Pennant Pinching: The Best MLB Lineup $9 Million Can Buy

The Yankees and Red Sox annually compete for the best lineup money can buy.

This list is not that.

This is the best lineup even the Florida Marlins could afford.

The following are a starting nine, each of whom make $1 million or less. Some seem more obvious than others, but this is a team that could do some damage.

It's just hard to imagine what these players are going to make within the next few years.

OF-Matt Kemp

2009 salary: $467,000

Matt Kemp is one of the more talented players under 25 in baseball. He is a five tool player who is always getting better.

He had 18 home runs and 35 steals last year. This year he is on pace for more than 20 home runs and a repeat of this 35 steals.

What makes Kemp special is the fact that he actually uses his speed as a weapon. He has a similar skill set to a young Barry Bonds (I know Dodger fans will love to hear that).

SS-Troy Tulowitzki

2009 salary: $1,000,000

Troy Tulowitzki had a rough 2008 dealing with injuries, but he has bounced back in a big way.

Are there better shortstops?

Yes, but none at this bargain price.

His power has returned and his slugging has gone up. I'm not sure if his numbers are products of the the air in Colorado, but he is only 24 and can always improve.

3B-Evan Longoria

2009 salary: $550,000

With so many good, young third baseman, I had to leave some good names off.

But how could I go anywhere else but Evan Longoria?

AL Rookie of the Year.

An MVP candidate this year.

He is a Gold Glove waiting to happen every year.

Silver Slugger?

They may have to rename the award after him.

In two short years, he has an OPS of .898.

Enough said.

OF-Nelson Cruz

2009 salary: $408,070

Fresh off his performance in the Home Run Derby, Nelson Cruz has put on a show in his first full season as a starter for the Rangers.

For a number of years, the talent of Cruz had been spoken of, but not until now have we seen what the Rangers had been waiting for.

His swing is not violent, but is as smooth as a right handed hitter's can be. His effortless swing will make sure he is around for a while.

1B-James Loney

2009 salary: $465,000

James Loney is a steadying presence for the Dodgers. This is no more apparent than with Loney's defense.

He has the potential to be a Gold Glove first baseman, of course, he has to beat the other perennial contenders Adrian Gonzales and Todd Helton.

The power that was expected has not shown itself as of yet, but there is still time for the 25-year-old.

Though his production has increased each of the past three seasons. He is on pace for career highs in both home runs and RBI.

OF-Justin Upton

2009 salary: $412,000

Five-tool players are starting to appear all over the place. Justin Upton is as talented as any Major League player.

Although he plays in the bandbox of Chase Field, Upton has shown power at every field he plays.

He comes from a strong baseball family, which always helps. His brother, B.J., will probably soon join Justin on an All-Star team.

2B-Ben Zobrist

2009 salary: $415,900

Nobody has been a bigger surprise this season than Ben Zobrist. The Rays' second baseman is in the top five in OPS (1.012) and made his first All-Star team.

In a league starving for an outstanding second baseman, Zobrist is starting to stand out.

Utley, Hudson, Zobrist?

Sure, we'll go with that.

C-Kurt Suzuki

2009 salary: $410,000

Kurt Suzuki is the most underrated catcher in the big leagues. He doesn't do anything spectacular, but he gets the job done.

He has caught the fourth most innings this season. He has a fielding percentage of .998.

He has gotten better each season with Oakland and has handled a very young pitching staff well.

Each of the past two seasons, he has caught an All-Star pitcher (Justin Duchscherer, Andrew Bailey).

SP-Tim Lincecum

2009 salary: $650,000

He is the reigning Cy Young Award winner, the starter in the All-Star Game, and he is quite possibly the best pitcher in the game.

All at the age of 24.

He led the National League in strikeouts last year and shows no sign of slowing down this year.

Some have compared him to Pedro Martinez of the late '90s. That is some very good company to keep.

When it comes time to sign his new contract, the Giants are going to have a Zito-sized number to deal with.

At least this time, they will get their money's worth.

Honorable Mention

Pablo Sandoval: $401,750

Mark Reynolds: $422,500

Adam Jones: $435,000

Jacoby Ellsbury: $449,500