rod had a “down” year, it was still far and away the best at 3B in the AL. Blalock has regressed to nothing more than a scrub, Glaus will never have the on-base abilities of A-Rod, Chavez struggled with health problems, and there remains little else in terms of competition.
Shortstop
Jhonny Peralta: I did not see this coming. Peralta lost 43 points on his OBP and 135 off his SLG. At 24, there is plenty of time for a turnaround. Peralta’s defense at SS was spectacular and justified keeping his bat in the lineup. Jeter is hands-down the best player at short.
Leftfield
Manny Ramirez: This one is still Manny all the way. His OBP was .439 and his slugging was over .600. He can’t field, but I think any rational person would take Manny over any other leftfielder out there. Look for Carl Crawford to challenge in the future.
Centerfield
Grady Sizemore: This one comes down to Sizemore and Vernon Wells for the future. Sizemore won the battle this season with a .375 OBP, but Wells hung in striking distance. This is one I will have to think about over the offseason.
Rightfield
Vladimir Guerrero: I thought a great season by Sheffield or a young guy like Delmon Young would challenge Guerrero for title of best rightfielder. Instead, 32-year-old Jermaine Dye had a career year and edged out Guerrero for best rightfielder of 2006. If Abreu stays in the AL, he and Ichiro could challenge for the spot on this team next season.
2006 AL Lineup
2007 Projected AL Lineup
SS Derek Jeter
Check back next season for my official picks. Here is my recap of the NL.
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Date
Thu 10/05/06, 11:40 am EST
