Five Major League Baseball Players to Root For in 2009

As Spring Training games begin around the country today, and as the 2009 World Baseball Classic kicks off as well, I am taking a quick break from work to do a little afternoon baseball writing. Most of my recent baseball posts have been entirely White Sox-centric, so I am going to branch out a bit and discuss five non-White Sox players from around the Majors that I will be rooting for in 2009.

After my misadventure trying to accurately characterize the level of disappointment I felt after hearing that IU had to self-report a minor recruiting violation in the basketball program, and then writing about the rift between Shuan Rogers and Eric Mangini, I feel the need to write something that is decidedly upbeat and positive.

So here they are, the five baseball players that I am rooting for in 2009 who are not playing their home games on the South Side of Chicago.

Joe Crede, 3B, Minnesota Twins

This one is easy.

Ever since Joe Crede was a White Sox farmhand and the heir apparent to Robin Ventura at third base, he has been one of my favorite White Sox players. He was always inconsistent at the plate, but did produce in the clutch — especially during the 2005 World Series run. And what he lacked in consistency at the plate he more than made up for by being one of the best, and most underrated, defensive third baseman of the 2000s.

Questions about Joe Crede’s back and the presence of young talents like Josh Fields and Dayan Viciedo compelled the White Sox to let Joe go, and he ended up in Minnesota. While I feel a natural rivalry with the Twins, I do not hate them like I hate the Indians, Tigers, and Cubs. Something about the way they play and Ozzie’s affinity for the “piranhas” has rubbed off on me. Joe Crede will fit in perfectly with the Twins, and I hope that he stays healthy and has a good season.

Of course, I wouldn’t mind it if he struggles when the Twins play the White Sox, but I hope that he can begin a solid second act in his very solid career. I think all White Sox fans appreciate the many good years that Joe Crede gave us, and I would assume that the majority are wishing him well in his new digs.

Ken Griffey Jr., OF/DH, Seattle Mariners

The Kid’s White Sox career was brief and unspectacular, and is in no way part of the reason why I am rooting for him in 2009. I have always admired Ken Griffey for the all-around excellence of his skills during his amazing first decade in the Major Leagues. It is unfortunate that he was unable to stay healthy in Cincinnati and that he has become “just another guy” since leaving Seattle.

Yet, with each new allegation of steroids that comes to light about baseball’s superstars from the late 90s and early- to mid-00s, Ken Griffey Jr’s accomplishments become more and more impressive. There are very few guys for whom steroid allegations would surprise me anymore, but Griffey is definitely one of them.

Although his skills have eroded and he is not even 50% of the graceful and elegant defensive player he once was, he still has that same sweet (albeit slower) swing and is one of the true, pure legends of the last twenty years in baseball. Now he gets to go home where it all started and provide some nostalgic joy to Mariner fans who may not have much else to cheer for this season. I would love to see Griffey put together an unexpectedly productive season at the plate and every now and then flash the brilliance that made him one of the most exciting young players baseball has ever seen.

Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers

The real life Roy Hobbs.

I hear that so much living down here in Dallas that it is almost cliche now — but only because it is so exceedingly true.

Josh Hamilton’s story is truly one of redemption and the triumph of the human spirit. I realize that his problems and addictions were almost exclusively self-inflicted, but every now and again it is good and inspiring to see someone lift themselves up after hitting rock bottom, reminding us of just how powerful human will can be when truly put to the test.

Add the backstory to Hamilton’s ridiculous talent and you have one of most compelling figures in all of sports as far as I’m concerned. It goes without saying (although I’m about to say it) that everyone is hoping beyond hope that the redemption story of Josh Hamilton was written without any illegal performance-enhancers and that he can stay on the straight and narrow. If so, he has the ability to become one of baseball’s brightest stars heading into the new decade.

Dontrelle Wills, SP, Detroit Tigers

While living in Miami in 2004 and 2005 I got to witness Dontrelle Willis’ ascension to stardom during his early years with the Florida Marlins. When he first came up with the Fish, he reminded me of the pitching version of a poor man’s Ken Griffey Jr with his attitude and enthusiasm. Yet, Willis’ numbers have always been somewhat up and down — no doubt a byproduct of his unique delivery — and there was the DUI and then the rumors that he and Miguel Cabrera were not exactly the best clubhouse influences during their last year in Miami.

Still, when I think of Dontrelle Willis I think of a guy who is a ball of entertaining energy, who seemed to be maturing as a pitcher before he got to Detroit, and who is renowned for being involved in the community. He is also someone that young African-American baseball players in America can look up to, during a time when African-American representation in the Major Leagues continues to dwindle.

Most of all, I just love watching Dontrelle Willis pitch. Obviously if he makes the Tigers’ rotation he will be pitching for an AL Central enemy of the White Sox, so I hope his control eludes him when the Tigers and White Sox play; but I would like to see Dontrelle make a triumphant return to the Majors and get his career back on the right track.

Albert Pujols, 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

Simply put, he is the most consistently great hitter I have seen in my lifetime. Even better than The Big Hurt.

Look at his career stats — they are unreal from Day One. And so far Pujols has avoided any significant rumors of ever being on steroids. You certainly can’t point to any particular season or groups of seasons as showing a Bonds- or McGwire-type pop in production.

If anything, he would have to have been on steroids his entire career, that’s how great the numbers are that he puts up on annual basis.

Albert Pujols also appears to be the ultimate team player. He has led the Cardinals to an improbable World Series and I have never heard him complain despite a steady erosion over the last couple of years of the offensive production around him in the Cardinals lineup. He just goes out every day and proves that he is the best all-around hitter in the game.

I can tell you right now that if I get the #1 pick in any fantasy drafts this year I won’t even consider A-Fraud — I’ll go right for Pujols. I prefer to pack my fantasy teams with players I actually like rooting for, and few non-White Sox players fit that bill like Albert Pujols.

——————–

So now that I’ve given you my list, it’s your town. Who are the players that are not on your favorite team that you will be rooting for in 2009? The comment section awaits.