10 Scrappiest Players

J Panchina by Contributor Written on September 09, 2009

Slide 1 of 12

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 05:  Second baseman Augie Ojeda #11 of the Arizona Diamondbacks fields against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 5, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Jeff Gross/Getty Images

They may or may not play every day, but every time they step on the field you’re ensured that they’re giving it their all.

Whether it’s diving for out of reach grounders, running hard to first every time they make contact, or fearlessly tracking down flies headed straight toward the fence, these players make the most out of their time on the field.

Although grinders usually go somewhat unnoticed not being as flashy and naturally talented as some of their teammates, these guys will always have a place in my heart. I love seeing players who maybe weren’t given the best physical attributes and natural talent (hey we weren’t all born with Mauer’s swing) who make the roster due to their sheer guts, determination, and effort.

So, here’s a list honoring the scrappiest players in the game.

No. 10 Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks

PHOENIX - OCTOBER 11:  Infielder Kazuo Matsui #7 of the Colorado Rockies throws over Eric Byrnes #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks to compete a double play during the sixth inning of Game One of the National League Championship Series at Chase Field on Octo

Byrnes can be found diving all around Chase Field, making spectacular plays. He's fearless in the outfield, runs whenever he can, and slides hard every time there's a close play.

No. 9 Nate McLouth, Braves

DENVER - JULY 12:  Nate McLouth #13 of the Atlanta Braves heads for thirdbase on a Martin Prado single in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies during MLB action at Coors Field on July 12, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. McLouth went on to score on a Ch

McLouth is always giving it his all. Even when he was on the Pirate’s he never seemed to care too much about the standings, he only cared about making the most of every at bat.

No. 8 Augie Ojeda, Diamondbacks

DENVER - OCTOBER 14:  Augie Ojeda #11 of the Arizona Diamondbacks makes a catch on a pop fly off the bat of Garrett Atkins #27 of the Colorado Rockies in the bottom of the fourth inning during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Coors

Listed at 5’8’’ 165, this little guy knows how to play the game. The scrappy shortstop can be seen hustling down the line on every ball he makes contact with. You gotta respect a player like that.

No. 7 Aaron Rowand, Giants

MIAMI - MAY 23:  Catcher Matt Treanor #20 of the Florida Marlins can't block the plate as Aaron Rowand #33 of the San Francisco Giants scores on a double by Rich Aurilia #35 in the third inning at Dolphin Stadium on May 23, 2008 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo

His face first catch into the fence was enough to get him on this list. Always putting the game first, and his body second, he’s as scrappy as outfielders come.

No. 6 Reed Johnson, Cubs

LOS ANGELES - JUNE 07:   Reed Johnson #9 of the Chicago Cubs can't reach the two run homerun hit by Russell Martin #55 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning to tie the game at Dodger Stadium June 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers de

Reed is one of my favorite players because he’s such a grinder. He struggles to find an outfield spot on the Cubs, but he really gives maximum effort when he’s on the field. He bunts, runs, and dives for balls. This all out effort has taken a toll on his body, and he’s had a few stints on the DL this season, but hopefully he’ll be healthy next year, and the Cubs can use him next season to bring a spark into their line up.

No. 5 David Eckstein, Padres

FLUSHING, NY - APRIL 13:  David Eckstein #3 of the San Diego Padres runs the bases against the New York Mets during opening day at Citi Field on April 13, 2009 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. This is the first regular

Back in his prime, the 2006 Wold Series MVP was the epitome of a scrappy player. The 5’7’’ second baseman-shortstop continues to make the most of his limited ability and physic. He’ll do anything to get on base, and he’s not afraid to lean into a pitch if necessary.

No. 4 Chone Figgins, Angels

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 5:   Chone Figgins #9 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim slides safely into home ahead of the tag o catcher Matt Wieters #15 of fthe Baltimore Orioles in the third inning on July 5, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.    (Ph

The 5’8’’ utility man will play whenever and where ever he can. He’s extremely scrappy and truly makes the most out of his limited physique.

No. 3 Brett Gardner, Yankees

NEW YORK - MAY 21:  Brett Gardner #11 of the New York Yankees at bat against the Baltimore Orioles on May 21, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

It’s got to be tough when you’re on arguably the most talented team in baseball, full of sluggers, and you’ve got to prove yourself with your wheels and defense. That is just what Gardner is doing. Every day he’s playing he’s legging out hits, laying down bunts, and improving the team.

No. 2 Shane Victorino, Phillies

CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 28:  Outfielder Shane Victorino #8 of the  Philadelphia Phillies bunts against the Tampa Bay Rays February 28, 2009 at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

This guy is amazing. He was an integral player on last year’s World Championship Phillies team. This guy does it all; he sprints down the line, he takes great routes, hustles in the outfield, and can lay down a bunt. If you want a championship team, you need at least one player like Victorino on the roster.

No. 1 Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

ATLANTA - JUNE 26:  Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on June 26, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dustin Pedroia is the definition of a grinder. The little second baseman does whatever he can to improve the team, and he’s the reason for much of the Sox’s success over the last few years. He certainly brings a fire to the lineup, and invigorates his teammates.

(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

61 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

3,852
reads

61
comments

written on September 09, 2009 Rankings/List

The best newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.