I came across an interesting thread on another blog that I found would be fun to discuss here. The topic was who are the future faces of the MLB franchises. In some cases, the current faces are young enough to hold position for awhile, but in other cases (Jeter), their time will be up soon. Which prospects do you think have "Face of the Franchise" potential? So lets give this a shot, shall we? I didn't research the below, just what came to mind.
AL East
Toronto Blue Jays - Was Roy Halladay. Now who? Ricky Romero? Vernon Wells? (gross)
Baltimore Orioles - Doesn't seem like Ripken will ever be replaced. Nick Markakis? Adam Jones? Brian Matusz?
Boston Red Sox - Gotta be Dustin Pedroia over Kevin Youkilis, right?
Tampa Bay Rays - Evan Longoria no question. Or do you think David Price gets some consideration?
New York Yankees - It's Derek Jeter's team. However, when he rides off into the sunset... Jesus Montero?
AL Central
Minnesota Twins - Joe Mauer for awhile, too easy.
Chicago White Sox - Paul Konerko for now I guess. Who could replace him? Sale? Mitchell?
Detroit Tigers - Miguel Cabrera seems like the logical choice, but Ajax might become quite popular.
Cleveland Indians - Was Grady Sizemore. Still Sizemore? Or do Choo and Santana have a shot?
Kansas City Royals - This is tough. Torn between Moustakas and Hosmer. Am I overlooking Billy Butler?
AL West
Texas Rangers - Josh Hamilton as long as he's there right? Neftali Feliz has some appeal.
Seattle Mariners - Ichiro, but I think Justin Smoak will take over eventually, not Ackley.
Oakland Athletics - I don't see anyone that stands out to be honest. Such a blah team.
LA Angels - Believe it or not, I think Mike Trout is already the face of the team, haha.
NL East
Florida Marlins - Hanley Ramirez... but don't be surprised if Mike Stanton is promoted more heavily.
Atlanta Braves - I don't see how its not Jason Heyward moving forward.
New York Mets - I believe Jose Reyes & David Wright shared this role for awhile. Ike Davis on deck? Fan fav.
Philadelphia Phillies - I don't know if there is a true face right now. Long-term, Domonic Brown? Cole Hamels?
Washington Nationals - Ryan Zimmerman is the man, and is young. But Straz & Bryce more marketable?
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals - Prince Albert. If he walks... Matt Holliday? Adam Wainwright? Colby Rasmus?
Pittsburgh Pirates - I think Andrew McCutchen is gonna hold onto this title for awhile. Pedro Alvarez maybe.
Chicago Cubs - I think Starlin Castro is gonna be the guy, but don't sleep on Brett Jackson's sex appeal, lol.
Houston Astros - If its not Hunter Pence, I have no frickin clue, haha. I dont see a prospect with 'face' potential.
Milwaukee Brewers - Hebrew Hammer. Prince Fielder won't be sticking around in my opinion.
Cincinnati Reds - Joey Votto seems like the obvious choice. Jay Bruce and Aroldis Chapman can be sleepers.
NL West
San Francisco Giants - Buster Posey or Tim Lincecum? Could go either way.
Colorado Rockies - Troy Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez? Both?
San Diego Padres - Mat Latos I believe. Don't see anyone else worthy.
Arizona Diamonbacks - Justin Upton. Chris B Young and Stephen Drew just don't have the swagger.
Los Angeles Dodgers - I don't know who to choose between Kemp and Kershaw. Possibly Ethier?
What are your thoughts guys? Let's keep it civil, no need to argue over this, its not that important.