I know what you’re thinking, because it crossed my mind as well. How can you pick Chicago’s 10 best baseball players and not include Frank Thomas or Corey Patterson? Well, Thomas is likely a non-factor this year, and Patterson just isn’t good enough. Not this year. Chicago’s baseball landscape is constantly changing. This list wouldn’t have made any sense a year ago, and it could be obsolete by next week. So what are you waiting for?
Start reading, and arguing.
1. Carlos Zambrano
Key stats: 29-19 and a 2.93 ERA in his first two seasons as a full-time starter.
Why he’s ahead of Buehrle: Both are young, durable and among the best pitchers in baseball, but Zambrano gets the nod for overall better numbers and, just as important, consistency. He didn’t have an ERA over 3.62 in any month last year, and went 4-0, 1.01 in September. Buehrle won 16 games for the third time in four years, but was 2-10 to start the 2003 season had monthly ERAs over 5.35 in April, June and August last year.
2. Mark Buehrle
Key stats: 65-44 record while averaging 234 innings over the last four seasons.
Why he’s ahead of Ramirez: Despite Ramirez’ 2004, there’s still some doubt about his defense and whether he can sustain last year’s offensive output. Buehrle has put up four superb seasons, each one nearly identical to the last. One of these years he’ll find consistency from the start and win a Cy Young award.
3. Aramis Ramirez
Key stats: .318 with 36 homers and 103 RBIs in 2004. Better, only 62 strikeouts.
Why he’s ahead of Konerko: Both are pure hitters who can rake with the best in baseball. They’ve both had one miserable season, but the difference is Ramirez’ poor 2002 was due to a lingering ankle injury while Konerko’s .234 average in 2003 still defies explanation. At 26, Ramirez is among the brightest young stars in baseball.
4. Paul Konerko
Key stats: 41 homers and 117 RBIs in 2004 topped White Sox and Cubs.
Why he’s ahead of Prior: For the same reason Ramirez, Buehrle and Zambrano are ahead of Prior, because Prior can’t stay healthy. On talent alone, Prior is Chicago’s best, but you have to produce and Konerko has with the exception of 2003. Last year was a brilliant response to 2003, and he did it with Magglio Ordonez and Frank Thomas out most of the season.
5. Mark Prior
Key stats: 18 wins in 2003, only 21 starts in an injury-plagued 2004.
Why he’s ahead of Garciaparra: Nomar’s best days are behind him, while Prior is still only 24. What knocks Prior down a peg in the overall rankings is that he had problems last year even when he was healthy. That may have been due to his injuries, but when it comes down to it he’s still only had one great season sandwiched between two six-win years.
6. Nomar Garciaparra
Key stats: Hitting .440 with six homers this spring.
Why he’s ahead of Garcia: Garcia might be a No. 1 starter, but he’s probably just a great No. 2. If Garciaparra is truly healthy, and his spring has been nothing but positive, he’s the best shortstop in the NL. At 31, he’s not likely to .372 again but he could hit 35 homers in Wrigley.
7. Freddy Garcia
Key stats: Averaging 14.8 wins the last four seasons.
Why he’s ahead of Wood: Let’s be honest, Kerry Wood has to make all his starts for three seasons in a row to end, at least temporarily, the belief that he’s fragile. Not only has Garcia thrown over 200 innings five of the last six seasons, but on three occasions he’s won more than Wood’s career-high 14 games despite coming up a year later.
8. Kerry Wood
Key stats: 67-50 career record, 3.63 ERA
Why he’s ahead of Lee: As good as Lee is, the Cubs first baseman has likely had the best season of his career. Wood is only 27, and even though he’s had a career filled with arm problems, he has averaged 188 1/3 innings the last three seasons. That’s not good enough to be an elite pitcher, but if he’s healthy that’s just what Wood can be.
9. Derrek Lee
Key stats: Increased his HR and RBI total each of the last three seasons.
Why he’s ahead of Rowand: The gap between Lee and Rowand is pretty wide. Lee’s got better power numbers and might be the best defensive player in Chicago. If he wants to be a member of Chicago’s elite he shouldn’t hit .233 in April and .266 in September. Step up when it counts.
10. Aaron Rowand
Key stats: .310 average, 24 homers and 17 steals in 2004.
Why he’s ahead of Corey Patterson: Rowand beat out Patterson in nearly every offensive category, his .361 on-base percentage to Patterson’s .320 OPB certainly didn’t hurt. But basically this came down to who would you trust with one big at-bat? The way Patterson whiffs at record-setting levels, you have to go with Rowand.
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Who’s No. 1?
Who do you think is the best player in Chicago right now? Send your pick to redeyesports@tribune.com. Include your name, and we’ll run the best arguments.
