Best Player in Baseball

[TheNewGuy]

Josh Hamilton

 

[TheNewGuy]

I suggest all of you who haven't checked out SI.com look at the front page ASAP. Such an awe-inspiring picture.

Haven't been this impressed with a player since A-Rod circa 2002 . . . what a G-D embarrassment that is looking back.

 

[HatDaddy]

Pujols says Hi.

 

[Alex_de_Large]

Pujols says he's 6 pts away from a triple crown.

 

[MaxHorn]

Pujols is amazing, but Josh is the better all-around player right now. We know about his power and ability to hit for average, but his speed is simply amazing for a man his size. Last week, he scored from second on an INFIELD SINGLE. It was right out of "Major League." In the same game, he made 2 amazing catches in center AND went 4 for 5 with hits to all 3 fields. Oh, and he stole a base too. It was the best all-around game I have ever seen.

 

[Texanne]

They talk about Josh being a five-tool player: hits for average, hits for power, strong arm, excellent fielding, and speed. But he's really a six-tool player -- he's also got amazing "baseball smarts", and I often think the importance of that as a tool is overlooked.

MaxHorn, you're right about that game last week -- I've never seen a performance that amazing! He really did it al!

 

[PFD]

Pujols and Votto are both realistically contending for a Triple Crown in the NL, so their names deserve mention in this discussion. However, I agree that Hamilton transcends their performances this season because of his work in the field and on the basepaths.

 

[HatDaddy]

While I do agree on some points, such as playing CF vs. 1B, let's keep things in perspective.
Josh has played less then 500 games, while Pujols has played well over 1500 not including playoffs.
If I recall right, he is the only player ever to hit more than 30 Hr's their first 10 years in the league.
Pujols has more SB's this year than Hamilton. They average about the same here, so it is a wash.
Pujols is known for his baseball smarts and runing ability as well. He isn't as fast, but he doesn't make baserunning mistakes.
Pujols has 3 MVP's(should be 4), 5 Silver Slugger's and 1 Gold Glove.
If Josh can keep at his current level for another 6 years or so, I'd put him in that conversation. Pujols doesn't miss games either. He has played in no less than 143 games since he has been in the league.
Don't get me wrong I applaud Josh and all he is doing, but the best in baseball...not close to me.

 

[TheNewGuy]

I don't think anyone would argue he is the most accomplished player, or even the most feared, but he is the most complete player in the game right now.

Injuries, drugs, and other circumstances may keep him from being a hall of famer. Hell, he may even end up being a relative flash in the pan, but there is no doubt he is the most skilled, natural player in the game today.

 

[YoLaDu]

Miquel Cabrera has more runs, more HRs and more RBIs in less ABs this season than Hamilton. Both are great players.

Cabrera deserves to be in the discussion.

Oh and Pujols has been pitched around for years. It's amazing he can still put up the numbers.

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