Building the Perfect Baseball Team

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PITTSBURGH - JULY 11: An American flag in the shape of the U.S.A. is displayed on the field before the 77th MLB All-Star Game at PNC Park on July 11, 2006 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Ever wondered about what would happen if you could put together a dream team? The team that was loaded with the best talent baseball currently has to offer.

I understand that there are many great players out there that I left off this list, but this is who I would pick if I had to find the best players at their positions currently playing baseball. I don't wish to offend anybody, so let me just say that this is the first team...if anyone was not available, I have a good list of who I would want to replace them.

But this is my dream team.

Catcher: Joe Mauer

CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 30: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins walks back to the dugout after he struck out in the top of the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox during the American League Central Division Tiebreaker game at U.S. Cellular Field on S

Joe Mauer is, hands down, the greatest catcher playing now. No one else even comes close. He was the first American League catcher to ever win a batting title and the first since Ernie Lombardi in 1942. He now has two batting titles. And, he just won the American League Gold Glove for catcher, which means that he was the best defensive catcher last year.

First Base: Justin Morneau

CLEVELAND - JULY 27: Justin Morneau #33 of the Minnesota Twins warms up onfield before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on July 27, 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Justin Morneau ends up with the first base position. He is producing big numbers at a very young age. He has won the Silver Slugger award twice at his position, been to the All-Star game each of the past two years, won the Home Run Derby last year (I do recognize that Hamilton did put up huge numbers and I award him with that, but in the end Morneau left with the trophy), and, not to mention a little MVP trophy from 2006.

Second Base: Chase Utley

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: Chase Utley #26 of the Philadelphia Phillies turns a successful double play over Carl Crawford #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays on a ball hit by B.J. Upton #2 in the top of the eighth inning during the continuation of game five of the

I would take Chase Utley at second base any day. He is a true man who should have won the National League MVP in 2008. He has been to the All-Star game each of the past three seasons. He won a Silver Slugger at second for each of the past three seasons. Oh, and don't forget a spectacular performance in the World Series.

Shortstop: Derek Jeter

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 21: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees leaves the field after the final game at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees are playing their final season in the 85 year old ball park an

I may hate the Yankees and everything they stand for, but I do tip my hat toward Jeter. In light of all that has gone on for the Yankees, he seems to show class. He is a nine-time All-Star, four- time World Series Champion, three-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner, and has many more awards. You name it, he's done it. If he's good enough to be the captain of the Yankees, then he's good enough to be the captain of this team.

Third Base: Alex Rodriguez

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees hits a fourth inning single against the Baltimore Orioles on September 20, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Orioles 1-0. (Photo by J

Sure, he doped up six years ago, but it really wasn't his fault because, back when he did it, it wasn't frowned upon by baseball. Don't get me wrong, juicing up isn't a good thing, but a lot of players did it then.

Anyway, A-Rod is a 12-time All-Star selection, 10-time Silver Slugger, three-time AL MVP, and two-time Gold Glover. The numbers speak for themselves.

Left Field: Alfonso Soriano

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: Alfonso Soriano #12 of the Chicago Cubs looks on while at-bat in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Three of the NLDS during the 2008 MLB playoffs on October 4, 2008 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca

What is there to say about Alfonso Soriano? He's just the man. He is a four-time Silver Slugger, seven-time All-Star, and a thief on the base paths. He would be the leadoff hitter.

Center Field: Torii Hunter

BOSTON - OCTOBER 6: Torii Hunter #48 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim snags a line drive off of the bat of J.D. Drew #7 of Boston Red Sox during game four of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 6, 2008 in Boston, Massachuset

Who else would be out there in center field? He's the best out there right now. He's a two time All-Star who has won a Gold Glove each of the past eight years.

Right Field: Vladimir Guerrero

BOSTON - OCTOBER 5: Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim enjoys a laugh before game three of the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on October 5, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rog

Having Vladimir Guerrero out in right would be perfect. He is an eight-time All-Star, won the 2004 MVP, a seven-time Silver Slugger, and he won the 2007 Home Run Derby.

Starting Pitcher: Tim Lincecum

SAN FRANCISCO - JULY 3: Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Chicago Cubs during a Major League Baseball game on July 3, 2008 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The kid is amazing. Tim Lincecum is only 24 and has a Cy Young award already. He led the league in strikeouts last year in his first full year of a major league season. I would want him to be on my team because he is just starting his career and is blowing everybody out of the water.

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