Best players in MLB this Decade

He's only been in the majors since 2004 and really made an impact starting in 2006, but I have to vote for Joe Mauer as one of the best MLB players in the decade.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mauer

"Mauer is considered by experts to be the best catcher in baseball and has been said by some, including Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., to have the best swing in baseball.[1][2]"

"In his breakout 2006 season, Mauer became the first catcher in major league history to lead both leagues in batting average and the first American League catcher to win the batting title, finishing with an average of .347.[3]"

"In 2008, he became the first American League catcher to win the batting title twice when he led the AL with an average of .328; Mauer also won his first Gold Glove Award."

"In 2009, he became the first catcher to lead in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage in a single year. Mauer's .365 average, which is the all-time highest mark among catchers in MLB history, led Major League Baseball.[4][5] Mauer also won his second consecutive Gold Glove in 2009.[6] Mauer was named the American League's 2009 MVP by an near-unanimous decision (27 out of 28 first place votes)."

Julie

As much as I hate to admit it I think A-ROD is the most talented player of our generation!

with a little help...

Out of all these players, the only ones I haven't heard steroid rumors about are Ichiro, Jeter, Helton, Crawford, & Pierre.

Ichiro gets my vote for player of the decade.

I haven't heard any steroid rumors about Pujols...to me he's the best hitter in the game.

I'm not biased in any way = PUJOLS!

quote:

Originally posted by J H:
I haven't heard any steroid rumors about Pujols...to me he's the best hitter in the game.

I have. There were a few reports last year about his "backne" (back acne), which is a major sign of steroid use. Bob Costas & Lance Berkman alluded to his steroid use, and Bud Selig even acknowledged that there are many people that believe Pujols juices but he doesn't have the evidence to start an investigation like with Barry Bonds.

Where there is smoke, there is usually fire.

I'm asking this because I don't know.

But isn't there a "random" steroid test in MLB in place now?

If so, a player could virtually go many, many years without ever being tested just because his name or "number" wasn't chosen.