Top Ten Center Fielders

Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Jim Edmonds... are just some of the names surrounding the Center Field position from the past. 2011 does not offer the same. In a game that for years featured men whose arms were bigger than their thighs and could hit a ball farther than any outfielder could dare track down, the position of center field suffered more than any. Based on athleticism, deer like quickness, an innate ability to track down line drives to both sides, a rocket laser arm and raw speed, Center Fielders are a special breed. Oh yeah, they need to be able to hit the ball too. (I know what you're saying. "Ryan, isn't your favorite player BJ Upton? Does he hit?" to which I would respond, "Hey man, he signed a pair of cleats for me so yeah.") With all that said let's take a look at the top ten Center Fielders in baseball heading into the 2011 season.

1. Andrew McCutchen- Pittsburgh Pirates- How is this possible? Arguably the worst run sports organization and they stumble onto this guy. An OBP of .365, a SLG of .459 and 40 steals potential, make McCutchen stand out on what is a horrible team. Oh and he is 24. Can we say "trade deadline"?

2. Shane Victorino- Philadelphia Phillies- "The Flyin' Hawaiian", or as I like to call him, "Shane Victorino", is as consistent as any center fielder in the game. He brings a UZR (defensive rating system) of 11.4 to the park every day as well as a .342 OBP. Why is that important? He plays in a offensive friendly park so his ability to cover the ground keeps runs from scoring and he gets on base in front of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and "Mr. Subway" Ryan Howard.

3. Colby Rasmus- St. Louis Cardinals- Rasmus appears to be a corner outfielder in the making. Average defense (-6.5 UZR) with good power and run production. The biggest question with Rasmus is will he stay healthy as well as why does LaRussa not like him?

4. Matt Kemp- L.A. Dodgers- It seems like just last year Kemp was considered a top two outfielder. Not center fielder but outfielder. He has all the talent to be a 40/40 guy but instead settles for 20/20 and poor plate discipline. Speaking of poor plate discipline, is he still with Rhianna?

5. Jacoby Ellsbury- Boston Red Sox- 2010 was a thorn in the side for Ellsbury. He played 18 games due to a rib injury. 2011 will remind us of why Ellsbury is considered one of the best base thieves as well as defenders. Plus, he gets to set the table for the best lineup in baseball ("in baseball" was needed because the best lineup award goes to NBC on Thursday nights. Community, Parks and Rec., The Office, 30 Rock, and Outsourced. OK, even the Big Red Machine had a pitcher hitting at the end.) He could hit blindfolded and find a way to score 90 runs.

6. Alex Rios- Chicago White Sox- Are you happy Mr. President? Maybe now you will stop testing me about how good he is. Rios has all the skills. My reservation is that I am just not sure he replicates 2010 (21 HRs, 88RBIs, 34 SB). Actually, I know he wont. Boom. Prediction made,

7. Curtis Granderson- New York Yankees- I remember when my dad and I watched him play and father said to me, "This guy is worth at least a hundred grand er so son." I'm drunk.

8. BJ Upton- Tampa Bay Rays- See the end of #7. Seriously though, he signed some cleats for me. Also, he is the most frustrating player to watch. He can run, throw and catch. If he could stop striking out, get on base, and hit, I believe he would be better. Boom. Prediction made.

9. Michael Bourn- Houston Astros- No power at all (career .346 SLG), no run production (38 RBIs in 2010), but he plays defense like old school Willie Mays. His lineup is almost as bad as McCutchen's.

10. Chris Young- Arizona Diamondbacks- Please go read BJ Upton. Young is so similar it is scary. Very scary. Extremely scary. You understand.

So there are my top ten Center Fielders heading into 2011. I would like to apologize to all Juan Pierre lovers but whenever you can be made fun of by Steve Urkel, you have no place in a legitimate top ten list.