Spring training is here, and with it, a chance to celebrate the rebirth of America's favorite sport. But before we dive into the action, let's take a look at a unique all-MLB team for the first 25 years of the 21st century. Welcome to the Daily Dirt's all-MLB team for the first quarter of the 21st century!
First Base: Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols leads all 21st-century players in home runs, hits, and RBIs. His dominance at the plate is undeniable, and his impact on the game is immeasurable.Second Base: Roberto Alomar
Roberto Alomar, a 12-time All-Star, is among the top 10 second basemen of all time. His speed, agility, and defensive skills made him a force to be reckoned with.Shortstop: Derek Jeter
Derek Jeter, the Captain, earns this spot not only through raw numbers but also through intangibles. Jeter played for 20 years in the MLB, never on a losing team. His leadership and clutch performances were instrumental in his team's success.Third Base: Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez played more than 1,000 games at both shortstop and third base. While there's an asterisk by those 696 home runs, his impact on the game is undeniable.Left Field: Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds, a four-time MVP, is more than worthy of this list. His 73-homer season speaks for itself, and his impact on the game is undeniable.Center Field: Mike Trout
Mike Trout, if he could have avoided all of those injuries, would have had numbers that would have put him among the all-time greats.Right Field: Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki, the best pure hitter on this list, is a force to be reckoned with. His speed and hitting ability made him a fan favorite.Catcher: Buster Posey
Buster Posey, the leader of three World Series champions in San Francisco, gets the edge over Yadier Molina of the Cardinals. His leadership and clutch performances were instrumental in his team's success.Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani, despite only being in the majors since 2018, is more than worthy of this spot. His two-way abilities make him a unique and exciting player.Starting Rotation: Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Johnson, Justin Verlander, and C.C. Sabathia
The starting rotation was extremely difficult to choose, as injuries cut short the careers of many strong candidates. These five players, however, were chosen for their impact on the game and their ability to lead their teams to success.Closer: Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera, simply the best, is the closer on this team. His dominance on the mound and his impact on the game make him a legend.
But here's where it gets controversial...
While this team celebrates the best players of the first 25 years of the 21st century, it's important to acknowledge that there are many other players who could have been considered. The debate over who should be on the team is a fun one, and it's one that fans will continue to discuss for years to come.
So, what do you think? Who would you choose for your all-MLB team? Let us know in the comments below!
