MLB "Young Guns " Offense of 2009: Future All-Star Team?

By: Chris

Here is my take for the best collection of offensive players that are all aged 24 and under in the MLB. It will be interesting to see how these players turn out in the future and the prospect of them being studs vs. duds. (Note: This would also be a sick payroll team as most of these players are earning league minimum this year)

Catcher - Pablo Sandoval - (.340 AVG, .391 OBP, .965 OPS, 11 HRs, 38 RBIs, 33 Rs)

This coveted switch-hitting stud out of Venezuela has lived up to the hype and has really carried the rather offense-lacking San Francisco Giants lineup swinging a big stick so far this season. This guy looks to be a stud for years to come if he keeps up what he is doing so far.

1st Base - Chris Davis - (.209 AVG, .267 OBP, .707 OPS, 15 HRs, 31 RBIs, 31 Rs)

This was very tough as the young, 1st baseman stock was very low. Still, although Davis' average and on base numbers make you probably want to throw up that cheese burrito you just ate (it was in the fridge a few days), he still has immense potential and is considered by many to have an unlimited supply of power. His 15 HRs is not a bad start, yet one still has to take into consideration that he plays in Arlington. Still, this lefty-hitter starts at first for me.

2nd Base - B.J. Upton - (.249 AVG, .332 OBP, .715 OPS, 6 HRs, 50 Rs, 28 SB)

Yet again, 2nd basemen seemed to be in very low supply. Therefore I went with a bit of a cheap pick in choosing Upton, the clutch Tampa Bay Ray who has struggled a bit this season. Still, his speed on the base path and discipline at the plane makes this guy a clear pick (Note: I trust his ability to return defensively to 2nd base from Center Field)

Shortstop - Jed Lowrie - '08 (.258 AVG, .339 OBP, .739 OPS, 2 Hrs, 46 RBIs, 34 Rs)

Sure, this might seem like a big-time homer pick (as a matter of fact, it is), but there is some sense behind this pick. Even battling wrist pain last year (which hampered his stats a bit) Lowrie still put up respectable stats. It is this same injury that is keeping him out this season, by the way. Also, in 49 games at short he never made ONE error = great defense. Solid guy overall.

3rd Base - Evan Longoria (.306 AVG, .384 OBP, .959 OPS, 16 HRs, 63 RBIs)

No comment. I mean really, he is the best 3B in all of baseball right now so he is a lock for this team (he is only 23, unbelievable!). The sky is the limit for this kid, and I can only see him increasing exponentially in the next few years. He is a true pleasure to watch (this, coming from a Red Sox fan)

Left Field - Jeremy Hermida (.256 AVG, .355 OBP, .745 OPS, 8 HRs, 29 RBIs, 27 Rs)

Although 2009 has been a bit of an "off" season compared to the other two, Hermida is still showing that he has the power to put up around 18 homers in a season, even as he is struggling. His eye at the plate has actually improved so that is a good sign as well. Not exactly a Gold Glover in the field, yet is a serviceable defenseman. Adds a bit of pop to the lineup.

Center Field - Adam Jones (.309 AVG, .362 OBP, .878 OPS, 12 HRs, 44 RBIs, 50 Rs)

This guy has been one of the few, if not only, bright spots of the Orioles this season. His defense is absolutely filthy and he has proved that he can be more than apt at producing offensively. Combining both speed, power, and defense while keeping his batting eye and average in check, Jones is another MLB young gun looking at a bright future ahead.

Right Field - Justin Upton (.318 AVG, .399 OBP, .978 OPS, 14 HRs, 45 RBIs, 48 Rs, 10 SBs)

This guy has been coveted for a few years now, ever since he has been a 'spect early in the farm system. He is truly starting develop, even at the ridiculously young age of 21 he is doing it all. As you can see from the above stats, he gets on base, has power, has speed, and his defense is good as well. Overall, a great 5-tool player that looks to further flourish into a top-tier player in the MLB.

Designated Hitter - Denard Span (.280 AVG, .374 OBP, .751 OPS, 4 HRs, 24 RBIs, 40 Rs, 12 SBs)

This guy is great in the leadoff spot for the Twins as he has an amazing eye and can get on base. Once on-base, he is a threat on the base path as well which makes him an overall solid pick for this team, in addition to the above-average defense he plays after inheriting the position from Torii Hunter, although it is not up to par with that of Adam Jones.

The Lineup....

1. Denard Span (DH)

2. Adam Jones (CF)

3. Justin Upton (RF)

4. Evan Longoria (3B)

5. Pablo Sandoval (C)

6. BJ Upton (2B)

7. Jeremy Hermida(LF)

8. Chris Davis (1B)

9. Jed Lowrie (SS)

Wow.