The All-Tattooed Team of Major League Baseball

Although it is much more uncommon to see tattooed athletes in Major League Baseball when compared with the NBA or the NFL, there are still a number of players who sport the ink. 

From players covered in body art, such as Ryan Roberts of the Arizona Diamondbacks, to the players who are a bit more tame with their tats, I'll compose a team of these players if they played on the same team. 

Position by position, this is what the tatted team would look like:

Catcher: Henry Blanco (Arizona Diamondbacks)

One of the better backup catchers in baseball, even at 40-years-old, Blanco recently signed a one-year contract to remain with the Diamondbacks for another season backing up all-star catcher Miguel Montero. 

Blanco hit eight homers for the Diamondbacks in just 37 games played last season.  He makes the tattooed team for his inked forearms.

First Baseman: Prince Fielder (Free Agent)

One of the most sought-after free agents this off-season, Fielder is in store for a big payday at only 27 years old. 

Fielder had another huge year offensively in 2011: .299 average, 38 homers, 120 RBI and many believe he has played his last game in a Brewers uniform. 

It has been rumored that Fielder will join his friend Matt Kemp on the Los Angeles Dodgers, which would give them a dynamic one-two punch in the batting order. 

Fielder makes the tattooed team for his neck tattoos—you a know a guy means business when he gets tattoos on his neck.

Second Baseman: Felipe Lopez (Milwaukee Brewers)

Journeyman Felipe Lopez has played for the following teams over his ten year career: Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers. 

Lopez won a Silver Slugger Award in 2005, and has proven himself to be a solid utility player over the years.

He joins the tattooed team as one of the more tatted members.

Shortstop: Jose Reyes (Free Agent)

The second free agent on this fictional team set for a new contract. 

There will likely be big money in store for Reyes, who won the National League Batting Title last season.  Rumors have swirled that the new-look Miami Marlins are interested in bringing in Reyes.  The Marlins will have to make a move of some kind if they want a new demographic of fans to fill their new stadium:

Reyes makes the tattooed team mainly for the spiderweb design on his elbow.

Third Baseman: Ryan Roberts (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Perhaps the inspiration for creating this team, Ryan "Tatman" Roberts. 

Admittedly, fan favorite Roberts looks more like a tattoo artist than a baseball player. 

Nonetheless, Roberts had a breakout year last season for the Diamondbacks, sporting a .341 on-base percentage to go with 19 homers, 65 RBI and 18 stolen bases.  Roberts really shined in the playoffs for the D-Backs, batting .350 with two homers and six RBI in five playoff games.

Left Fielder: Brandon Inge (Detroit Tigers)

Normally a third baseman, Inge makes a move to left field for the tattoo team (in his career, Inge has played games at catcher, third base, and all three outfield positions).

Inge has spent his entire ten year career in a Tigers uniform and has proved to be a solid player who can play multiple positions. 

However, last season was a disaster for Inge, who hit just .197 with only three homers in 102 games played. 

Inge tied a career high with 27 homers in 2009.

Center Fielder: Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers)

Josh Hamilton got his tattoos while suffering through addictions to drugs and alcohol.  His ink acts as a reminder as to how far Hamilton has come from those low points in his life.

The Rangers outfielder became an inspiration for turning his life around and winning an MVP award. 

In addition, Hamilton holds the record for most homers hit in one round of a Home Run Derby.  In 2008, Hamilton hit 28 total homers (including 13 in a row) in a breathtaking display of skill at Yankee Stadium.

Right Fielder: Jonny Gomes (Free Agent)

Gomes receives honorable mention for being able to take our attention away from his tattoos and onto his ridiculous mo-hawk. 

He has played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and most recently, the Washington Nationals. 

In eight seasons, Gomes has totaled 118 career homers.

Starting Pitcher: CC Sabathia (New York Yankees)

Aside from sporting tattoos on his arms, Sabathia has a giant tattoo across his upper back that poetically says: SABATHIA. 

Despite having his fair share of ink, the 6'7" workhorse is better known for his pitching ability, winning a Cy Young Award in 2007. 

The Yankees ace had another great season in 2011, winning 19 games for the AL East Champion Yankees.

Unfortunately for Yanks fans, Sabathia struggled in the 2011 postseason, and his team lost to the Detroit Tigers in five games.

Relief Pitcher: Justin Miller (Released by LA Dodgers)

Far and away the most colorful man on the list. 

Miller's colorful tattoos all over his arms actually prompted Major League Baseball to institute what many call the "Justin Miller Rule."  This rule forced Miller to always wear long sleeves while pitching, because opposing hitters felt his tattoos were a distraction. 

It's a shame he spent all that money on his ink and he doesn't even get a chance to show it off on the field.

Most recently, Miller pitched for the Dodgers but was released last season.

Closer: Brian Wilson (San Francisco Giants)

Better known for his fabulous beard, Brian Wilson has a few tattoos of his own. 

One of the more eccentric personalities in the game, he's the perfect choice to round out this team. 

Wilson is probably one of the most popular players in the league for his appearance, humor and personality. 

He helped lead the San Francisco Giants to a World Series victory in 2010.