Best Of 2010: Power Ranking The Year's 50 Best MLB Players
The New Year is quickly approaching and as baseball fans pour over the latest Hot Stove news, now is as good a time as any to look back at the 2010 season.
From a bevy of great pitching performances, to an unlikely home run king, to the Giants improbable World Series run, the 2010 season was a memorable one.
So here are the top 50 players from the 2010 season, from the subjective view of one sports writer. I welcome you to inform me where you disagree with my rankings, as this is certainly up for debate.
No. 50: Aubrey Huff
1 of 50
BA: .290
OBP: .385
SLG: .506
H: 165
HR: 26
RBI: 86
R: 100
Seventh in NL MVP
Before the call-up of Buster Posey and before the team acquired Pat Burrell and Cody Ross, it was Huff who carried the Giants offense, and he not only provided great offensive production, but also invaluable veteran leadership.
After signing for just $3 million in 2010, he re-upped with the Giants with a two-year, $22-million deal and he earned every penny of it in helping the team to a World Series title.
No. 49: Joakim Soria
2 of 50
Games: 66
Saves: 43
Record: 1-2
ERA: 1.78
Ks: 71
K/9: 9.7
All-Star
10th in AL Cy Young
19th in AL MVP
Soria is often forgotten while pitching in Kansas City, but year in and year out he is one of the best closers in all of baseball. When he hits free agency, he will be one of the hottest commodities on the market.
With 132 saves in just four seasons and still just 26-years-old, Soria's name could be thrown around in trade rumors the next two seasons leading up to his free agency. The Royals could move him as they continue to rebuild.
No. 48: Clayton Kershaw
3 of 50
Starts: 32
IP: 204.1
Record: 13-10
ERA: 2.91
ERA+: 132
Ks: 212
Control has always been the biggest question surrounding Kershaw and the issue that was keeping him from becoming a front-line starter. That was until 2010.
In pitching his first 200-inning season of his career, Kershaw was not only able to keep up his impressive strikeout numbers, but he managed to trim 1.2 BB/9 off of his line, making him that much more effective of a starter and allowing him to assume the role of ace.
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No. 47: Jayson Werth
4 of 50
BA: .296
OBP: .388
SLG: .532
H: 164
HR: 27
RBI: 85
R: 106
SB: 13
Eighth in NL MVP
Werth once again showed why he is one of the top all-around performers in baseball today, as he showed his combination of power and speed, while again playing terrific defense.
He led the NL with 46 doubles on top of his other impressive numbers and he cashed in this offseason with a monster contract with the Nationals, as they inked him to a seven-year, $126-million deal. Time will tell if he has what it takes to be "the man" in Washington.
No. 46: Matt Holliday
5 of 50
BA: .312
OBP: .390
SLG: .532
H: 186
HR: 28
RBI: 103
R: 95
All-Star
12th in NL MVP
Silver Slugger
For as big of flops as big-money free agent signings such as Jason Bay and John Lackey were this past season, Holliday proved to be worth every penny as he provided valuable protection for Albert Pujols while still putting up stellar numbers.
Whether his contract proves to be an albatross before the seven years are up remains to be seen, but for the time being, he is as important a player as there is for the Cardinals hitting behind Pujols.
No. 45: Carlos Marmol
6 of 50
Games: 77
Saves: 38
Record: 2-3
ERA: 2.55
Ks: 138
K/9: 16.0
Sure, he blew a few saves and, sure, his 6.0 BB/9 rate is still too high. But when Marmol was on, he was arguably the most un-hittable pitcher in all of baseball. More often than not he was on as he whiffed batters at an unthinkable 16 per-nine-innings pitched.
Marmol has the game's nastiest slider and he throws it early and often regardless of the count or situation, because the fact of the matter is, batters can't hit it and they can't lay off of it. His 38 saves for a poor Cubs team are impressive and he could be in line for an even better season in 2011.
No. 44: Joe Mauer
7 of 50
BA: .327
OBP: .402
SLG: .469
H: 167
HR: 9
RBI: 75
R: 88
All-Star Starter
Eighth in NL MVP
Silver Slugger
Gold Glove
Despite seeing precipitous drop-offs across the board offensively from his 2009 numbers, Mauer was still undoubtedly the best offensive catcher in baseball and he also took home his third-straight Gold Glove.
Mauer is simply phenomenal and although his numbers may be hurt a bit by the team's move outdoors, he is still the best catcher in baseball and will be a perennial contender for the AL batting title for the next decade.
No. 43: Mat Latos
8 of 50
Starts: 31
IP: 184.2
Record: 14-10
ERA: 2.92
ERA+: 126
Ks: 189
Eighth in NL Cy Young
In just his second big league season, Latos showed why the Padres were so high on him when they selected him out of high school during the 2006 draft.
His numbers would have been even better had he not scuffled down the stretch with a 1-5, 5.66 ERA in seven September/October starts, as he clearly wore down after seeing the most action of his pro career. Still, he is just 22-years-old and should be the ace of the Padres staff for years.
No. 42: Billy Wagner
9 of 50
Games: 71
Saves: 37
Record: 7-2
ERA: 1.43
Ks: 104
K/9: 13.5
All-Star
It looked as though Wagner's days as a top-tier closer were behind him after back-to-back sub-par seasons, but the Braves took a chance on him with a hole in the back of their bullpen, signing him for one year and $6.75 million.
He rewarded their confidence with a comeback season and although he was injured during their playoff run, he was a key part in their making the playoffs to begin with. Although the Braves are going in another direction next season with one of their young relievers, his time in Atlanta was big for the team.
No. 41: Shin-Soo Choo
10 of 50
BA: .300
OBP: .401
SLG: .484
H: 165
HR: 22
RBI: 90
R: 81
SB: 22
14th in AL MVP
Amid the disaster that was the 2010 Indians, Choo was the lone bright spot, as he continued to dazzle both with the bat and in the field, as he displayed legitimate five-tool ability.
Choo helped the South Korean team to the gold medal this offseason in the Asian Games, effectively avoiding serving mandatory military time in the process, as he could have lost some time in the next few seasons due to the government's strict military laws.
No. 40: Francisco Liriano
11 of 50
Starts: 31
IP: 191.2
Record: 14-10
ERA: 3.62
ERA+: 115
Ks: 201
11th in AL Cy Young
Liriano took the baseball world by storm as a rookie back in 2006, when he went 12-3 and made the AL All-Star team. However, injury struck and he went under the knife for Tommy John Surgery, missing all of 2007 and part of 2008.
He then struggled mightily in 2009, going 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA, as many believed he would never be the same. However, after he impressed in winter league play, he bounced back with a big season for the Twins, as he took home the AL Comeback Player of the Year and looks to once again be a front-line starter.
No. 39: Evan Longoria
12 of 50
BA: .294
OBP: .372
SLG: .507
H: 169
HR: 22
RBI: 104
R: 96
SB: 15
All-Star Starter
Sixth in AL MVP
Gold Glove
Longoria continued his ascent to superstardom in 2010, as he continued to impress not only with the bat but with the glove, as he won his second-straight Gold Glove.
His power numbers dropped a bit, but there is no reason to think he shouldn't be a perennial 30 homer and 100 RBI guy for the next decade, and he will be looked at to take on a leadership role with Carl Crawford no longer with the team.
No. 38: Roy Oswalt
13 of 50
Starts: 32
IP: 211.2
Record: 13-13
ERA: 2.76
ERA+: 143
Ks: 193
Sixth in NL Cy Young
After nine-plus seasons in Houston, Oswalt was dealt to the Phillies at the trade deadline as the Astros looked to cut payroll as they begin to rebuild.
At the time of the deal, Oswalt was a disastrous 6-12, despite having a 3.42 ERA. After the trade, however, he was nearly unhittable, going 7-1 in 12 starts with the Phillies while posting a 1.74 ERA. That success carried on into the playoffs and he will once again be part of perhaps the best rotation in baseball in 2011.
No. 37: Neftali Feliz
14 of 50
Games: 70
Saves: 40
Record: 4-3
ERA: 2.73
Ks: 71
K/9: 9.2
All-Star
AL Rookie of the Year
Feliz may yet be a starter for the Rangers down the road, but he played a valuable role in the Rangers run to the World Series as the team's closer.
His 40 saves marked the most ever for a rookie closer and he should continue to serve that role as the Rangers look to make another run at the AL pennant.
No. 36: Chris Carpenter
15 of 50
Starts: 35
IP: 235
Record: 16-9
ERA: 3.22
ERA+: 122
Ks: 179
All-Star
Carpenter was not quite as dominant as he was during the 2009 season when he won 17 games and led the NL with a 2.24 ERA. Nonetheless, he was a top-tier starter that teamed with Adam Wainwright to form one of the league's best duos.
With his injury history and advancing age, Carpenter could be set for a decline in the years to come, but until he proves otherwise, he should be viewed as nothing short of an ace.
No. 35: Matt Cain
16 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 223.1
Record: 13-11
ERA: 3.14
ERA+: 130
Ks: 177
12th in NL Cy Young
Cain is often over looked in San Francisco with Tim Lincecum fronting the staff, but he was equally dominant during the season and actually posted a far better ERA than Lincecum.
He continued to impress during the postseason, going 2-0 in his three starts and not allowing an earned run in 21.1 innings, as he gave the Giants a second ace that the Rangers simply could not match.
No. 34: Delmon Young
17 of 50
BA: .298
OBP: .333
SLG: .493
H: 170
HR: 21
RBI: 112
R: 77
10th in AL MVP
The former top prospect in all baseball during his time with the Rays, Young had largely been a disappointment at the major league level during his time with the Rays and was dealt to the Twins in the deal that sent Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett to the team.
After a pair of sub-par seasons to begin his tenure in Minnesota, Young finally broke out in 2010, as he stepped up big for a Minnesota team that was without Justin Morneau for a large part of the season. He could finally be tapping into his vast potential and at just 24-years-old, the sky is still the limit for Young.
No. 33: Heath Bell
18 of 50
Games: 67
Saves: 47
Record: 6-1
ERA: 1.93
Ks: 86
K/9: 11.1
All-Star
Eighth in NL Cy Young
25th in NL MVP
NL Rolaids Relief Man
After leading the NL with 42 saves in 2009, his first season as the Padres closer following the departure of Trevor Hoffman, he was even better in 2010. He won his second straight Rolaids Relief Man Award and was an integral part of what was one of baseball's best bullpens.
He has quickly become one of the top fireman in all of baseball and the Padres bullpen should once again be a strength as the Padres hope to make another run at the NL West title.
No. 32: Adrian Beltre
19 of 50
BA: .321
OBP: .365
SLG: .553
H: 189
HR: 28
RBI: 102
R: 84
All-Star
Ninth in AL MVP
Silver Slugger
Signed to a one-year, $9 million contract last off season, Beltre bounced back with his best season since his monster 2004 that earned him a huge contract with the Mariners, as he finished fourth in the AL in batting average while registering just the second 100 RBI season of his career.
With Adrian Gonzalez now manning first base for the Red Sox and Kevin Youkilis moving over to third base, Beltre will be playing elsewhere next season, more than likely with the Angels, and he will look to build off of his 2010 season.
No. 31: Paul Konerko
20 of 50
BA: .312
OBP: .393
SLG: .584
H: 171
HR: 39
RBI: 111
R: 89
All-Star
Fifth in AL MVP
Konerko has long been the face of the White Sox, but his career seemed to be winding down after he averaged just a .260 batting average, 27 home runs, 80 RBI from 2007-2009 and he turned 34 at the beginning of the 2010 season.
However, he responded with a big bounce back, as he finished no lower than eighth in any of the three Triple Crown categories, and he chose to come back to the South Side as he signed a three-year free agent deal to potentially finish out his career in Chicago.
No. 30: Tim Hudson
21 of 50
Starts: 34
IP: 228.2
Record: 17-9
ERA: 2.83
ERA+: 138
Ks: 139
All-Star
Fourth in NL Cy Young Voting
NL Comeback Player of the Year
Hudson was the anchor of a young Braves rotation and he bounced back in a big way after making just seven starts in 2009 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.
He made one postseason start for the Braves, going seven innings and giving up just one unearned run, although he eventually ended up with a no-decision. He will return in 2011 to once again front a rotation that features some of the game's top young pitching talent.
No. 29: Rafael Soriano
22 of 50
Games: 64
Saves: 45
Record: 3-2
ERA: 1.73
Ks: 57
K/9: 8.2
All-Star
Eighth in AL Cy Young
12th in AL MVP
Soriano was acquired from the Braves prior to the 2010 season for Jesse Chavez, and he immediately filled the Rays closer role much better than anyone could have ever expected.
He became a free agent at season's end and the Rays are now left with a gaping hole at the back end of their bullpen. But wherever he ends up, he should once again be one of the league's top closers.
No. 28: Justin Verlander
23 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 224.1
Record: 18-9
ERA: 3.37
ERA+: 124
Ks: 219
All-Star
11th in AL Cy Young
It's funny to think that just two years ago, Verlander led the American League with 17 losses, as he was one of the worst pitchers in the league. However, aside from that season, he has been phenomenal in his four other full seasons in the league, compiling a 72-33 record and establishing himself as one of the game's best pitchers.
While he was not as good as his 2009 numbers, when he led the AL with 19 wins and 269 strikeouts, he was still pretty great in 2010 and will anchor what could be a very competitive Tigers team in the 2011 season.
No. 27: Vladmir Guerrero
24 of 50
BA: .300
SLG: .345
OBP: .496
H: 178
HR: 29
RBI: 115
R: 83
All-Star Starter
11th in AL MVP
Silver Slugger
Coming off of a stellar run with the Angels, Guerrero found little interest on the free agent market prior to the 2010 season, as he was coming off of a down season and was no longer able to play the field on a regular basis.
The Rangers took a chance on him with a one-year, $5.5 million contract, and he rewarded them with a comeback season, as he was the team's most consistent hitter not named Josh Hamilton and he proved he still has plenty left in the tank.
No. 26: Cole Hamels
25 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 208.2
Record: 12-11
ERA: 3.06
ERA+: 132
Ks: 211
After so much success so early, there was talk that Hamels may have let the success get the better of him after he posted a sub-par 10-11 record with a 4.32 ERA in 2009.
However, he came back big in 2010 and while his record did not reflect it, he was terrific. Hamels posted great ERA and strikeout numbers and carried that success on into the playoffs, where he went 1-1, giving up just three runs in 15 innings.
No. 25: Carl Crawford
26 of 50
BA: .307
OBP: .356
SLG: .495
H: 184
HR: 19
RBI: 90
R: 110
SB: 47
All-Star Starter
Seventh in AL MVP
Silver Slugger
Gold Glove
Crawford was asked to do more last season than ever before, as he spent much of the second half hitting in the third spot in the lineup and took on a run production role. That said, he didn't miss a beat, as he set a career-high with 90 RBI and continued to be a terror on the bases with 47 stolen bases and an AL-best 13 triples.
Now he will take his talents to the Red Sox, where he will return to the role of table setter and catalyst for what is a potent offense. Regardless of his role, he is among the top outfielders in all of baseball, both offensively and defensively.
No. 24: Cliff Lee
27 of 50
Starts: 28
IP: 212.1
Record: 12-9
ERA: 3.18
ERA+: 130
Ks: 185
All-Star
Seventh in AL Cy Young
When Lee signed with the Mariners in the offseason, they immediately became a trendy pick to win the AL West, but by season's end it was the Rangers who ran away with things, and they picked up Lee in the process.
He was surprisingly average after being traded to Texas, going 4-6, 3.98 ERA in 15 starts. However, he once again showed why he is among the best postseason pitchers of all-time, as he dominated the Rays and the Yankees before stumbling in the World Series and losing a pair of games. Still, he was terrific, and will make the Phillies that much better in 2011.
No. 23: Jered Weaver
28 of 50
Starts: 34
IP: 224.1
Record: 13-12
ERA: 3.01
ERA+: 135
Ks: 233
All-Star
Fifth in AL Cy Young
Weaver has slowly built off of his impressive 11-2 rookie season in 2006 and became the ace of the staff in 2010 following a 16-8 season in 2009 and the departure of John Lackey in free agency.
He responded with the best ERA of his career and an AL-best 233 strikeouts, and while his record did not necessarily reflect it, he took a major step forward in establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball.
No. 22: Trevor Cahill
29 of 50
Starts: 30
IP: 196.2
Record: 18-8
ERA: 2.97
ERA+: 139
Ks: 118
All-Star
Ninth in AL Cy Young
Cahill was perhaps the breakout star of the American League in 2010, as he came off of a ho-hum 10-13 rookie season to post some of the best numbers of any starter in the American League.
Paired with Brett Anderson and Gio Gonzalez, the Athletics may very well have the most underrated starting rotation in all of baseball, and at just 22-years-old, Cahill could emerge as a star in the next couple years if he can build off of his 2010 success.
No. 21: Brian Wilson
30 of 50
Games: 70
Saves: 48
Record: 3-3
ERA: 1.81
Ks: 93
K/9: 11.2
All-Star
Seventh in NL Cy Young
13th in NL MVP
Wilson quickly became a cult hero as the Giants made their improbable run to the World Series and he was phenomenal in the clutch, saving six games in the playoffs while surrendering no earned runs and striking out 16 batters in 11.2 innings.
He was just as good in the regular season too, as he led the NL with 48 saves and posted an impressive 11.2 K/9 mark with a sterling 1.81 ERA. His star won't soon fade in San Francisco and rightfully so, as he was an integral part in their title run.
No. 20: Robinson Cano
31 of 50
BA: .319
OBP: .381
SLG: .534
H: 200
HR: 29
RBI: 109
R: 103
All-Star
Third in AL MVP
Silver Slugger
Gold Glove
During a season in which a number of Yankees suffered through down seasons, Cano carried the offense for stretches, as he posted the best numbers of his career and emerged as a legitimate power hitter and run producer.
His production continued on into the postseason, as he hit four homers during the Yankees ALCS loss to the Rangers. He will again be counted on in 2011 to be an offensive force, as some of the elder Yankees production continues to fall off.
No. 19: Clay Buchholz
32 of 50
Starts: 28
IP: 173.2
Record: 17-7
ERA: 2.33
ERA+: 187
Ks: 120
All-Star
Sixth in AL Cy Young
Since his no-hitter during his rookie season of 2007, Buchholz has been hailed as the future ace of the Red Sox and he was seemingly involved in every trade rumor involving the Red Sox.
Finally, he put it all together in 2010, as he posted the second best ERA in the American League while winning an impressive 17 games in the process. For as long as he has been in the public eye, it is hard to believe he is still only 25, but he should be a good one for the Red Sox for a long time.
No. 18: Jon Lester
33 of 50
Starts: 32
IP: 208
Record: 19-9
ERA: 3.25
ERA+: 134
Ks: 225
All-Star
Fourth in AL Cy Young
For all the money the Red Sox have invested in Daisuke Matsuzaka, John Lackey and Josh Beckett, Lester has clearly emerged as the ace of the staff and the team's most reliable starter.
He's won 50 games in the past three seasons and 2010 was the best season of his career thus far. At just 26, he could get even better in the years to come and he may very well be the best left-hander in baseball not named Cliff Lee.
No. 17: Adrian Gonzalez
34 of 50
BA: .298
OBP: .393
SLG: .511
H: 176
HR: 31
RBI: 101
R: 87
All-Star
Fourth in NL MVP
For several years, Gonzalez was a forgotten star in San Diego, as the Padres struggled season after season. However, when they suddenly became relevant in 2010, Gonzalez finally started to get some of the recognition he deserved.
After hitting 40 homers in 2009 and failing to drive in 100 runs due to a weak lineup, he will have no shortage of run production opportunities this coming season, as he joins a potent Red Sox lineup following an offseason trade.
No. 16: Tim Lincecum
35 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 212.1
Record: 16-10
ERA: 3.43
ERA+: 119
Ks: 231
All-Star
10th in NL Cy Young
Lincecum was not quite his usual dominant self in 2010, as he struggled through a tough August in which he went 0-5 with a 7.82 ERA. That led him to a season in which he finished with an ERA nearly a point higher than he had posted in the previous two seasons.
That said, he stepped up when it mattered most, going 5-1 during the stretch run and then going 4-1 in the postseason as he helped lead the Giants to a World Series title.
No. 15: Josh Johnson
36 of 50
Starts: 28
IP: 183.2
Record: 11-6
ERA: 2.30
ERA+: 182
Ks: 186
All-Star
Fifth in NL Cy Young
25th in NL MVP
Despite all the hype surrounding Ubaldo Jimenez's start to the season, it was Johnson who may very well have been the better pitcher in the first half, as he posted an amazing 1.70 ERA through his first 18 starts at the All-Star break, a full 0.50 lower than Jimenez's ERA.
While his season was cut short by an injury, Johnson has clearly emerged as one of baseball's top starters, and he should continue to be in the Cy Young discussion for years to come as he is still just 26-years-old.
No. 14: CC Sabathia
37 of 50
Starts: 34
IP: 237.2
Record: 21-7
ERA: 3.18
ERA+: 134
Ks: 197
All-Star
Third in AL Cy Young
13 in AL MVP
Sabathia was once again the workhorse of the rotation for the Yankees in 2010, as he led the AL in wins for the second-straight season after racking up 40 wins over the past two seasons.
He has done nothing to not justify his $152 million contract thus far, and he should continue to be among the games top arms for the remaining five seasons of the deal as well, as there are few pitchers more durable than Sabathia.
No. 13: Troy Tulowitzki
38 of 50
BA: .315
OBP: .381
SLG: .568
H: 148
HR: 27
RBI: 95
R: 89
SB: 11
All-Star
Fifth in NL MVP
Silver Slugger
Gold Glove
Tulowitzki's numbers don't quite stack up to some of the other people's towards the top of this list. He played just 18 games over June and July combined, but he finished the season on one of the most impressive tears in recent memory.
After coming back with a solid August in which he drove in 16 runs, Tulo exploded in the season's final month, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 40 runs over a 25-game span, as he did everything in his power to propel the Rockies into the playoffs. They fell short, but it earned him a monster extension that should keep him in Colorado for life.
No. 12: Jose Bautista
39 of 50
BA: .260
OBP: .378
SLG: .617
H: 148
HR: 54
RBI: 124
R: 109
All-Star
Fourth in AL MVP
Silver Slugger
In what was often dubbed the "Season of the Pitcher," Bautista stole the show as he came out of nowhere to lead baseball in home runs and became a fan favorite with his swing-as-hard-as-I-can-at-everything mentality.
Aside from the home runs, Bautista showed great patience at the plate, as he drew 100 walks, good for second in the league. While expecting a repeat in 2011 is too much, he should be a solid 30 home run player over the next several years.
No. 11: Ubaldo Jimenez
40 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 221.2
Record: 19-8
ERA: 2.88
ERA+: 161
Ks: 214
All-Star Starter
Third in NL Cy Young
23rd in NL MVP
Jimenez was the talk of the league in the first half last season, as he not only threw a no-hitter, but also posted an amazing 15-1 record before the All-Star break.
He struggled in the second half, going 4-7 with a 3.80 ERA, but he still had a fantastic season, and he has the electric stuff to return to his first half form in 2011.
No. 10: Buster Posey
41 of 50
BA: .305
OBP: .357
SLG: .505
H: 124
HR: 18
RBI: 67
R: 58
NL Rookie of the Year
11th in NL MVP
Posey posted the above numbers in just 108 games, as he carried what was a scuffling Giants offense through the second half and on into the postseason.
Just 23-years-old, Posey is a superstar in the making and should be the best catcher in the National League as early as next season. Finally, the Giants have another offensive star, something they had not seen since Barry Bonds.
No. 9: David Price
42 of 50
Starts: 31
IP: 208.2
Record: 19-6
ERA: 2.72
ERA+: 145
Ks: 188
All-Star Starter
Second in AL Cy Young
After being drafted first overall in 2007 and helping pitch the Rays to the World Series in 2008 as a reliever, Price took a step back in 2009 with a sub-par season split between the big leagues and Class-AAA. However, he then took a big step forward in 2010, as he assumed his spot as ace of the Rays rotation.
He should only get better from here, as he learns to cut down on his walks and better avoids the big inning. Still, he has dominant stuff and is one of the hardest throwers in the game.
No. 8: Adam Wainwright
43 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 230.1
Record: 20-11
ERA: 2.42
ERA+: 161
Ks: 213
All-Star
Second in NL Cy Young
17th in NL MVP
Wainwright took his game to another level in 2009 when he led the NL in wins with 19 and only got better in 2010, when he posted a career best ERA and career-high 20 wins.
He gives the Cardinals a quality start virtually every time he takes the mound and at just 28-years-old, he should be among the game's top pitchers for years to come.
No. 7: Miguel Cabrera
44 of 50
BA: .328
OBP: .420
SLG: .622
H: 180
HR: 38
RBI: 126
R: 111
All-Star Starter
Second in AL MVP
Silver Slugger
Cabrera seemed on his way to making a run at the Triple Crown in the first half, as he had a line of .346 batting average, 22 home runs, 77 RBI at the All-Star break. While he fell short of that milestone, he still had a fantastic season.
He is a lock for .300 average, 30 homers, 100 RBI at this point in his career, and the scary thing is he is still only 27-years-old. He rivals Albert Pujols as the game's most consistent hitter, and he could very well make a legitimate run at the Triple Crown before his career is over.
No. 6: Albert Pujols
45 of 50
BA: .312
OBP: .414
SLG: .596
H: 183
HR: 42
RBI: 118
R: 115
SB: 14
All-Star
Second in NL MVP
Silver Slugger
Gold Glove
Another year, another MVP caliber season from Pujols, as he has proven time and again to be the most consistent hitter in the game today.
His numbers may have been a bit better than Joey Votto's when it came to the NL MVP, but Votto was paramount in leading the Reds to the playoffs, something Pujols did not do in 2010. That said, Pujols is the best hitter in baseball and we should all enjoy watching someone who will go down as one of the best of all-time.
No. 5: Carlos Gonzalez
46 of 50
BA: .336
OBP: .376
SLG: .598
H: 197
HR: 34
RBI: 117
R: 111
SB: 26
Third in NL MVP
Silver Slugger
Gold Glove
The Rockies found something special when they dealt Matt Holliday to the A's for Gonzalez and Huston Street. Nothing against Holliday, as he continues to be great in St. Louis, but Gonzalez produced at a higher level and did it for just over $400,000.
Gonzalez will be just 25 at the start of the 2011 season and he is a superstar in the making, as he has one of the most complete offensive games in all of baseball already.
No. 4: Felix Hernandez
47 of 50
Starts: 34
IP: 249.2
Record: 13-12
ERA: 2.27
ERA+: 174
Ks: 232
AL Cy Young Winner
16th in AL MVP
King Felix officially took his throne in 2010, as he took home the AL Cy Young Award despite winning just 13 games and posting a record just over .500.
Luckily the voters realized just how dominant the rest of his numbers were, as he ran away with the ERA title and fell one strikeout short of the AL lead. It is amazing to think that he is still only 24-years-old and after showing he can pitch nearly 250 innings without wearing down, the only thing holding Hernandez back from perennial 20-win seasons are his teammates.
No. 3: Joey Votto
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BA: .324
OBP: .424
SLG: .600
H: 177
HR: 37
RBI: 113
R: 106
All-Star
NL MVP Winner
After injuries shortened what looked to be Votto's breakout season in 2009, he came back with an even better season in 2010 and was a big reason why the Reds came out of nowhere to capture the NL Central title.
Votto, who led the NL in on-base percentage and slugging, is one of the game's emerging young stars, and paired with Jay Bruce, the Reds could be in line to contend for more division titles in the coming seasons.
No. 2: Josh Hamilton
49 of 50
BA: .359
OBP: .411
SLG: .633
H: 186
HR: 32
RBI: 100
R: 95
All-Star Starter
AL MVP
Silver Slugger
Coming off of an injury plagued 2009 season, the whole Hamilton comeback story had started to lose some of its luster, as it looked like his breakout 2008 season may have been a flash in the pan.
That couldn't have been further from the truth, however, as he stormed back in 2010 to capture the AL MVP as he won the batting title and still tallied impressive home run and RBI numbers despite missing 29 games due to injury. He then won the ALCS MVP as he helped propel the Rangers into their first-ever World Series, capping his brilliant season.
No. 1: Roy Halladay
50 of 50
Starts: 33
IP: 250.2
Record: 21-10
ERA: 2.44
ERA+: 165
Ks: 219
All-Star
NL Cy Young Winner
Sixth in NL MVP
Simply put, Halladay was the best pitcher in all of baseball during the 2010 season. From his regular season perfect game, to his postseason no-hitter, and everything in between, Halladay was his usual dominant self.
Along with the gaudy numbers above, he also led the league with nine complete games and four shutouts, as he deservedly took home his second career Cy Young Award. The addition of Cliff Lee makes the Phillies a terrifying rotation, but there is no doubt Halladay is still the ace of the staff.
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