NL Team of the Future: Recap

Here 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.

Rules

I will assemble a team of players to build the best team for the next five years. Salaries are not a factor.

Whether or not the player will play for a major league team all five years or start for them is not a factor; therefore, i can select minor leaguers who may not be in the majors for two more years if I feel they are the best player to have. They will be starters on my team.

The players do not have to be a certain age. Although, selecting Roger Clemens may be a bad move because he would more than likely retire or fade very quickly.

Catcher

Brian McCann: McCann outperformed all other catchers in the National League. He hit .333 and had little competition from any other players at his position. McCann remains the favorite to start for the NL Team of the Future next season.

First Base

Albert Pujols: Even with the 58 HRs by Howard (who I predicted 60 from at the beginning of the year), Pujols will more than likely be starting here again in 2007. Howard and Pujols are in a league of their own, but had Pujols not missed time with an injury, his homerun total would have been right there with Howard’s. If Derrek Lee returns healthy, this could be a three-man race for the next few years.

Second Base

Marcus Giles: I pegged this as a three-way race between Utley, Weeks, and Giles. I chose the wrong horse. Giles had a below average season, even for a secondbaseman. Weeks was strong, posting a .363 OBP, but struggled mightily in the field. Utley, on the other hand, was far and away the best offensive secondbaseman in the league. There is no other choice but Utley as the starter for this team next season.

Third Base

David Wright:Unfortunately for David Wright, Miguel Cabrera shifted back to third base and flat out dominated. His .339/.430/.568 line trumped Wright’s impressive .311/.381/.531 line. Garrett Atkins broke onto the scene with Freddy Sanchez to make this one of the most competitive spots on the field. Cabrera looks to be the favorite as of now.

Shortstop

Rafael Furcal: This choice came down to Furcal, Jose Reyes, and Jimmy Rollins. I should have gone with Reyes, but Furcal and Rollins were arguably as good. Now, Hanley Ramirez and even Bill Hall can enter the discussion for 2007. As of now, I think I would go with Reyes, but I will have to think about this one over the offseason.

Left Field

Miguel Cabrera: Well, Cabrera made this an easy decision, but he doesn’t play here any more so now I have to think about this one. Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, and Alfonso Soriano are the favorites for next season. If Carlos Lee returns to the NL, this could be even more interesting.

Center Field

Andruw Jones: Sorry, Andruw, but Beltran is back. This one is an extremely easy decision. Unless Grady Sizemore somehow moves to the NL, this is all Beltran. He leads the pack offensively, and plays Gold-Glove defense. Beltran has a valid argument for MVP this season.

Right Field

Bobby Abreu: Well, Abreu has jumped ship to the AL, and Giles had a down-year. Right field just isn’t good. Whatever happened to Sammy Sosa? I guess I would have to say J.D. Drew had the best year in right with an honorable mention to Bradley Hawpe.

2006 NL Lineup

RF Bobby Abreu

Predicted 2007 Lineup

C Brian McCann

1B Albert Pujols

2B Chase Utley

3B Miguel Cabrera

SS Jose Reyes

LF Jason Bay

CF Carlos Beltran

RF J.D. Drew

Check back at the beginning of next season for my official picks.

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