MLB Top Five of 2009: Third Base

Week four of my little series takes us to the "hot corner."

Some of the best players in the game, past and present, have graced the far left side of the infield with their presence.

This year's third baseman collection is no different than any other—busting at the seams with talent.

Young and old, big and small—each one is more exciting and dynamic than the next. However, for the sake of consistency, I unfortunately could only post five of them.

5. Chipper Jones—Atlanta Braves

Larry "Chipper" Jones had one of the most exciting years of his career in 2008.

While some of us may have been disappointed that he was unable to keep his batting average above .400 for the entire season, he still managed to win the National League Batting Title for the first time in his career—finishing out the year at .364.

The one concern about Jones is that he never seems to be able to stay healthy for an entire season (playing in just 128 games in 2008); particularly since the 2004 season.

At this point in a player's career, age begins to come into question. Some may wonder if the 36-year old (37 in April) will ever be able to stay healthy for an entire season during the remainder of his career.

It certainly is something to think about.

But for the time that Jones actually is playing, 36 or 16, the man can flat-out hit. A .310 career batting average and 408 career home runs don't lie.

To watch Jones hit is like watching a clinic.

But hey, entering his 15th season in the big leagues, it would be acceptable to see Jones slow down a bit. I would take an older Chipper Jones over many other players in the league any day of the week.

However, still look for him to post outstanding numbers in the batting average and on-base columns...assuming he stays healthy.

Projected Stats for 2009: .332 BA, 28 HR, 89 RBI, .425 OBP.

4. Aramis Ramirez—Chicago Cubs

Ramirez has been the Chicago Cubs' go-to guy for several seasons now.

Since joining the team midway through the 2003 season, Aramis has consistently hit for both power and average.

Unfortunately, one of his downsides is that his defensive statistics tend to be below league average. His .945 fielding percentage for 2008 was one of the lowest of his career.

However, in his defense, his defense is not what the Cubs are looking for out of Ramirez (no pun intended).

The Chicago third baseman finished 2008 with a line that included a .289 batting average, 111 runs batted in, and a .380 on-base percentage.

There was a startling increase in strikeouts (94 up from 66 in '07), but at the same time 2008 also marked the sixth straight season in which Ramirez hit at least 25 home runs (27).

With Derrek Lee, the emerging Geovany Soto, and the recently acquired Milton Bradley batting around him in the order, Ramirez should have plenty of more opportunities in 2009 to display his knack for superb hitting to the baseball world.

Projected Stats for 2009: .301 BA, 29 HR, 110 RBI, .386 OBP.

3. Evan Longoria—Tampa Bay Rays

It would be nice to call Evan Longoria one of 2008's most pleasant surprises, but we can't. He was no surprise. Everyone already knew that he was going to be this good even before he reached the majors.

Starting the year out in Triple A, Longoria was quickly called up to the major league level in late April of 2008.

The then 22-year-old wasted absolutely no time in solidifying himself as one of baseball's elite young players—making the American League All-Star Team, participating in the State Farm Home Run Derby, and ultimately winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

He even played a very pivotal role in pushing the Tampa Bay Rays to their first winning season in club history and a World Series berth.

While it is hard to believe, Longoria is still growing. And even though his superb offensive skills came paired with some shoddy defense and mental mistakes, the maturity process should ensure that Evan continues to be a dominant force in Major League Baseball for years to come.

Look for his first full season in the bigs to spell even bigger things—if that is possible.

Projected Stats for 2009: .280 BA, 36 HR, 113 RBI, .362 OBP.

2. David Wright—New York Mets

The Pride of the Mets.

David Wright may have ended 2008 on a sour note with the Met fan base—failing to produce any clutch base hits during the final week of the season—but 2009 is a new year.

Not to say that 2008 was a bad year for Wright. He had arguably the best year of his career while definitely having the best 2008 of any other New York Met.

David seems to be getting better and better every year. His career best 124 runs batted in during 2008 tied the Met club record (Mike Piazza in 1999). And his willingness to take all of the Met chaos on his shoulders was one of the few credible things that came out of the Shea Stadium clubhouse this past season.

If it is any consolation to Met fans—as I mention painful memories—this guy is going to be on your team for a LONG time. He is not only one of the best third baseman in the game, but one of its best players. Period.

Power, average, speed, and brains—this kid has it all; with even more upside than he has already displayed.

On a related subject, I really wish the New York Met's front office would wake up sign Manny Ramirez already. A Wright, Ramirez, Beltran 3-4-5 would be absolutely SICK.

Projected Stats for 2009: .308 BA, 31 HR, 118 RBI, .398 OBP.

1. Alex Rodriguez—New York Yankees

Will anyone ever figure out Alex Rodriguez?

He seems to be in the center of everything, both during and in between seasons. From his failure to produce in clutch situations, to his less than favorable personality, to his escapades with Madonna, A-Rod always seems to be getting heat from somewhere for his actions.

However, the fact is that regardless of what your personal opinion is of Alex Rodriguez, he is still, hands down, the best all-around talent in the game today.

In 2008, after missing around three weeks of the season with an injury, Rodriguez still managed to put up over 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in—for the 11th straight season. This is a feat that has only been accomplished by one other player in major league history—Babe Ruth.

If New York Yankee management is smart this year, A-Rod will be batting third in the lineup during 2009—right in front of recently acquired slugger Mark Teixeira.

This move would give Rodriguez the protection in the lineup that he was lacking in 2008 with the deteriorating Jason Giambi batting behind him.

Couple that with the inexplicable fact that Rodriguez for some reason seems to post better numbers during odd years, and you can surely mark A-Rod down for yet another monster season. Not to mention a possible induction into the 600 home run club...

Projected Stats for 2009: .308 BA, 42 HR, 134 RBI, .402 OBP.