With MLB Spring Training firing up we at Chowder and Champions will be looking at the best five players at each position as well as best manager. With Opening Day just six weeks away, its never too early to start previewing the 2015 season. With that, let’s begin our countdown at the first base position.
Feb 23: First Basemen
Feb 24: Second Basemen
Feb 25: Third Basemen
Feb 26: Shortstop
Feb 27: Left Field
Feb 28: Center Field
Mar 1: Right Field
Mar 2: Catcher
Mar 3: Designated Hitter
Mar 4: Bullpen
Mar 5: Managers
Mar 6: Starting Pitcher
Honorable Mentions
Feb 19, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey during spring training workouts at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
10. Adrian Gonzalez
9. Joey Votto
8. Chris Davis
6. Buster Posey
5. Jose Bautista
Sep 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a single during the third inning in a game against the Baltimore Orioles and at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jose Bautista has been the heart of the Blue Jays lineup for the past 3-4 years, and rightfully so belting 35 home runs and driving in 103 RBI’s. Along with that he also made his fifth consecutive All-Star game, as well as capturing the Silver Slugger award and finishing 6th in A.L MVP voting.
Bautista is a force to be reckoned with and there isn’t any reason to believe 2015 will be any different. With many expecting the Blue Jays to capture the A.L East in 2015, in order to do so they’ll need a healthy and consistent Jose Bautista. If Bautista can do that, there is no reason to think that the Blue Jays will at the very least make a playoff appearance in 2015.
4. Anthony Rizzo
Sep 26, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a double to drive in a run in the fifth inning as Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) watches at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2006, Anthony Rizzo has found a home in Chicago after being traded by 2012. Since then Rizzo has been a consistent producer in the Cubs lineup, in the past two years Rizzo has hit over 20 home runs and had over 140 hits. Last year Rizzo was named to his first All-Star team, along with finishing 10th in the N.L MVP voting.
Rizzo is a key factor for the Cubbies in 2015, not just at the plate but also defensively. With an improved pitching staff this season the Cubs won’t need (as) much run support and playing exceptional defense will be necessary if the Cubbies look to break the Curse of the Billy Goat.
3. Jose Abreu
Sep 27, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) hits a two-run home run in the first inning of their game against the Kansas City Royals at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
We featured one first basemen from Chicago, so why not the other? Jose Abreu certainly deserves to be on this list as he is one of the best first basemen in the game, just take a look at some of his stats from last season. 36 home runs, 107 RBI’s, and batting over .300. Oh did I mention last year was his rookie season?
It will be intriguing to see if Abreu can top his rookie year or not, it won’t be easy but it can definitely happen once again. At a ripe age of 27, Abreu is just entering his prime years as a big leaguer which is good news for fans of the White Sox. 2015 and beyond should be very exciting times for the South Siders.
2. Paul Goldschmidt
Jul 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks won 9-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Paul Goldschmidt has been one of the most consistent players in baseball for the past two seasons, batting over .300 and having an OBP of over .900. Quite frankly he has been the one diamond that the Diamondbacks have on their roster, and as long as Goldschmidt is healthy and producing you can’t rule them out of any ball game.
Although the Diamondbacks finished in last place last season, Goldschmidt still produced and that makes him one of the most dangerous players and one of the most dangerous first basemen in the game. Goldschmidt, who is signed until 2018 with a team option for 2019, may be featured as trade bait sooner rather than later for the Diamondbacks. His salary is expected to almost double in 2016, so if a team offers the right package you’d have to think that Goldschmidt could be available at the trade deadline.
Number 1 is…
After you find out who #1 on our list is, make sure to check out the C&C Podcast on SoundCloud and on iTunes. Every Thursday you can catch the latest episode from the writers here at Chowder and Champions as well as guest panelists during certain weeks!
1. Miguel Cabrera
Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) singles against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
What can be said about Miguel Cabrera that hasn’t already been said? The guy is a beast at the plate, hitting at least 40 home runs in 2 out of the past 3 seasons as well as hitting over 100 RBIs in eleven out of twelve Major League seasons. For the Tigers offense, it begins and ends with Miguel Cabrera and his bat. If the Tigers are to be any real threat this season Miguel Cabrera needs to produce like he has in the past.
Although the Tigers have other quality players in their lineup like Victor Martinez and Yoenis Cespedes, make no mistake if Cabrera goes down with an injury or slump expect the Tigers to follow suit. With one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, the Tigers are lined up to be legitimate contenders in the American League this season and a large reason for that is because of one Miguel Cabrera.