We all know the big name stars, the constant run producers, the over hyped semi-stars, but there are always those guys who are consistent players but never get the publicity they deserve. All of these players are keys to their team’s success and could easily be owners of championship rings in the near future if they get the right cast behind them.

 

C-Kenji Johjima SEA

Being a Japanese player in the big leagues almost guarantees you will be underrated. With a great hitter like Ichiro in the league and a history of high quality pitchers, if you are not an All-Star, people seemingly forget about you. When Kenji Johjima came to the majors last year, he had the chance to play along side his countryman Ichiro in Seattle. This may have helped smooth out his transition into the league and allow him to put up extremely solid numbers for the M’s. Johjima started the season with a homerun on opening day and never slowed down as he was possibly the most clutch hitter on the team. He hit an amazing .344 average with runners in scoring position helping a struggling Mariners team at or around .500 for most of the year. Not only can Johjima produce at the plate, he has shown some great fielding ability behind the plate with quickness that rivals any catcher in the league. Look for Johjima to make a trip to the mid-summer classic in the very near future.

1B-Lyle Overbay TOR

Ever since Overbay became an everyday player in 2004 with Milwaukee, he has shown he can be a great middle of the order hitter driving in 15-20 homers and driving in 70-90 runs in every season. Overbay is the definition of a complementary player and will never be a giant superstar, but he is the type of player that can come to a team and be that extra bit of punch that gets their offense over the top. Every off-season, other than pitching, the other need almost every team has is left-handed pop. Overbay is just that. A solid left-handed hitter with pop. I have no doubt that before his career is over he will win at least one World Series championship. Oh yeah…and his current contract is a steal for $1.35 million.

2B-Orlando Hudson ARI

Orlando is now getting his swing together this season and is completely blistering the ball. He is not at the same level, but is starting to show Jose Reyes type excitement. His athleticism and fun for the game is evident every time he steps between the lines of the field. Even though his production at the plate has just now arrived, his amazing defensive abilities have always been there. Game after game, he has shown that he is one of the best defensive second baseman in the league. From stealing bases to roping doubles down the lines to cutting off sure base hits in the hole, the O-Dogg could become one of the most dangerous second basemen in the league. I see many all-star appearances in this speedster’s future.

3B-Garret Atkins COL

After a stellar season last year, Atkins has a great chance to become one of the most productive third baseman in the national league. Finally getting consistent playing time, he came through with 29 homers and an outstanding 120 RBIs. Because he plays at Coors Field, people may believe he gets all of his homers at home because of the mile high altitude, but in actuality he hit 15 homers in Coors and 14 away from Colorado. One of the most impressive things about Atkins is his clutch hitting. He hit an unbelievable .341 with runners in scoring position. Atkins has the potential to become an outstanding producer and has already shown he can come through in the clutch. If he can develop a little more he could be looking at MVP consideration in a few years.

SS-Juan Uribe CWS

Juan is a fine fielding shortstop who has shown some pop in his career. The last four seasons Uribe has been around 20 home runs and 70 RBIs. He came up with many clutch hits and RBIs for the White Sox during their championship season and was a key to many of their important victories. He’s not a superstar caliber player, but like Lyle Overbay is one of the complimentary players every championship team needs. The White Sox currently have a $5 million option on Uribe for the 2008 season, but if he becomes a free agent, look for contending teams to jump on Uribe and try to pick up some extra pop. It’s not very often you find a bottom of the order hitter with 20 bombs and 70 RBIs. I have no doubt Uribe will be apart of another championship team before he’s done.

OF-Raul Ibanez SEA

Raul’s first 4 years in the majors were frustrating as he was never able to get a steady amount of playing time with the Mariners. Then as soon as he left for Kansas City, he shined and showed he could be a solid player in the bigs. Then last season with the Mariners he simply blew up and hit 33 home runs and drove in an impressive 123 RBIs. Raul seemed to carry the Mariner’s offense for the entire season and may have moved into star status. He has shown he can be a consistent producer and should be in contention for an All-Star nod every season.

OF-David DeJesus KC

Dejesus has been starting to show the potential of becoming one of the catalysts of any Royals revival. He has been flashing some leather in center for the Royals that last few season and this season has come out swinging with a .312 average. Dejesus reminds me of a Jose Vidro type and could show production like Vidro had in his prime. If Dejesus can continue to improve at the plate he could finally bring some excitement back to KC. One thing is for sure, he should start racking up Gold Glove awards very soon.

OF-Randy Winn SF

Randy Winn has developed into a versatile and valuable outfielder both in the field and at the dish. He has the ability to play all three outfield positions with great skill as well as coming through in the clutch at the plate. His average has been around .300 ever since getting everyday playing time while with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His base stealing has declined the past couple years, but is still a threat on the base paths and still has the ability to change a game. He can be the player to make the great defensive play, could come up with a clutch steal to get into scoring position, and can rope a double down the line to score a couple runs. Either way Winn is a player that constantly contributes to the team and helps you win.