For the past couple of years especially after players such as Bonds, McGwire, Sosa and Clemens were crucified for taking performance enhancing drugs, I've heard many announce the death of baseball. With the homerun record tainted and big names such as Jeter, Chipper Jones and Alex Rodriguez getting older. I wondered if those talking heads were right. Was baseball going to become insignificant?
I think the 2012 season has proven that baseball is going to make a comeback. With the old farts getting older a new crop of superstars have arrived. From the MVP caliber play of Mike Trout to the dominating pitching of Stephen Strausburg. There are dozens of young players making a name for themselves this season. Here are just some of the players that make me think baseball's future is safe.
26 Years And Younger
1. Mike Trout (CF): 21 years old
Stats: .325 BA, 30 HR, 83 RBI, 129 Runs, 48 SB
Having one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time and possibly an MVP season. This youngster is a cocktail of speed and power. Barring any injuries, he could become the greatest player since Barry Bonds (younger version).
2. Bryce Harper (CF): 19 years old
Stats: .270 BA, 22 HR, 59 RBI, 97 Runs, 18 SB
If it wasn't for Trout, Harper would be getting more of the buzz. He was one of the most hyped young players in the off season.
3. Stephen Strausburg (SP): 24 years old
Stats: 3.16 ERA, 15-6 W-L, 197 SO
These numbers could even be better if it weren't for that stupid inning rule. I really hope this doesn't bite the Nationals in the butt during the post season. Unless they're playing my Braves.
4. Jason Heyward (RF): 23 years old
Stats: .267 BA, 27 HR, 82 RBI, 91 Runs, 20 SB
With Chipper Jones retiring, Jason and the other youthful Braves will become the face of the franchise. I think the Braves future is looking as bright as it has since the Braves of the 90's.
5. Craig Kimbrel (RP): 24 years old
Stats: 1.02 ERA, 42 SV, 113 SO
One of the most dominating young closers in the majors.
6. Kris Medlen (SP): 26 years old
Stats: 1.57 ERA, 10-1 W-L, 120 SO
Coming off of injury, Kris has been lights out for the Braves. After being put into the starting lineup, he has possibly become the most dominating pitcher in the majors. The stats he accumulated has been after starting only 12 games. Can you imagine what it would look like if he had a full season under his belt.
7. Evan Longoria (3B): 26 years old
Stats: .283 BA, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 36 Runs, 2 SB
It's a down season for Longoria but I don't expect it to be a trend. Just last year he had 31 HR's and 99 RBI's.
8. Felix Hernandez (SP): 26 years old
Stats: 3.06 ERA, 13-9 W-L, 223 SO
Can you imagine what his stats would like if he was on a better team.
9. Buster Posey (C): 25 years old
Stats: .337 BA, 24 HR, 102 RBI, 78 Runs, 1 SB
After a horrible injury last week he has really bounced back this year.
10. Andrew McCutchen (CF): 25 years old
Stats: .327 BA, 31 HR, 96 RBI, 107 Runs, 20 SB
The biggest star on the Pirates. The team has a bright future if they can hold on to him.
11. Giancarlo Stanton (RF): 22 years old
Stats: .291 BA, 37 HR, 86 RBI, 75 Runs, 6 SB
Can you imagine how bad this team would be without him. I smell another Miguel Cabrera in a few years.
12. Clayton Kershaw (SP): 24 years old
Stats: 2.58 ERA, 13-9 W-L, 221 SO
The Dodgers resurgence will be based on Matt Kemp and Clayton's arm or the health of it.
13. Carlos Gonzalez (LF): 26 years old
Stats: .303 BA, 22 HR, 85 RBI, 89 Runs, 20 SB
What a surprise. Another power hitter coming out of Colorado.
14. Yoenis Cespedes (LF): 26 years old
Stats: .289 BA, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 69 Runs, 16 SB
A big reason why the A's are good this year.
Here is a highlight reel of Mike Trout, the future of MLB.
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