MLB All-Star Countdown: NL Third Basemen

You can’t quite argue against someone who is still over .400 and chasing Ted Williams nearing midseason. That’s why there’s one clear-cut choice as to who should represent the National League amongst third basemen. This list shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

5. Troy Glaus, St. Louis Cardinals
Troy Glaus has had a good season in his first year in St. Louis. Glaus has only managed a .267 average this season, but has excelled in other areas. He has 16 doubles, nine home runs, and 43 runs batted in. Glaus has drawn 39 walks while striking out 42 times this season. Glaus has the highest fielding-percentage this year with only three errors.

4. Garrett Atkins, Colorado Rockies
Garrett Atkins has an amazing 80 hits this season. He also has 38 runs scored this season, tho go along with a .304 batting average. He also has nine home runs and 38 runs batted in. Atkins is not very patient at the plate. He has only 13 bases on balls this year, while striking out 37 times. Atkins also has the most errors of these players with 12.

3. David Wright, New York Mets
David Wright is an RBI machine. The Mets right hander has been the bright spot of an underachieving New York lineup, driving in 50 runs, with 12 long balls. Wright also brings speed to the plate. Wright has hit 18 doubles and a triple this year while stealing five bags. Wright is only hitting .276 this season.

2. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
Aramis Ramirez has again been a gem of a player for the Northsiders. He leads National League third basemen with 19 doubles, while hitting 10 home runs and driving in 45 runners. Ramirez is hitting .300 while posting an impressive 73 hits for the Cubs this season.

1. Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
As I said, this one was really a no-brainer. Chipper Jones is the real deal for Atlanta this year. Earlier this week he had a .420 batting average. That average has since dropped to .402, but Jones is still doing a great job. He has blasted 15 home runs and batted in 42 runs while only striking out 27 times.

American League
C         A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox
1B        Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
2B        Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
3B        Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
SS        Next Up (Tentatively scheduled for tomorrow)
OF      
OF      
OF      
P

National League
C         Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
1B        Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
2B        Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
3B        Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
SS       
OF      
OF      
OF      
P