Three Players

The other day I was on MLB.com checking out some videos. On their they had some interviews with their "cavemen." If you didn't know, let me fill you in: the MLB started a new "fan dream job" this season. If accepted (only two were) applicants would move to New York where they would get paid to watch every game of the season. I applied, and unfortunately did not get it (though as long as they keep posting that job I'm going to keep applying). Anyways, in these interviews one of the big questions was "if you were to start a team with only three active players who would it be?" This is a questions I've thought about before and so I thought I'd take a stab at it. Below is my list of three. I'd love to hear your guys' answers as well, so feel free to comment, email me, or facebook me, I'd love to start a running discussion with this.

Is any ace better?

1. Josh Johnson- As far as right-handed starters under 30 go (sorry Roy Halladay) I think Josh Johnson is the best. A lot of people will disagree, but this kid has never gotten a chance at exposure since he plays for the Marlins. The fact is JJ is a total beast. For one, he is built like an ox (6-7, 249 lbs., and only 27). He's never been afraid of competition and seems to pitch his best when pitted against other aces. On May 29th, 2010, people were very easy to overlook his 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 K, 1 BB line against the Phillies; mostly, because that was Roy Halladay's perfect game, but you get my point. 

His average two season line as Marlins ace: 2.77 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 0.229 BAA, a 13-6 record, 196.1 IP, and 189 Ks. That's all while playing in Florida, a team with terrible defense and a suspect bullpen. Another great thing Johnson has going for him is he has already gotten TJ surgery out of the way. It only took him 11 months to recover, which is ridiculously quick. Johnson is the perfect ace: he can elevate his game; he has amazing command of the zone; and his sturdy frame allows him to pitch deep. If I'm starting a team he's the one I want leading the rotation.


2. Clayton Kershaw- All the best teams have had a great 1-2 punch: Johnson and Schilling, Garcia and Moyer, Maddux and Smoltz, Clemens and Boyd, Nolan and Billingham. So, if I'm building a team I want a great ace combo in my rotation. Since I already have JJ as my righty, I wanted a strong lefty, and that brought me to the wonder-boy that is Clayton Kershaw. The power lefty is in his fourth season in the majors and is only 23. Fangraphs has him listed at 6-3 and 217 lbs.; not built like Johnson, but he's still shown great strength and endurance.

Every team needs a power lefty

Kershaw has constantly improved his game, upping his innings, lowering his walks/peripherals, and striking out guys like crazy. His average line over the last two seasons: 2.85 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 0.203 BAA, an 11-9 record, 188 IP, and 199 Ks. Kershaw is one of the best lefties in the game and I think this year he could win the NL Cy Young. Any GM would be happy to have a power lefty at the top of his staff, and no one could be better than Clayton Kershaw.


 
3. Dustin Pedroia- As important as pitching is, it is also important to cover defense and intangibles (personality, leadership, defense, etc.). Lucky for me, Dustin Pedroia covers all those things. The Rat already has a ROY, MVP, gold glove, three playoff appearances, and a world series ring. His average season line: .305/.369/.460, 13 HRs, 62 RBIs, 93 runs, 14 SBs. From 2007-2010 Pedroia has the fourth best total UZR amongst second basemen at 23.7; and he's never had a negative UZR. If sabermetrics aren't your thing he has a .990 career fielding percentage. 

I want a spark plug on my team, and I had to have one Sox

Pedroia is considered a "spark plug." Leading off in the 2007 World Series he belted a homer over the Green Monster. The ensuing slaughter saw the Sox win game one 13-1 over the Rockies. His energy powers the offense while making some spectacular plays in the field. He's also got one of the funniest personalities I've seen in a ball player and knows how to create a clubhouse atmosphere. His playoff experience also makes him a great leader for any young club (especially since he's still only 27). 



So there you have it. I'd love to hear other peoples top threes so send 'em in, or comment. Thanks for reading guys, and hope you're all enjoying the start to the season (at least a little more than me).