MLB Rankings: 2011's Top 10 Positions Players so Far

Even though 2011 is said to be the second year of the pitcher, there are several individuals who will argue that statement is merely a myth.

So far, the 2011 MLB season has been filled with surprises, the 10 names that appear on this list are anything but that.

Most of these players have been dominating pitching for many years and continue to wreak havoc any time they step in the batter box.

There are also a few surprises, so watch out as younger stars make memories of ones past their prime. 

These players also have more to offer than just offense, the play excellent defense and some are among the best base-runners in all of the game.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the top 10 positions players thus far in 2011.

10. Miguel Cabrera

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TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 9: Miguel Cabrera #24 laughs off a strike during MLB action against the Toronto Blue Jaysat the Rogers Centre May 9, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers are dead locked for first place with the diminishing Cleveland Indians. Over the years, Cabrera has continued to put up great numbers season after season. 

The major reason why the Tigers are tied for first place, is the offensive explosion by first baseman Miguel Cabrera. He currently has a .314 BA, with 45 RBI and a 1.004 OPS which is good for sixth in the MLB.

He is also third in the MLB in two categories: walks with 51 and on-base-percentage at .441.

If Detroit wishes to win an AL Central title, Miguel must continue to flourish, and his teammates must give him some much-needed support.   

9. Lance Berkman

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HOUSTON - JUNE 09: Lance Berkman #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 9, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The resurgence of Lance Berkman has been the talk of the town in St. Louis, especially with superstar Albert Pujols sputtering so far this season.

Lance is currently tied for ninth in MLB in home runs with 16, tied for 13th in RBI with 46 and 14th in average at .317.

Berkman's best stat is his .431 OBP which is fourth in the MLB. He also ranks fifth with his .619 SLG, giving him a total OPS of 1.050, third best in the majors so far in 2011.

Hopefully, St. Louis can combine his success with the rest of their potent offense and bash their way into the postseason.

8. David Ortiz

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BOSTON, MA - JUNE 03: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his run with teammate Carl Crawford #13 after Ortiz scored in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics on June 3, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/G

David Ortiz is another player who is having one of his best seasons after dwindling productions over the past few years.

Ortiz is tied for sixth in MLB in home runs (17) and 16th in RBI (43). Just remember his RBI totals may be even higher if MLB RBI-leader Adrian Gonzalez wasn't bashing in a lot of David's opportunities.

Ortiz also has 18 doubles, 27 BB and only 28 K's in 237 AB.

David is currently seventh in MLB with a .325 AVE, 12th in OBP at .395 and third in SLG at .624.

The Red Sox offense is currently dominating baseball at the moment. If they continue at this pace, they will run away with the AL East and maybe earn a trip to the World Series.

7. Joey Votto

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 09: Joey Votto #19 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a double in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on June 9, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Votto scored later in the inning on a pass ball. (Photo by

Reigning NL MVP Joey Votto has once again come out of the gates swinging, proving he is one of the best hitters in all of baseball.

Joey is currently third overall with a .333 BA and is second overall with a .460 OBP.

Votto also has respectable power numbers with nine HR, 16 2B and 42 RBI.

Votto is seventh overall with 42 runs scored.

His strikeouts are a little higher than he would like at this point in the season (51). If he can put more balls into play, there is no reason Votto can not hit .350 this season.

The Reds have not been playing their best baseball as of late, falling to third place in the NL Central. If they wish to have another crack at the postseason, Votto must rally his troops and get them playing more consistent baseball.

Look for the Reds to go after another arm to add to their struggling rotation. 

6. Prince Fielder

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ATLANTA, GA - MAY 04: Prince Fielder #28 of the Milwaukee Brewers against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on May 4, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Baseball greatness is in his blood.

His father, Cecil, was a great power hitter in the early 1990s, but his son Prince Fielder is even better.

Prince is currently batting .303 and has the fourth best OPS in all of baseball at 1.038.

Prince is currently tied for fourth in home runs (19), only two away from the Major League lead. He is also second in MLB in RBI with 58. 

With his .300-plus batting average, Prince is developing into one of the greatest hitters of his generation and proving power hitters can also hit for a high average. 

The Milwaukee Brewers are currently tied for first place with St.Louis, they will need Prince to continue with his big hits if they wish to hold off the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.

5. Curtis Granderson

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Curtis Granderson #14 of the New York Yankees hits a two run home run in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during their game on May 15, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/G

Curtis Granderson is having the best start to a season in his entire career.

He currently leads the major leagues in runs scored (54) and is second in home runs with 20. He is on pace to hit 51 HR and have 120 RBI. He is without a doubt the best two-hole hitter in all of baseball.

So far, Curtis has 36 extra-base-hits, one behind the major league lead. He also has been a threat on the base path, stealing 10 bags so far.

Granderson plays an exceptional center field as well and is developing into one of the leaders of the New York Yankees ball club.

New York is one of the toughest markets to play in, in all of professional sports, and Curtis continues to improve. He is a player everyone is looking to take New York to the next level.

The Yankees are beat up, with their age catching up to them fast. Curtis must continue to produce or the Yankees could miss the playoffs.

4. Jose Reyes

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HOUSTON - MAY 14: Shortstop Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets smiles at his bench after he intentionally dropped a soft line drive trying to double off Brett Wallace #2 of the Houston Astros in the seventh inning at Minute Maid Park on May 14, 2011 in H

Coming into a contract season, Jose Reyes knew that he must bring his A game in order to land the mega-deal he so desires.

He's been doing just that.

Jose currently owns the best batting average in all of baseball at .344 and has the most hits with 95. He also has the most triples with 11 and is seventh in runs scored with 48.

Reyes is third in stolen bases with 20 and could have the lead in this category before the seasons end.

Jose probably plays one of the best defensive shortstops in all of baseball—he combines great range with a solid arm. He is always going to turn heads with his ability to make tough plays. 

The New York Mets have a very tough decision on their hands, but if Reyes continues with his great season, they will have to play him a lot of money to keep him in New York. If not, he will gladly take a boatload of money to play somewhere else.

3. Matt Kemp

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DENVER, CO - JUNE 09: Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on as he takes batting practice prior facing the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 9, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Matt Kemp's numbers this season are incredible all across the board.

He is currently batting. 322 with 20 HR and 56 RBI and has serious potential to win a triple crown in the National League.

In the NL, he is third in AVE, first in HR and second in RBI.

Kemp can go down in history if he is able to accomplish this remarkable feat, and he has shown no signs of letting up. He has the most total bases in all of baseball with 158.

Matt is also a great defensive center fielder and runs the bases extremely well. He has 15 SB so far and is a shoe-in for the 30 home run, 30 stolen bases club. There is a chance that Matt could even make it into the prestigious 40/40 club.

There has been tons of controversy over the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, but if you have a chance to watch a Dodger game, forget all that and concentrate on one of the best players in the game who is having an amazing season so far.

2. Adrian Gonzalez

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TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 12: Adrian Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Red Sox homers off of Kyle Drabek during MLB action at The Rogers Centre June 12, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Adrian Gonzalez has found his home in Boston.

They currently have a 2.5 game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East and show no signs of letting go of that lead, winning nine of their last 10 games.

Adrian currently leads all of baseball in RBI with 60, he is also second in average at .341.

Gonzalez has 13 home runs this season, 22 2B and two 3B, he leads the MLB with 37 extra base bits and is second behind Matt Kemp with 156 total bases.

Adrian has brought balance to Boston's line up. Some even say that the success David Ortiz is having this season is directly related to the protection Adrian provides for him.

Boston has one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball thanks to the power and ability to drive in runs that Adrian possesses. 

1. Jose Bautista

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TORONTO,CANADA - APRIL 1: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays gives an interview prior to the home opener for the Toronto Blue Jays as they face the Minnesota Twins during their MLB game at the Rogers Centre April 1, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Cana

The 30 year old first baseman from the Toronto Blue Jays has come out of nowhere to become one of the most dominant hitters in all of baseball. 

Jose is third in the MLB in average at .338 and also has 42 RBI.

Jose Bautista combines both power and the ability to hit for a high average. He currently leads all of baseball in home runs with 21. He also leads the majors in walks with 58 and OBP at .489. These number are absolutely incredible.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention he leads all of baseball .701 SLG. 77 points higher than the player in second place. His OPS is 1.190, which also leads baseball 171 points higher than anyone else in the entire Major Leagues.

Domination.

If the Toronto Blue Jays can find a way to get on base more, Bautista has a serious chance of making a run at the AL Triple Crown Award.

Jose is an incredible talent and is having one of the greatest offensive seasons we have seen in a long, long time.