Boston Red Sox Infield: All Decade Team
First Base: Kevin Youkilis. Youk has been an integral part of this team since the 2004 season, and has consistently been considered as an MVP candidate. He is one of the best defensive first baseman in Major League history, works pitchers and gets on base. Youk also succeeds in driving in runs, and he plays with immense passion. Kevin Millar was certainly a great clubhouse presence and a solid player, but Youk simply is one of the best first baseman in the league.
Second Base: Dustin Pedroia. Yes, PD has only had 3 years in the league, but compared to the other Sox’ second baseman, he is by far the best. Todd Walker was a solid player early in the decade, but was not nearly the offensive or defensive player Pedroia is. Mark Bellhorn, the 2B for the ‘04 World Series was also a strike out king (not good) and an okay defensive player. He came up with the occassional big hit, but struck out too often to be a great hitter. Mark Loretta was good, but he was only here for a short period of time, and Pedroia’s numbers are far better than his. Nevertheless, PD is a solid choice for the Sox’, and has a bright future ahead of him, already winning rookie of the year and an MVP award.
Short Stop: Nomar Garciaparra. He is the only one who spent more than two seasons as a short stop with the team while producing numbers. Orlando Cabrera would certainly be a healthy pick, but he was not with the team long enough, Alex Gonzalez never was the offensive player Nomar was, and Jed Lowrie has really not proven himself at all. Gonzo is certainly a potential pick, but Garciaparra was with the team longer and simply was a better player (despite shaky defense at times).
Third Base: Mike Lowell. To me, it was between Bill Mueller and Lowell. Mueller did win a batting title, but Mike Lowell Has been a maniac since joining the Sox, including a World Series MVP. Also, Lowell is a better defensive player than Billy, and regularly drove in more runs.
Catcher: Jason Varitek. Scott Hatteberg and Victor Martinez weren’t with the team long enough, and Jason Varitek is a master at calling games. He has pretty much been the Sox’ catcher throughout the decade, and before age took his bat from him, consistently hit around .270.
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