We all know that voting for your favorite and/or most deserving players on mlb.com for the upcoming all-star team is hot and heavy.
Some vote for guys because they play for their favorite team. Other, more seasoned and true baseball fans, vote for guys who are most deserving, based on this year's stats.
But for those of us who like to go where few others have gone, I am taking a slightly different tactic. I am presenting to you my vote for the worst regular player at each position.
The player has to either be an everyday American or National League player or semi-regular, when healthy, to be considered for this dubious “award.”
First Base: Richie Sexson
Here is a guy whose contract and production are at different ends of the spectrum. A one-time fearless power hitter, he signed a big contract with the Mariners and never was the same. Nine homers do not make up for a .216 batting average. Dishonorable mention: Carlos Delgado.
Second Base: Robinson Cano
What has happened to this guy? He looked to be a fine player headed for stardom as recently as last year. But .224/4/20 just isn't going to get 'er done. Dishonorable mention: Richie Weeks.
Shortstop: Khalil Greene
A low batting average (.216) and a lack of power isn't overcome by good defense. Dishonorable mention: Troy Tulowitzki, though injuries have taken their toll.
Third Base: Bill Hall
With a disappointing .221 batting average for a career .280 hitter, Hall was better as a DeRosa-type utility guy. It's hard to believe he hit 35 home runs just two years ago. Dishonorable mention: Adrian Beltre's .222 BA is not worth $12 million, despite the homers.
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6 months ago
Bob, interesting topic and those names you listed were once considered the future of the game!
I think Weeks is worse than Cano not only based on hitting stats but defense as well. Weeks is horrible at second and with him now on the DL, the Brewers will find out how much of a negative impact he has on the team.
Two more names from your list that really stand out are Sexson and Hafner. When Sexson was on Milwaukee, he was the equivalent of a guy like Derrek Lee. A team leader who had loads of power and was a big, intimidating force at first base. Hafner also was seen as the next big power hitter, mashing away while keeping a high average.
Great article and the few times you branch out from Cubs topics, you show your Mark DeRosa-like ability to play (or write) all positions.
from 6 months ago
Thanks for the kind comments as always Sam. Yes, I really had high hopes for Weeks this year, not that I wanted Milwaukee to benefit, but I really thought (and so did Keith Law of ESPN) that Weeks was going to have a big year this year. Cano was already someone who was having tons of success and was suppose to make that next step into superstardom but then this year happens. And I think he signed a contract extension before the season, didn't he?
from 6 months ago
Yeah Cano signed a deal I think that has incentive clauses that make it as much as $15million per season, if he reaches each incentive.
I too had Weeks penciled in for a good year and he has destroyed my fantasy team!
from 6 months ago
Andruw Jones has been the biggest scrub this season. Just awful! Getting 18.1 mil to stink it up, no thanks!
6 months ago
speaking of andruw jones. he is absolutely horrible this year. it would be nice if the cubs could afford a trade for him. every player deserves a second chance, expecially a slugger like jones
from 6 months ago
This was supposed to be his second chance this year, which is why Scott Boras didn't get a long-term deal for him. But I don't know if I would want him on the Cubs. Not only is he bad, and not good bad, but I would worry about him affecting the chemistry on the team.
One guy I'd love to see the Cubs get is Adam Dunn. Would the Reds trade him and if so, trade him to a division rival? I don't know. But with Soriano out for a long time (longer than six weeks I say), perhas the whole year, they could use his power. Plus, he gets on base a ton. And he can play first base and give D-Lee some time off.
6 months ago
i see adam dunn being on the reds for quite a while. you know dusty baker is a very competitive manager and wants like any manager to be a competitor for his division title. if i was the cubs, and i was going to trade for a good outfeilder in my conference i would look into jason bay from the pirates
from 6 months ago
Bay makes sense too, though remember Dunn is a free agent after this season, so there's no guarantee he will stay with the Reds. So, if they don't trade him they may lose him and get nothing in return.
6 months ago
Despite being a Brewers fan, I am happy you chose Bill Hall for 3rd base. He is horrible and has recently (2-3 weeks I think) been pulled from the starting role at third and replaced with Russell Branyan. Hall is filling in a 2nd base now that Rickie Weeks is on the DL. Tonight Billy had two errors on routine ground balls. Stellar.
from 6 months ago
Yeah, makes you wonder how these guys go bad so quickly sometimes. We thought we were getting a 40-40 guy when we signed Soriano and looked what has happened. Even when healthy, which isn't very often, he will never approach that level again. Of course, I'd take a healthy Soriano right now, but we'll have to make do while he's out.
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