A Whole Lot of Love for Baseball

Recently I wrote an article about a team of players that I just can't help rooting for. More interesting than the actual article were the comments posted by the Bleacher Report community.

With more than 100 comments, it became apparent that the game of baseball has plenty of beloved players, and the future of the game is bright.

There are 750 players currently on Major League rosters, and nearly 13 percent were recognized as players that one or more commentators root for. In total, 97 players were mentioned as one of the good guys.

At least one player from 29 of the 30 teams was mentioned (Rockies fans, a little Todd Helton love when you have a moment please).

So, what's the point?

The point is, even with the shroud of steroid scandals consuming the common fan, there are still plenty of players that we cheer for. The game is good. The love is in the air.

I shared the players I root for, and you responded. Here is the team suggested by your comments (built in the style of an actual 25 man roster):

C Joe Mauer

1B Albert Pujols

2B Dustin Pedroia

SS Jimmy Rollins

3B Evan Longoria

LF Josh Hamilton

CF Grady Sizemore

RF Nick Markakis

SP—Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, Roy Oswalt, Zach Grienke, and Chris Carpenter

RP—Mariano Rivera, John Smoltz, Joe Nathan, Brad Lidge, and Eric Gagne

Additional Pitchers: Matt Thornton and Justin Masterson

Bench: Yadier Molina, Mark DeRosa, Orlando Hudson, Rick Ankiel, and Shane Victorino