FIVE BEST ALL-AROUND PLAYER
1. Miguel Tejada, Orioles
The new Iron Man also plays shortstop for Baltimore (hasn't missed a game in four years, has played most in MLB over the last six). Oh yeah, he also had 150 RBIs last year, second-most ever in a season by a shortstop.
2. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Had an off year in a new town and new position, but still combines more skills than any player (except for good PR).
3. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
Proved last year he is a great player who can carry a team to the playoffs.
4. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
One-dimensional , but building a case as one of the great righty hitters ever at age 24.
5. Carlos Beltran, Mets
Normally Barry Bonds makes this list, but his clouded future removes him as the five-tool Beltran gets the nod over Bobby Abreu, Adrian Beltre, Jim Edmonds, Todd Helton, Scott Rolen and Ichiro Suzuki.
FIVE BEST MANAGERS
1. Bobby Cox, Braves
Defines roles expertly, supports his players staunchly and understands how to manage the long season adroitly.
2. Mike Scioscia, Angels
Can play speed or power, and works a bullpen superbly.
3. Joe Torre, Yankees
Beat up some for October strategy, but his job is bringing calm to the Yankee storm, and he is superb at that.
4. Buck Showalter, Rangers
Has many detractors, but even they would agree he is thorough and hard working and has a honed baseball IQ.
5. Tony LaRussa, Cardinals
Much like Showalter, a love-him-or-hate-him guy who wins enough to edge out Ron Gardenhire and Lou Piniella. Keep an eye on Cleveland's Eric Wedge ("a disciplinarian who knows how to communicate," an NL scout says).
FIVE WORST MANAGERS
1. Bob Melvin, Diamondbacks
Seemed overmatched in Seattle, yet instantly got a second chance. "I guess they didn't see any Mariner games," an advance scout said of Arizona.
2. Ozzie Guillen, White Sox
Flighty, mouthy and espouses a go-go style that is more 1959 than 2005.
3. Lee Mazzilli, Orioles
On the brink of being canned last year. The Torre magic did not rub off.
4. Charlie Manuel, Phillies
His players will like the calm transition from the irrational Larry Bowa, but he did not project leadership when in Cleveland.
5. Alan Trammell, Tigers
A nice guy who, scouts say, is too often overmatched. Keep an eye on the Cubs' Dusty Baker, who is on the hot seat because his strategy and skin have both been thin in Chicago.
FIVE BEST TEAMS
1. Red Sox
Last won consecutive titles in 1915-16. What Curse?
2. Yankees
For $200 million, they have little depth, so they become susceptible with injuries.
3. Braves
Tim Hudson and John Smoltz give them a 1-2 that - if healthy - makes them formidable in October, as well.
4. Angels
Do their rotation have enough to win it all?
5. Twins
The left side of their infield is troublesome, but they have enough pitching to outpoll the Marlins, Phillies, Cardinals and Cubs.
FIVE WORST TEAMS
1. Rockies
Todd Helton and pray for rain.
2. Royals
Aside from Zach Greinke, even their youngsters are more Grade-B hopefuls.
3. Pirates
Oliver Perez and Jason Bay are promising, but this has been a clueless organization for a long time.
4. Devil Rays
Too many games vs. Red Sox and Yankees for so much inexperienced pitching.
5. Brewers
At least it is not the Selig family's fault any more.
FIVE BEST STARTING PITCHERS
1. Johan Santana, Twins
A left-handed, prime-aged Pedro Martinez.
2. Curt Schilling, Red Sox
Easy to dislike, especially if you have to hit off him. How much will his ankle surgery mar his season?
3. Randy Johnson, Yankees
Let's see how he handles changing leagues and magnitude of coverage.
4. Jason Schmidt, Giants
The only question with him is health.
5. Tim Hudson, Braves
Through his age-28 season, Hudson has a .702 winning percentage - only Whitey Ford had better (.734). Also getting strong consideration: Pedro Martinez and Ben Sheets.
FIVE BEST CLOSERS
1 Mariano Rivera, Yankees
Faltered last October, but had one of his best seasons. Needs to be used less during the year. What is up with that elbow?
2 Brad Lidge, Astros
An October revelation. His 157 strikeouts would have led the Mets.
3. Eric Gagne, Dodgers
Last three years: 145 hits, 247 innings.
4. Keith Foulke, Red Sox
Proven in October now.
5. Joe Nathan, Twins
Filthy stuff.
FIVE MOST OVERRATED
1. Eric Milton, Reds
Only three times had a pitcher ever allowed as many homers (43) with as high an ERA (4.75) as he had last year, yet he got a three-year contract.
2. Russ Ortiz, Diamondbacks
ERA and HRs allowed have increased three straight years, yet received a four-year contract.
3. Cristian Guzman, Nationals
Sixth-worst OBP among active players (.303), yet received a four-year contract.
4. David Eckstein, Cardinals
Had the AL's worst OPS - 22 points worse than Guzman - yet received a three-year contract.
5. Danny Graves, Reds
A creation of the save rule. He actually allowed four more homers (12) than Tim Hudson last year.
FIVE MOST UNDERRATED
1. Bobby Abreu, Phillies
Aside from members of the Bonds family, no other player in MLB history has more straight 20 homer-20 steal seasons than the six Abreu is working with right now.
2. Scot Shields, Angels
Anaheim's swingman has the majors' fourth-best ERA (2.91) behind Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and Johan Santana (minimum 300 IP) over the last three years.
3. Melvin Mora, Orioles
Also made a transition to third base last year, and had a better BA, OBP and SLG than A-Rod.
4. Jake Peavy, Padres
You knew he led the NL in ERA last year by more than a quarter of a run over Randy Johnson, right?
5. Carlos Lee, Brewers
Has hit at least 24 homers in each of the last five seasons. http://www.nypost.com/sports/43772.htm