I'm sure I missed someone obvious (and am equally sure Bauxites will let me know who!) ... last cut from the list of candidates was Larry Jones -- sorry Chipper. No Blue Jay got close; check back in three years, Alex Rios.

My definition of "best" is simple -- salary and championships are not part of the equation. It's all about production at the plate -- and being at least "good" defensively (alternately, very good at the plate and great defensively would work, too).

The answer is A-Rod.

Since it says define my terms, I'm calling it the best position player so far this year.  Since the offseason is over, who I expect to be the best player is out-of-date, so I'm basing it on 18-20 games.  Sample size problems galore, but again - I define the terms.

I went for other as a vote for Hanley Ramirez.  Haven't seen him play yet this year, but his range factor is greatly improved so far (don't know where to get in-season UZR), which would indicate improved defense.  At his age and with his athleticism, one would think it's only a matter of time before he becomes at least adequate with the glove.  As to the bat - .366/.444/.634 is sick (OPS+ 187).  Add in 5 steals so far and I'm not sure what more you could ask for.

The best position player, as I define it, is the one that I would choose first for the rest of the 2008 season.  And that would be Albert Pujols.  Rodriguez, at his very best, was a little better than Albert, but now, it looks like this for me.  Albert is a better hitter, by a noticeable margin.  Rodriguez plays third base adequately, while Albert is a wizard at first base.  I'd give Rodriguez a miniscule defensive edge, and that is that.

I voted "other" and Chipper Jones.  He's the best right now, assuming he's healthy.  If age is relevant, then I'd go ten years younger and take Utley.

Well, the best offensive players in the two leagues so far this year have been a couple of Hall of Famers - Manny Ramirez and Chipper Jones. And it's very possible that they'll still be the best offensive players in the league when the season ends.

But you can't go wrong with the third baseman from New York.

No, not  Alex. The other one.

If age is relevant, then I'd go ten years younger and take Utley.

Wow, I see Utley is actually turning 30 this year.  Who'd have guessed?

Ichiro is a really nice player, but I'll take Carlos Beltran over him 10 times out of 10.

But the answer is A-rod.

I was going to go A-Rod, but sincemoving to third his fielding has always been simply above average. If he were still at short, I'd likely give it to him hands down. I think David Wright is better defensively, and will have a better season than A-Rod this year (albeit in the NL East).

That said, I'm casting "Other" for Hanley Ramirez inspite of his defensive liabilities.

Close your eyes and imagine an Expo's vintage Vladdy Guerrero playing an adequate big league SS... now open your eyes and behold... Hanley Ramirez.

In my view you have to compare the contributions of a given player against those of his peers at the same position. 

Hanley and/or Utley are the best position players in baseball as they improve their teams chances of winning by being in the lineup at their respective positions more than any other player in baseball.

Pujols is a safe pick as the best hitter in baseball but he mans a hitter's position where creaky old 3rd baseman and OF's go to retire.

Virtually every  team in the league seems to have a solid 3rd baseman these days. 

Utley's entrance to the majors was delayed, as the Phils had Polanco blocking him.