MLB Network

[SKIPPER 11]

Currently running a series on the best 10 players at each position. I dont know how many have paid attention but I missed the Cs and was wondering if Soto was in there. I f he wasnt then I dont think we had a player. ARAM finished just outside the top 10 surprisingly. Millar, a host of the show couldnt believe it. he said ARAM belongs in the top 5-6

[LeeEila's/rant]

Why the hell do they insist on replaying the dumbass home run derby ? Why not pick random games and re-broadcast in area markets ?

[CubsFan23]

I have missed all of the Top Ten Now episodes. But I highly doubt Geo would crack the top ten. As much as I love Aram, I do not think he is top ten right now. In fact I think he is just keeping the "hot corner" warm for Vitters.

[Banks]

But I highly doubt Geo would crack the top ten. As much as I love Aram, I do not think he is top ten right now. In fact I think he is just keeping the "hot corner" warm for Vitters.

"But I highly doubt Geo would crack the top ten."

Not only does he crack the top 10...he's solidified himself in the top 5!

"In fact I think he is just keeping the "hot corner" warm for Vitters."

The days of Josh Vitters being a top prospect are over. Vitters has showed very little in regards to being a big league player.

[LeeEila's/rant]

Aram doesn't get the respect he deserves. He is one of the few batters that most pitchers in the NL fear.

[Bockstock]

Soto was #8

I'm guessing Aram was not on the list strictly based on the amount of playing time the last couple of years. I'm sure he's going to bounce back, but how much?? His walk rates are down and his strikeout rates are way up the last couple of years.

[Banks]

I haven't seen any of the MLB network ranking, but if I had to rank the top 10 catchers and 3B:

Catchers

1) J. Mauer
2) B. McCann
3) G. Soto
4) B. Posey
5) Y. Molina
6) K. Suzuki
7) J. Buck
8) C. Ruiz
9) A. J. Pierzynski
10) M. Olivo

3B

1) R. Zimmerman
2) E. Longoria
3) A. Rodriguez
4) K. Youkilis
5) D. Wright
6) A. Ramirez
7) A. Beltre
8) M Reynolds
9) S. Rolen
10) C. McGehee

[LeeEila's/rant]

WOW ! You really are fond of Soto ! Soto ahead of Posey , Molina ? Pierzynski doesn't belong on the list for the same reason i would not put Soto as high , mobility. No Posada or Martinez or Napoli ?

[Bockstock]

WOW ! You really are fond of Soto ! Soto ahead of Posey , Molina and Susuki ? Pierzynski doesn't belong on the list for the same reason i would not put Soto as high , mobility. No Posada or Martin ?

Martin was cut by the Dodgers and hasn't been able to hit since he had back problems.

[Banks]

WOW ! You really are fond of Soto ! Soto ahead of Posey , Molina ? Pierzynski doesn't belong on the list for the same reason i would not put Soto as high , mobility. No Posada or Martinez or Napoli ?

"No Posada or Martinez or Napoli ?"

All three are DH's.

"Soto ahead of Posey , Molina ?"

Posey has to play more than 2/3 of a season before we go nuts over him. Is he going to be a consistent stud? Yes! But let him prove it first.

Molina is the best defensive catcher is baseball, but he's Koyie Hill at the plate. He's a slap hitter who provides no real threat to make a difference in the batters box. I'll take Soto's above average defense, terrific eye and ability to SLG, over that anyday!

Not many catchers can match Soto's numbers, 2 out of the last 3 seasons.

2008: .285 .364 .504 .868
2010: .280 .393 .497 .890

"Pierzynski doesn't belong on the list for the same reason i would not put Soto as high , mobility."

I dislike Pierzynski very much, but the catching position is a rather thin one. He's a top 10 catcher. Guys like Matt Wieters, Carlos Santana and Miguel Montero are very talented, but have yet to fortify themselves as more than just potential. I believe all three will be good cathers, but they have to prove it before they can be considered "better than" Pierzynski.

[Bockstock]

yea, I don't see how Soto isn't in the top 10. I know Martinez did catch 110 games last year, that's more than I thought.

[Banks]

yea, I don't see how Soto isn't in the top 10. I know Martinez did catch 110 games last year, that's more than I thought.

Yeah, in regards to Martinez, just like Posada, I was basing him on what he will he be going forward. Both players are set to play DH the majority of time, next season.

[CubsFan23]

I agree Posada does not belong on this list. And Martin is just a stop gap until their young catchers are ready to take over. I would have to put VMart on the list. If for just his offense.

[LeeEila's/rant]

I agree Posada does not belong on this list. And Martin is just a stop gap until their young catchers are ready to take over. I would have to put VMart on the list. If for just his offense.



It is apparent that offence is the only measure that they are using. I don't understand how you can use it as the sole judge of a quality catcher then dimiss others as just a DH.

[CubsFan23]

Just wait this list will be vastly different in the next few years. If Posey plays like he is capable of, Geo stays consistent they will be up there with Mauer. But I am looking forward to seeing some of the new comers this year like Arenciba in Toronto, I think Jesus Montero will be up before the All-Star break for the Yankees, along with Ramos in Washington. Unfortunately it seems like you either get defensive or offensive out of todays catchers.

[Bockstock]

Read alittle bit about the Cuban guys the Cubs just added.

One of them (Silva) looks promising, his numbes aren't impressive, but I guess the level of play he was at was equivalent to A+/AA as a 19-year old and he lead the league in triples, so he has power and speed.