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So the Jays finally win a position, CF. Glance over to Vernon's left now, and vote -- who has the 2008 AL East's top RF situation?

BAL (Markakis) 5 (4.46%)
BOS (Drew) 0 (0.00%)
NYY (Abreu) 9 (8.04%)
TB (Baldelli) 1 (0.89%)
TOR (Rios) 97 (86.61%)
So the Jays finally win a position, CF. Glance over to Vernon's left now, and vote -- who has the 2008 AL East's top RF situation? | 10 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Mick Doherty - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 04:56 PM EST (#178264) #
I suspect Rios will win this easily, due in part to the homer vote, but I also think this is the most interesting positional battle in the division -- you can make a genuine case for any of the five,  with Markakis probably bringing up the rear even though it wouldn't surprise me to see him on an All-Star team or two going forward.. And the rear guard changes entirely based on Drew's health of course -- if he's as (un)healthy as usual, he's fifth.

Personally, I went with Abreu. Overpaid? Probably. But the best RF in the division? Again, probably, though Rios could cement a place at the front of the line in a year or two.

greenfrog - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 05:10 PM EST (#178265) #
Abreu, because he hits for power (career SLG: 500), runs the basepaths (25 SB last year) and gets on base (career OBP: 408).

Rios has better tools, and has become an above-average RF, but that's not the same thing as the best RF.

CaramonLS - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 05:31 PM EST (#178266) #

Abreu.  After going 5 straight years with an OBP over .405 and 8 of the last 9, he recently had an off year of .369.

That's impressive, and to me, Alex Rios has a while to go before he can even dream of wearing Abreu's shoes.

Ozzieball - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 05:33 PM EST (#178267) #
Rios did outhit Abreu last year (122 OPS+ to 114 OPS+), stole bases at a much better rate (80.9% to 75.7%), is better defensively, and is on the right side of 30.

That said I'm open to the idea that Markakis could claim this crown this year. He hit 300/362/485 (121 OPS+) last year at the age of 23.

Donkit R.K. - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 05:36 PM EST (#178268) #
I think Markakis will have the best offensive season of the five this year.
Alex Obal - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 05:50 PM EST (#178269) #
Rios. He's the best defensive RF here, possibly the best in all of baseball, and he's a good hitter headed into his Age-27 Season™. This is his time to shine.

I think it's a really tough call between Drew, Abreu and Markakis for second... I too think Markakis might be the best hitter out of the group right now.
Mylegacy - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 07:43 PM EST (#178272) #

Rios in a cakewalk. 30+ homers this year - guaranteed. 110+ RBI - guaranteed. 100+ runs - guaranteed. Have I ever lied to you before? 

Bones - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 08:31 PM EST (#178275) #
Wow, I'm really surprised by the lack of support for Markakis.  I really thought that this would be a two horse race between him and Rios, with Alex winning out because of the Toronto factor and his defensive edge.  I voted Markakis, which I'm sort of regretting now.  I think he's the best offensive player in the group, but I think I was overrating his youth and underrating Alex's defensive advantage when I made that pick.  If I had to rank these guys for next season, I would have them in this order:

1 - Rios
2 - Markakis
3 - Drew
4 - Abreu
5 - Baldelli

Drew is a very good defensive player and on-base threat.  Abreu is very similar to Drew (offensively, at least), except he's more durable and plays terrible defense.  As for Baldelli, I have no idea what to expect from him (other than some extented stints on the DL).  He's only played 127 games over the past two years combined, and is coming off some pretty serious injuries.  He has trouble staying healthy, and when he is healthy he has trouble getting on base.  He's a nice player, but his bat really plays better in CF than in RF.

Overall, this is a solid group of players.  No real stars (until Markakis becomes one), but some really solid, well-rounded ballplayers.  Even the worst guy (Baldelli) has a chance (or at least the talent) to be a really good player.

Ozzieball - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 09:05 PM EST (#178276) #
Something just hit me. Shouldn't Tampa's RF be Delmon Young and not Baldelli?
Chuck - Wednesday, December 26 2007 @ 10:13 PM EST (#178278) #
Delmon Young is a Twin.
So the Jays finally win a position, CF. Glance over to Vernon's left now, and vote -- who has the 2008 AL East's top RF situation? | 10 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.