2011 MLB Preview: Power Ranking All Of The Positional Players

This is something that I've been experimenting with for a few years now with the NFL, MLB and NBA. Not only will I be ranking all of the starting players, you'll see a number between 7-10 beside the player.

These numbers break the players up into essential categories; here's a rough layout. 

10- Best player/pitcher in baseball

9+- Superstar, MVP/Cy Young Candidates

8+- Consistent All-Star

7.5- Periodical All-Star

7.25- Solid Starter

7- Average Player

The numbers do more than rank the players, you can also figure out which positions have the most/least depth. I just think it's a fun way of looking at it.

I also want to reiterate that these are projected starters. For example, I believe Ben Francisco starts the season off as the right fielder, but eventually I believe Dominic Brown takes over. 

Another example you'll see is Alex Avila, my projected starting catcher in Detroit. I believe Victor Martinez will DH.

ALSO CHECK OUT

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Top 25 Underrated Starting Pitchers

First Base

Al Bello/Getty Images

NEW YORK - JULY 27: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the New York Mets during their game on July 27, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

1. Albert Pujols (STL) 10
2. Miguel Cabrera (DET) 9
3. Joey Votto (CIN) 9
4. Adrian Gonzalez (BOS) 8.75
5. Ryan Howard (PHI) 8.75
6. Justin Morneau (MIN) 8.5
7. Mark Teixeira (NYY) 8.5
8. Prince Fielder (MIL) 8.5
9. Paul Konerko (CHW) 8
10. Kendry Morales (LAA) 8
11. Derrek Lee (BAL) 7.5
12. Carlos Pena (CHC) 7.5
13. Gaby Sanchez (FLA) 7.25
14. James Loney (LAD) 7.25
15. Adam Lind (TOR) 7.25
16. Daric Barton (OAK) 7.25
17. Todd Helton (COL) 7.25
18. Justin Smoak (SEA) 7
19. Adam Laroche (WAS) 7
20. Aubrey Huff (SF) 7
21. Ike Davis (NYM) 7
22. Brad Hawpe (SD) 7
23. Freddie Freeman (ATL) 7
24. Mitch Moreland (TEX) 7
25. Kila Ka’aihue (KC) 7
26. Lyle Overbay (PIT) 7
27. Brandon Allen (ARI) 7
28. Brett Wallace (HOU) 7
29. Dan Johnson (TB) 7
30. Matt Laporta (CLE) 7

Second Base

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Texas Rangers in Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 22, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dun

1. Robinson Cano (NYY) 9
2. Chase Utley (PHI) 9
3. Dustin Pedroia (BOS) 8.5
4. Brandon Phillips (CIN) 8
5. Ian Kinsler (TEX) 8
6. Dan Uggla (ATL) 7.75
7. Brian Roberts (BAL) 7.5
8. Gordon Beckham (CHW) 7.25
9. Kelly Johnson (ARI) 7.25
10. Aaron Hill (TOR) 7.25
11. Rickie Weeks (MIL) 7.25
12. Omar Infante (FLA) 7.25
13. Neil Walker (PIT) 7.25
14. Orlando Hudson (SD) 7.25
15. Howie Kendrick (LAA) 7.25
16. Freddy Sanchez (SF) 7.25
17. Juan Uribe (LAD) 7
18. Mark Ellis (OAK) 7
19. Jose Lopez (COL) 7
20. Alexi Casilla (MIN) 7
21. Skip Schumaker (STL) 7
22. Blake DeWitt (CHC) 7
23. Sean Rodriguez (TB) 7
24. Will Rhymes (DET) 7
25. Bill Hall (HOU) 7
26. Dustin Ackley (SEA) 7
27. Daniel Murphy (NYM) 7
28. Danny Espinosa (WAS) 7
29. Chris Getz (KC) 7
30. Luis Valbuena (CLE) 7

Shortstop

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 15: Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies throws out a runner against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on September 15, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Padres 9-6. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

1. Troy Tulowitzki (COL) 9
2. Hanley Ramirez (FLA) 9
3. Derek Jeter (NYY) 8
4. Jimmy Rollins (PHI) 8
5. Jose Reyes (NYM) 8
6. Alexei Ramirez (CHW) 8
7. Elvis Andrus (TEX) 7.5
8. Rafael Furcal (LAD) 7.25
9. Starlin Castro (CHC) 7.25
10. Yunel Escobar (TOR) 7.25
11. Stephen Drew (ARI) 7.25
12. Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE) 7.25
13. Marco Scutaro (BOS) 7.25
14. Alex Gonzalez (ATL) 7.25
15. Jason Bartlett (SD) 7.25
16. Erick Aybar (LAA) 7.25
17. Ian Desmond (WAS) 7
18. Alcides Escobar (KC) 7
19. Ryan Theriot (STL) 7
20. Miguel Tejada (SF) 7
21. Edgar Renteria (CIN) 7
22. Tsuyoshi Nishioka (MIN) 7
23. Cliff Pennington (OAK) 7
24. Johnny Peralta (DET) 7
25. Yuniesky Betancourt (MIL) 7
26. Reid Brignac (TB) 7
27. J.J. Hardy (BAL) 7
28. Jack Wilson (SEA) 7
29. Clint Barmes (HOU) 7
30. Ronny Cedeno (PIT) 7

Third Base

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 20: Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays bats against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 20, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

1. Evan Longoria (TB) 9
2. Alex Rodriguez (NYY) 8.5
3. Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) 8.5
4. Kevin Youklis (BOS) 8.25
5. David Wright (NYM) 8.25
6. Jose Bautista (TOR) 8
7. Mark Reynolds (BAL) 8
8. Adrian Beltre (TEX) 8
9. Aramis Ramirez (CHC) 8
10. Scott Rolen (CIN) 7.75
11. Casey McGehee (MIL) 7.75
12. Placido Polanco (PHI) 7.5
13. Pablo Sandoval (SF) 7.25
14. Chone Figgins (SEA) 7.25
15. Pedro Alvarez (PIT) 7.25
16. Chase Headley (SD) 7.25
17. Kevin Kouzmanoff (OAK) 7.25
18. David Freese (STL) 7.25
19. Chris Johnson (HOU) 7.25
20. Chipper Jones (ATL) 7
21. Casey Blake (LAD) 7
22. Brandon Inge (DET) 7
23. Maicer Izturis (LAA) 7
24. Danny Valencia (MIN) 7
25. Mike Aviles (KC) 7
26. Melvin Mora (ARI) 7
27. Ian Stewart (COL) 7
28. Jayson Nix (CLE) 7
29. Brett Morel (CHW) 7
30. Matt Dominguez (FLA) 7

Left Field

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers makes a diving catch in the second inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Tex

1. Josh Hamilton (TEX) 9.5
2. Ryan Braun (MIL) 9
3. Carlos Gonzalez (COL) 8.5
4. Carl Crawford (BOS) 8.5
5. Matt Holliday (STL) 8.25
6. Delmon Young (MIN) 8
7. Vernon Wells (LAA) 8
8. Carlos Lee (HOU) 7.5
9. Jason Bay (NYM) 7.5
10. Martin Prado (ATL) 7.5
11. Alfonso Soriano (CHC) 7.5
12. Raul Ibanez (PHI) 7.25
13. Juan Pierre (CHW) 7.25
14. Logan Morrison (FLA) 7.25
15. Luke Scott (Bal)- 7.25
16. Johnny Damon (TB) 7
17. Josh Willingham (OAK) 7
18. Jonny Gomes (CIN) 7
19. Juan Rivera (TOR) 7
20. Brett Gardner (NYY) 7
21. Jose Tabata (PIT) 7
22. Cody Ross (SF) 7
23. Alex Gordon (KC) 7
24. Rick Ankiel (WAS) 7
25. Xavier Nady (ARI) 7
26. Will Venable (SD) 7
27. Ryan Rayburn (DET) 7
28. Jay Gibbons (LAD) 7
29. Michael Brantley (CLE) 7
30. Michael Saunders (SEA) 7 

Center Field

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - JUNE 13: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates bats in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers during the game on June 12, 2010 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Pirates 4-3. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty

1. Andrew McCutchen (PIT) 8.25
2. Matt Kemp (LAD) 8
3. Curtis Granderson (NYY) 8
4. Grady Sizemore (CLE) 7.5
5. Shane Victorino (PHI) 7.5
6. Alex Rios (CHW) 7.5
7. Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS) 7.5
8. Michael Bourn (HOU) 7.5
9. Adam Jones (BAL) 7.5
10. Chris Young (ARI) 7.5
11. Marlon Byrd (CHC) 7.5
12. Austin Jackson (DET) 7.25
13. Colby Rasmus (STL) 7.25
14. Dexter Fowler (COL) 7.25
15. Denard Span (MIN) 7.25
16. B.J. Upton (TB) 7.25
17. Drew Stubbs (CIN) 7.25
18. Rajai Davis (TOR) 7.25
19. Chris Coghlan (FLA) 7.25
20. Angel Pagan (NYM) 7.25
21. Julio Borbon (TEX) 7
22. Franklin Gutierrez (SEA) 7
23. Nate McClouth (ATL) 7
24. Coco Crisp (OAK) 7
25. Nyjer Morgan (WAS) 7
26. Cameron Maybin (SD) 7
27. Peter Bourjos (LAA) 7
28. Andres Torres (SF) 7
29. Melky Cabrera (NYY) 7
30. Carlos Gomez (MIL) 7

Right Field

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 15: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners smiles during batting practice prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field on September 15, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

1. Ichiro (SEA) 9
2. Justin Upton (ARI) 8.25
3. Jason Heyward (ATL) 8
4. Jayson Werth (WAS) 8
5. Torii Hunter (LAA) 8
6. Corey Hart (MIL) 8
7. Shin-Soo Choo (CLE) 8
8. Jay Bruce (CIN) 8
9. Andre Ethier (LAD) 8
10. Hunter Pence (HOU) 8
11. Nelson Cruz (TEX) 7.5
12. Nick Markakis (BAL) 7.5
13. Michael Cuddyer (MIN) 7.5
14. Carlos Beltran (NYM) 7.25
15. Mike Stanton (FLA) 7.25
16. Carlos Quentin (CHW) 7.25
17. Ben Zobrist (TB) 7.25
18. Nick Swisher (NYY) 7.25
19. Lance Berkman (STL) 7.25
20. Ryan Ludwick (SD) 7.25
21. Travis Snider (TOR) 7
22. Mark DeRosa (SF) 7
23. Garrett Jones (PIT) 7
24. J.D. Drew (BOS) 7
25. Magglio Ordonez (DET) 7
26. David DeJesus (OAK) 7
27. Kosuke Fukudome (CHC) 7
28. Jeff Francoeur (KC) 7
29. Dominic Brown (PHI) 7
30. Seth Smith (COL) 7

Catcher Rankings

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 13: American League All-Star Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins at bat during the 81st MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 13, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

1. Joe Mauer (MIN) 9.25
2. Buster Posey (SF) 8.25
3. Brian McCann (ATL) 8
4. Carlos Ruiz (PHI) 7.75
5. Yadier Molina (STL) 7.5
6. Kurt Suzuki (OAK) 7.5
7. Carlos Santana (CLE) 7.5
8. Geovany Soto (CHC) 7.5
9. A.J. Pierzynski (CHW) 7.25
10. Russell Martin (NYY) 7.25
11. Miguel Montero (ARI) 7.25
12. Matt Wieters (BAL) 7.25
13. John Buck (FLA) 7.25
14. Ramon Hernandez (CIN) 7
15. Miguel Olivo (COL) 7
16. Yorvit Torrealba (TEX) 7
17. Nick Hundley (SD) 7 
18. Pudge Rodriguez (WAS) 7
19. Chris Snyder (PIT) 7
20. Alex Avila (DET) 7
21. Jason Kendall (KC) 7
22. Josh Thole (NYM) 7
23. John Jaso (TB) 7
24. Jonathan Lucroy (MIL) 7
25. Jarrod Saltalamachia (BOS) 7
26. Chris Ianetta (COL) 7
27. J.P. Arencibia (TOR) 7
28. Rod Barajas (LAD) 7
29. Jeff Mathis (LAA) 7
30. Jason Castro (HOU) 7