Alex Avila and the Most Underrated Stars in MLB

It is hard to understand why some guys do not get more recognition in the MLB. Certain players continue to be ignored while steal the spotlight based upon previous accomplishments.

Derek Jeter is still hailed in some circles as one of the best shortstops in the game despite the fact he is very average in nearly every statistical category.

There are plenty of reasons a star can fly under the radar especially in baseball. A player on a team full of stars can easily become a forgotten man.

This is not claiming he is a star in any sense of the word but a player like Raul Ibanez obviously does more for a team than make up the numbers. When placed on a team like the Phillies or Yankees, however, he can fall off the map.

Another issue is stars tend to be power hitters, defensive wizards or generally play in a position with high visibility. It takes a lot more for a catcher to get noticed and even when he does it is still not overwhelming.

Evan Longoria gets top of the line exposure while Joe Mauer is stuck doing Head and Shoulders commercials. There is something unfair about that.

For whatever reason, certain players do not get the attention they deserve. Here is a look at some of the most underrated players in MLB right now.        

Alex Avila Is the Man Behind the Mask in Detroit

If Alex Avila played any other position besides catcher or played anywhere else other than Detroit, he would have been a breakout star last season.

Instead, he quietly helped led the Tigers to postseason contributing with the bat and behind the plate.

Sure, he was an AL All-Star last season but then again Russell Martin and Matt Wieters were the other catchers who went so the honor is hardly that great.

Catchers have become so marginalized in baseball that when a good one come around no one seems to notice.   

Of course, Avila will need to continue to improve before being accepted as a bona fide star. He was not particularly impressive as a rookie and his performance in the playoffs was awful.

The upside, however, is that he is only 25 and still learning the game. It seems likely he will only continue to get better.

Avila is the last of a dying breed and the country should take notice before it is too late.  

Gio Gonzalez Underrated but Still Vital for Nationals

It is unlikely the Washington Nationals will be able to maintain their hot start to the season but they can expect a solid season from Gio Gonzalez. 

Gonzalez had at least 15 wins in his first two season as a full-time starter for the A's and has looked impressive so far in Washington.

Not a particularly flashy pitcher, Gonzalez's control and consistency are what make him standout. He pitched 200 innings in the last two season while keeping his ERA around the 3.20 mark.

Putting up those numbers in the abyss that is the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum did little for his national recognition. Stephen Strasburg will hog the spotlight in Washington but another succesful season for Gonzalez will only increase his value.

With teams so desperate for arms, Gonzalez is one of the few quality pitchers who does get the star treatment he probably deserves. 

Adam Jones Has Quietly Become a Very Good CF for Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles will always face an uphill challenge being stuck in the AL East. Unless ownership is finally willing to spend big, the Camden Yards faithful will probably be stuck watching the team fight for fourth place in the division.  

Adam Jones has quietly become a star for Baltimore in the past two seasons. There is not one aspect of his game that truly stands out but it is his overall contribution that sees him ignored.

He is not at the top-tier level of center fielders in baseball but is definitely near the top of the second tier CF talents.

Arizona's Chris Young receives more attention for his power numbers but Jones is a bit overall hitter.

He will never be at the Matt Kemp, Josh Hamilton or Curtis Granderson level but few center fielders are.

If Jones continues producing at the level he has since joining Baltimore in 2008 than he will surpass Brady Anderson as the best CF in Orioles' history.

Unless Jones randomly busts out 50 home run season or gets traded to continues he may well continue to be one of the most underrated stars in MLB.  

Brandon League Is Becoming One of the Best Closers in Baseball

Brandon League's career is approaching an interesting crossroads.

He was impressive in his first season as closer for the Seattle Mariners and other than blowing a Felix Hernandez gem, has started 2012 well too.

Yet, closers on a losing team could possibly hold the most flighty position in professional sports. They either rack up meaningless saves, get gobbled up by pennant chasing teams as bullpen support or just flame out. 

League has the stuff, mentality and look of a top flight closer and is currently one of the most underrated in baseball. Unfortunately, the Mariners are still a year or to away from being a contender and losing teams rarely hold on to closers.

It is only a matter of time before League is dealt to a contender and he is faced with the acid test of a pennant race.

Right now he is the most underrated closer in baseball. That could put to the test if he leaves Safeco Field.

Carlos Gonzalez Is Underrated but Undeterred

It seems hard to put a guy who was third in MVP voting two seasons ago on an underrated list but Carlos Gonzalez does not get the credit he deserves.

Troy Tulowitzki, Michael Cuddyer, whatever old guy is playing first base and now Jamie Moyer all seem to get more attention for the Rockies than Gonzalez.

The Venezuelan was not as good in 2011 as he was in 2010 but start producing once again. Gonzalez is one of the few guys in the league capable of joining the 30-30 club.

Of all of the guys on this list Gonzalez is probably the most talented. If he stays healthy it will only be a matter of time before he sheds the underrated label.