A Baseball Team Everyone Can Root For

(Photo by Kevork Djansezians/Getty Images)

They are the players you draft too early on your fantasy baseball team. You root for them. You're happy when you see their names at the bottom of the screen on ESPN.

They are the team you would choose if you were first captain and decided to pick all of your friends.

DH: Ken Griffey Jr.

Of all the players of prominence during the steroids era, no one would have broken our hearts more if it would have been proved he was involved than Ken Griffey Jr. That potential heartbreak only proves why he is so beloved.

Griffey's return to Seattle only increases the sentimentality, and I hope the Mariners' early success translates into a berth to the postseason, and maybe Griffey's first trip to the World Series. Here's hoping...

LF: Carl Crawford

Crawford's speed has always been something that has made him an exciting player. The years of toiling with the perpetually bad Rays paid off last year, even though he missed the stretch run with injuries.

His historic six-steal night against the Red Sox only cemented Crawford's place on this team. I also respect that Crawford increased his batting average in each of his first six major league seasons. It proves to me he cares about baseball and works to get better. It's exactly the commitment we hope to see in our baseball stars.

CF: Curtis Granderson

He's one of the players who has it all: power, average, speed, and defense. Granderson is also a good teammate. When Jim Leyland benched him against lefty starters, he worked harder to become an every-day player.

He is articulate and has a future as a commentator when his days are done. For now, I just enjoy watching the guy play and believe he will be one of the best.

RF: Vladimir Guerrero

I like Vlad for several reasons. First, he swings at almost everything and still is able to hit for power and a good average. He has a remarkable .322 career average and should hit his 400th home run this season.

In addition to his performance on the field, Guerrero has also established himself as a humanitarian off the field. He donates more than 10,000 tickets per year to various charitable organizations in southern California, mostly focused on the needs of children. He has invested heavily into various businesses in the Dominican Republic and donated $50,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief.

3B: Brandon Inge

A utility player who looks like he finally found his permanent job, there may be no other player that I have been rooting for more this year. His power numbers this year indicate his 27 home run campaign in 2006 was no fluke. His ability to play catcher, third, and every outfield position makes him invaluable.

I also like guys who play their entire career with one team. They're a dying breed. Inge has been with the Tigers since being drafted in 1998.

SS: Derek Jeter

That is what we call a segue. Jeter has been producing for the Yankees since 1995. Not only has he been Mr. Clutch, he has also been Mr. Reliability—playing in at least 149 games every year with only one exception.

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