Rob Long: Candidates For Best MLB Players In The Region And Why
Tuesday on the Norris and Long Show we discussed the best baseball players in the Mid Atlantic Region.
The series between the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles seems more like a celebration of baseball than an actual rivalry with the way the teams have really taken on winning traditions since the start of the 2012 seasons.
Here are some candidates of the best players in the region and why:
Trea Turner - The 23 year old was a first round pick of the San Diego Padres in 2014 but was part of a trade between the Nats and the Padres in June, 2015. The Nats have a pretty good shortstop in Danny Espinosa but have had issues with productivity in center field so Manager Dusty Baker talked the youngster into moving. He's responded with six triples and 14 stolen bases in fewer than 160 plate appearances.
While it might be a little too soon to realistically consider him as the best in the region, he's put himself in the conversation as one of the up and comers. He's provided a spark for the veteran pennant contenders and looks to be here to stay.
Jonathan Schoop - This second baseman showed flashes during the 2015 season but was sidelined due to a knee injury. He's responded with a solid 2016 season by batting .280+ and topping 20 home runs. He's been sensational on the right side of the infield and while he's produced more than Turner, he hasn't done quite enough to be considered the best in the region. He's certainly captured the attention of the baseball community and looks to be the real deal.
Daniel Murphy - The former New York Met showed he was capable of great things during the 2015 play-off run. He's picked up where he left off by leading the National League in batting while establishing a career high in homers and runs batted in.
He's also proven to be a solid MVP candidate in the NL by being a steady contributor for one of the league's best teams. Murphy is a very strong candidate for the region's best player.
Bryce Harper - Harper is the reigning National League Most Valuable Player and while he hasn't had a very good follow up season, his walk total suggests no one is eager to pitch to him. He looks to be coming out of his three month slump since coming back from neck stiffness. If he continues to progress Bryce will show why he was once considered the region's best player.
Manny Machado - Clearly the region's best defender but with a plus .300 average and approaching 30 home runs, Manny has become one of the most dangerous players in the game. With Mark Trumbo putting up career power numbers, Machado has had an all around good year and has followed up on his offensive break-out year of 2015.
With Harper showing signed of vulnerability, Manny has emerged as arguably the Mid Atlantic region's best player. Both Harper and Manny are set to hit the free-agent market after the 2018 season so if neither sign extensions with their respective teams, look for all eye to be on the Baltimore/Washington area as the race for the game's highest player could have a regional twist.
No, this isn't one of the game's best rivalries, but it does showcase some of the game's best talent. I did not even mention standouts like Adam Jones, who's made a slow start to the 2016 season disappear and Max Scherzer. The O's and the Nats make baseball fun to watch around the Beltway.
