The Top 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years- Second Base

 

Continuing my list of the top 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years, today I am ranking the second basemen. Here are the criteria. For players who played multiple positions, I am only including them at 1 position. Most of the time it will be for the position they played the most games. For example, Frank Thomas was a DH in more games than at 1B. However, I may use judgement and select a player at the position where he had most success.  Since this is based on the last 50 years, the player must have played in MLB for at least 5 years since the 1973 season. Note players who began their career prior to 73 can be considered, however only their performance and accomplishments since the 1973 season will be counted for. For example, Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski. He played through 1983. But all his great accomplishments were prior to 1973 (3 batting titles, the triple crown and MVP). He did not make the cut for the left fielders. The top accomplishments for each player will be noted (only since 1973). Here is my list of the top 10 greatest second basemen in the last 50 years (only including years played since 73).

10. Bobby Grich (1973-1986) - 4X Gold Glove award winner.  

9. Robinson Cano (2005-2020)- .300 lifetime average. 2X Gold Glove award winner.

8. Lou Whitaker (1977-1995)- 3X Gold Glove award winner.

7. Jeff Kent (1992-2008)- MVP, 5 straight yrs over 100 RBI.

6. Dustin Pedroia (2006-2019)- MVP, 4X Gold Glove award winner.

5. Jose Altuve (2011-2022)- MVP, 3X Batting champion. Gold Glove award winner.

4. Roberto Alomar (1988-2004)- HOF, 10X Gold Glove award winner. ALCS MVP

3. Craig Biggio (1988-2007)- HOF, 3,000 hits, 4X Gold Glove award winner.

2. Ryne Sandberg (1981-19970- HOF, MVP, 9X Gold Glove award winner.

1. Joe Morgan (1973-1984)- HOF, 2X MVP, 5X Gold Glove award winner.

A couple of notes. Biggio played 2 other positions in his career (catcher, OF). But played most games at 2B. Altuve is still active and is moving up the list. #10 was tough. Went back and forth between Grich and Willie Randolph. Very similar players. Took Grich since his power numbers were a little better. Next up is shortstop.

Top 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years- First Base

Since we are in the beginning of the long off season, its good time for a new baseball list. The new one I am doing is the 10 greatest players at each position in the last 50 years. This means I will be ranking the 10 greatest position players (1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF, and C), as well as DH. And I will rank the 10 greatest pitchers (separate lists for right-handed starter, left-handed starter, and relief pitcher). There will be 12 separate posts. Here are the criteria. For players who played multiple positions, I am only including them at 1 position. Most of the time it will be for the position they played the most games. For example, Frank Thomas was a DH in more games than at 1B. He is listed on the list of top 10 designated hitters. However, I may use judgement and select a player at the position where he had most success.  Since this is based on the last 50 years, the player must have played in MLB for at least 5 years since the 1973 season. Note players who began their career prior to 73 can be considered, however only their performance and accomplishments since the 1973 season will be counted for. For example, Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski played through 1983. All his great accomplishments were prior to 1973 (3 batting titles, the triple crown and MVP), so did not make the cut for the left fielders. The top accomplishments for each player will be noted. Every week a different position will be listed. Below I am starting this list with the top 10 first basemen in the last 50 years.

10. Rafael Palmeiro- 569 HRs, 3X Gold Glove award winner.

9. Don Mattingly- MVP, Batting title, 9X Gold Glove award winner.

8. Steve Garvey- MVP, 2X NLCS MVP, 4X Gold Glove award winner.

7. Eddie Murray- HOF, 504 HRs, 3X Gold Glove award winner.

6.  Mark McGwire- 583 HRs, 3X Home Run champion, Gold Glove award winner.

5. Jim Thome- HOF, 612 HRs.

4. Jeff Bagwell- HOF, MVP, Gold Glove award winner.

3. Rod Carew- HOF, MVP, 7X Batting champion (6 since 1973).

2. Miguel Cabrera- 2X MVP, 4X Batting champion, 2012 triple crown.

1. Albert Pujols- 3x MVP, Batting title, NLCS MVP, 2X Gold Glove award winner.

A couple of notes. There are 4 players who are in the Hall of Fame on the list. Pujols and Cabrera will be first ballot when they are eligible. Carew played 2 positions, first base and second base. He played more games at first base, including his 1977 MVP season when he hit .388. Garvey and Mattingly are borderline Hall of Fame candidates. I believe Garvey should be in the Hall of Fame due to his longevity and consistency. Mattingly just misses due to a shorter peak period. Next up will be the top 10 second basement in the last 50 years.