Line-up

C: A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox (.257/.308/.420, 18 HR, 56 RBI):  Opponents hate him, we love that.

1B: Richie Sexson, Seattle Mariners (.263/.369/.541, 39 HR, 122 RBI): After missing most of the 2004 season with a should injury, “Big Sexy” came back mashing.

2B: Placido Polanco, Detroit Tigers (.331/.383.447, 84 runs):  Despite possessing the second best average in all of baseball, Polanco is nowhere to be seen on the leader board because of an in-season, inter league trade.  He is however, #2 to us.

3B: Jorge Cantu, Tampa Bay Devil Rays (.286/.311/.497, 28 HR, 117 RBI):  Had you heard about Cantu’s solid season?  Didn’t think so.

SS: Omar Vizquel, San Francisco Giants (38 YO, .271/.341/.350): Vizquel can still get it done.

LF: Brady Clark, Milwaukee Brewers (.306/.372/.426, 94 runs, 13 HR): The journeyman’s career year helped the Brew Crew avoid another losing season.

CF: Kenny Lofton, Philadelphia Phillies (38 YO, .335/.392/.420, 22 SB):  See Omar Vizquel.

RF: Jason Bay, Pittsburgh Pirates (162 games, .306/.402/.559, 32 HR, 101 RBI, 21 SB):  The best player you’ve never heard of.

DH: Ken Griffey Jr., Cincinnati Reds (.301/.369/.576, 35 HR): It was good to see Griffey healthy, now he needs to move to the AL and become a full time DH.

Bench

Rickey Henderson, San Diego Surf Dawgs, OF:  As long as Rickey is playing, Rickey will be a member of this team.

Jason Michaels, Philadelphia Phillies, OF (.304/.399/.415):  The easy-going Michaels is a sub extraordinaire.

Corky Miller, Rochester Redwings, C:  1 for his last 51 in the majors. We love the Cork man.

Rick Short, New Orleans Zephyrs, IF: Made his ML debut at 32 and made a run at .400 in Triple A.

Rotation

Chris Capuano, Milwaukee Brewers (18-12, 3.99 ERA, 176 K):  Bet you didn’t know he won 18 games.

Carlos Silva, Minnesota Twins (9-8, 3.44 ERA, 9BB in 188 1/3 IP):  Shut out the Brewers with 73 pitches in June – the most efficient hurler in the game.

John Patterson, Washington Nationals (9-7, 3.13 ERA, 185 K/65 BB): Don’t let his low win total fool, Patterson had an outstanding year.

Zach Duke, Pittsburgh Pirates (8-2, 1.81 ERA): Along with Bay, a reason for optimism for long suffering Pirate fans.

Jose Contreras, Chicago White Sox (15-7, 3.61 ERA): The big Cuban made the Yankees look foolish.

The ‘Pen

Aaron Small, New York Yankees (10-0, 3.20 ERA): Where did this guy come from?

Scott Eyre, San Francisco Giants (86 games, 2.63 ERA, 33 holds, .200 BAA): A true work horse out of the pen.

Bobby Howry, Cleveland Indians (79 games, 2.47 ERA, 29 holds, .191 BAA): See Scott Eyre.

Jesse Crain, Minnesota Twins (75 games, 12-5, 2.71 ERA. .219 BAA): The vulture’s star has just begun to shine.

Dan Wheeler, Houston Astros (71 games, 2.21 ERA, .204 BAA, .98 WHIP): The kind of guy every winning team needs.

Neal Cotts, Chicago White Sox (69 games, 1.94 ERA, .179 BAA): The anchor of the World Champs bullpen.

Derrick Turnbow, Milwaukee Brewers (39 saves, 1.74 ERA, .199 BAA): A great find by the Brew Crew.