MLB, Robinson Cano, Ian Kinsler, Boston Red Sox , New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Dustin Pedroia
Everyone loves debating which players are the best at their respective position. In the early 2000s, there were a lot of shortstops who were in the discussion. Only one guy in that discussion, Derek Jeter, is still playing shortstop in Major League Baseball.Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports brings up a more recent example of this debate, and comes to the conclusion that Ian Kinsler is the best second baseman in baseball right now, just ahead of Yankees 2B Robinson Cano and Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia.
Morosi's argument centers around Kinsler's status as the prototypical leadoff hitter. Right now, Kinsler is on fire as the spark at the front of the Rangers' lineup. He has an OBP of .392, leads the league with 27 runs scored, and has a remarkable OPS of .945.
Compare that to Cano and Pedroia, and Kinsler's 2012 numbers look pretty good.
The thing is, there's more to life than 25 games worth of numbers.
Kinsler's stats look great right now, but Dustin Pedroia is the only one with serious hardware, as the recipient of the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year award and the 2008 AL MVP. He's also the best defensive player of the three, although they're all solid with the glove.
That having been said, when looking for the single best 2nd baseman on the planet, one needs to look to the Bronx, where Robinson Cano has been one of the best players in baseball for the past 6 or 7 years.
Cano has the highest career OPS out of the 3, and has stood out in a lineup stacked with stars.
Another thing that works in Cano's favor is that he has been the model of consistency over the course of his career. Kinsler has proven to be injury prone, playing 150+ games only once in his career. Pedroia missed over half the 2010 season.
You could make a case for any of the 3, but my money is on Cano.
Who's your pick for the best 2B in baseball right now?
5/4/12 | derms33 | 17313 respect
I am just happy you didn't say Pedi...hes wayyyyyyyy overrated....I'd also take Cano but I wanted to give Kipnis some props....he's young and definitely and up and comer
5/4/12 |
Dan_B
|
800 respect
It's hard to argue for Cano given the start he has had, but generally, over past few seasons, I believe him to be the cream of the crop.
5/4/12 |
Pat
|
4515 respect
Hahaha
5/4/12 | derms33 | 17313 respect
Kipnis....recognize
5/3/12 | scquwi1 | 1188 respect
There is a lot of young talent coming up and then there some solid players playing second base. Now going with the three above, Cano is more of a CF or LF to me so I would have to go with Kinsler or Pedroia which Kinsler is more solid with the glove.