Kingdom

I am a braves fan, but I am not shy about being big fans of certain players. (Obviously). Oddly, the reason for my liking players varies, some weirder than others. And, a go:


Catcher: Yadier Molina - STL
How can one not like a Molina? I'm also a fan of players, in various sports, that make a significant impact just based on their defense.

1st Base: Adam Dun - WAS
Oh, oh, I just threw you a curve ball. I used to scoff at the hype, mostly from reds fans, and yes I don't hold him in the regard but I will say things turned when he was on the last USA WBC team and how much he wanted to be there changed my opinion of the man. Now he's at the ideal position.

2nd Base: Chase Utley - PHI
A white guy 2B that does everything? Sold. Can't wait till he gets his deserve Gold Glove.

3rd Base: Evan Longoria - TB
I bought into him the first time I got to see him on national TV during his rookie year. Which resulted in one of my last articles for the forums.

Short Stop: Ryan Theriot - CHC
This is one of those guys I grew to like due to OOTP. Of course, he was a different hitter on the simulators, but still! How can you not like a guy who has "The Riot" in his last name?

Outfielders:
Ryan Braun - MIL
He and Utley have been on my keeper team 3 seasons now and I don't expect the change, ever. Hebrew Hammer for the win.

B.J. Upton - TB
Another OOTP guy. Of course, in OOTP he as a 5 tool monster typically. He really has never put it all together but when he went ballistic with Longoria in the 2008 postseason, that's a sign of potential. Whether or not he unlocks it...

Curtis Granderson - NYY
Yeah, I said a yankee. But in my defense, he wasn't a yankee until this season. He embraces everything great about baseball and being a standout personality off the field. He's also a big user of Facebook.

Designated Hitter: Chipper Jones - ATL
I was afraid to list him at 3B out of fear of him pulling a muscle. He's been one of my favorites from the very beginning, as I have been a braves fan since the early 90's. Yes, even as they were losing to the Blue Jays and Twins. He personifies what I like most about certain players, he's consistent, blue collar, no controversy and destroys the Mets.

Pitchers:
Barry Zito - SF
Well, duh.

Ryan Dempster - CHC
I've been a fan of Dumpster's since he started off in Florida. I was surprised they gave up on him so quickly. And the reds soon followed suit. So go Chicago for taking the chance.

Phil Hughes - NYY
God only knows what he'll be year to year while he's a yankee, but he got my attention as a reliever last year. He was just nasty, but not in that "I throw 100mph +" nasty way, just that whole I'm coming in and throw several different pitches and you just aren't hitting any of them. Good stuff, really.

Joe Nathan - MN
He's one of the few closers I can stand on a daily basis. If course he's also hurt right now, but even before his injury, he was cool.