Top 5 Players in the MLB (Part 5)

For part five of this preview, it is time to look at my opinion of who the top five third basemen in Major League Baseball are.

Ramirez

5. Aramis Ramirez (Chicago Cubs)- After two somewhat disappointing years, Ramirez is putting his career back on track due to the success he has had in the 2011 season. He has 88 hits (20 being doubles) with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs. He is batting a solid .295. If Ramirez struck out a little less (39 in total), that batting average could be even higher. Ramirez is also having one of his best years defensively. He has 30 put-outs, 129 assists, and a fielding percentage of .956. He has just five errors. These numbers almost already surpass his entire season numbers from the 2010 season. Ramirez has not only put his career back on a positive note, but can now be considered once again to be one of the best third baseman in the game.

Beltre

4. Arian Beltre (Texas Rangers)- Beltre is in the same boat as Ramirez, ever since 2004 he has had average seasons, but if Beltre's number stay strong, he will easily have his best season in the last seven years. He leads all third basemen with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs. Beltre also has a respectable average of .265 and is in the top half of all third basemen when it comes to having the fewest strikeouts (30). He leads all third basemen defensively in put-outs (69) and also has 157 assists, and a fielding percentage of .954. If Beltre has less errors than he did in the first part of the season (11), he could be even a better defensive third baseman.

Wright

3. David Wright (New York Mets)- This is probably a surprise to most, because Wright has not played much this season due to a stress fracture in his back and since because his name has come up frequently when discussing trade talks. Although both of these have affected his 2011 season, David Wright is still one of the best third baseman in the game. The four time all-star has 33 hits (8 doubles) in 39 games, 18 RBIs, and six home-runs. He is currently batting .226. Although these numbers are not great, for the situation Wright is in, they are respectable. Even with a frightening 43 strikeouts, which means he averages a little more than a strikeout a game. Wright's defensive side of the game is currently a whole lot better than his hitting, and when his hitting is on, Wright is a very very good player. He has 32 put-outs, 56 assists, and just three errors. Wright also has a fielding percentage of .957. If Wright can stay healthy through these back issues, and have his numbers look a little more productive, Wright can easily pick up and continue the great career he has.

Longoria

2. Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays)- Even though Longoria has missed 27 games in the first half of the season (81 games in first half) due to oblique issues, Longoria still is having a productive season in an extremely successful career. He currently has 48 hits (15 doubles), ten home runs and 37 RBIs. Also has a solid batting average of .250. Longoria has found some success defensively as well. He has 49 put-outs and 89 assists. Longoria has a fielding percentage of .953. The only aspect I would Longoria to improve on his amount of errors (6). If that happened his fielding percentage could be some where in the .96. Longoria's injury definitely hurt him, but if he had a great second part to the season, his 2011 numbers will be right where they should be.

Rodriguez

1. Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees)- Each season, A-Rod plays just down-right good and the 2011 season is no different for this "future hall of famer". He is having a great season in both aspects of the game. He has 84 hits (19 being doubles), with 13 home runs. This season however, could be the first since 1995 where A-Rod does not hit more than 30 home runs, but I expect him to do so. He has 52 RBIs and even a batting average of .301. Rodriguez has 61 strikeouts, which means he is on pace to strikeout over 100 times, but the fact that A-Rod is still playing well through that is great. He has an awesome fielding percentage of .977, along with 38 put-outs, 133 assists, and just four errors. A-Rod has been the most consistent third baseman this year, but importantly the best. He is my prediction to start third base for the AL in the all-star game.