Who would you start your franchise with.
by LawBe on Mar 2, 2026 8:09 AM EST
75 comments
Say your starting a league and you can take anyone. Do you take Joe Mauer, Albert Pujols, Tim Lincecum or Hanley Ramirez. These are really the only 4 players I can possibly see being taken. I take them in this order, Hanley, Pujols, Lincecum then Mauer.
I know most people will go with Pujols but think finding a SS is tough and no one is close to him. I think Lincecum is one pitch away from surgery every time I watch him, Dont get me wrong, he is awesome, just that slinging motion worries me. I would have strongly considered Mauer if I thought he would be a catcher for more then the next 3 years or so, then gradually sliding over to 1b/dh while still catching some.
What do you guys think and why?
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Joe Mauer
But I could easily be swayed to Ramirez by my staff. Mauer’s superior athleticism should allow him to stay behind the plate full time until his mid-thirties, remember this guy was had a Florida State offer to play QB.
by sloffy on Mar 2, 2026 8:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Evan Longoria
Considering the contract he has, I’m not even sure there’s an argument.
by jar75 on Mar 2, 2026 8:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Easily....
Longoria.
You should have separated the question to take one pitcher and one hitter.
by Kerm on Mar 2, 2026 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Justin Upton
He’s so young, I’m sure some people would be swayed by the idea that by taking him now you have a chance to grow your franchise and still have him be good down the road.
by Ophidian on Mar 2, 2026 9:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
+1000
That would be my first pick. Though Braun/Longoria are close because of their very team friendly, long-term deals.
by St.Steve on Mar 2, 2026 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In real baseball...
Hanley’s defense is a liability.
by Havok1517 on Mar 3, 2026 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
contract
Guys, I wasnt talking about contracts, just the player. If you brought Contracts in then Longoria would probably be my choice.
by LawBe on Mar 2, 2026 10:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Greinke
No love for Zack? A 26 year old with the lowest injury probability of any young pitcher in baseball coming off one of the greatest pitching seasons of the last 20 years.
If I had a rocket ship, I'd never want to land.
by dman126 on Mar 2, 2026 11:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
+ 10000000000000000000000
I was waiting for someone to bring him up. If I’m taking a pitcher, he’s the first one take. With all the respect in the world to Timmy L, I just feel Greinke is a much better bet to be better for longer.
by Kerm on Mar 2, 2026 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
negative
He could mentally just quit at anytime…I’d rather have Timmy or even Tommy.
by St.Steve on Mar 2, 2026 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Its a concern
but I’d still rather have Greinke and his big body and good mechanics over small Lincecum and his many moving parts.
Lincecum’s stature and mechanics are more of a concern for me than Greinke’s mental health.
www.bullpenbanter.com
by alskor on Mar 2, 2026 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep..
I’ll take a mental breakdown over a severed arm any day.
While we’re at it, I’ll take Kershaw over Lincecum as well.
by Kerm on Mar 2, 2026 5:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
geez
Now you’re just getting carried away…
by St.Steve on Mar 2, 2026 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Steve, Steve, Steve...
Just a bit above you stated you would take J-UP over some much better more proven guys, yet Kershaw over Lincecum is getting carried away. Cough! Cough! Hypocrite!!! Cough!
by Kerm on Mar 2, 2026 7:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lol. As it stands right now, I’d take Lincecum over Kershaw, but everyone should. After this season, I’m not so sure that would be the case. Kershaw most likely won’t be better than Lincecum in 2010 either, but Kershaw will have had another year in the majors to work on his stuff and try and make that slider something even more good than what we’ve seen, and he could have 3 plus plus pitches (VERY optimistic, I know, but I like to dream big) by the 2011 season.
by Ivdown on Mar 2, 2026 7:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Three plus pitches would be impressive..
..which might get him to equal Timmy’s strikeout rate. He would still need to get his walk rate down before he can be in the same conversation as Timmy from a talent point of view.
The only reason I can see (I’m biased, yes) to take Kershaw over Lincecum is the contract. Yes, Kershaw is younger. But if Kershaw reaches his full potential he becomes the type of pitcher that Tim is.
Please tell me we have moved past the dark ages of post hoc ergo propter hoc.
by Yeti Monster on Mar 2, 2026 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
stop before you embarrass yourself
baseball rules.
by doublestix on Mar 2, 2026 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take Greinke as the first pitcher off the board too. I think he's the best pitcher in baseball.
The difference between him and Lincecum really isn’t much to begin with… put Greinke in San Francisco and I feel he’s a better pitcher.
The only thing Lincecum did appreciably better than Greinke in 2009 was have a slightly higher K rate. 261 Ks in 225.1 IP (10.42 per 9) vs. 242 Ks in 229.1 IP (9.50 per 9). Their HR rates were about equal and Greinke showed better control (2.00 BB/9 vs. 2.72).
Imagine if Greinke played in a league where the run scoring environment was less and got to face pitchers… or even if Greinke played in a park that didn’t have a park factor of 1.113… or in a division with Dodger Stadium and Petco (2 of the 3 parks that most suppress offense).
www.bullpenbanter.com
by alskor on Mar 2, 2026 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair
Aren’t Coors and Chase two of the most hitter friendly parks in all of baseball?
by nixa37 on Mar 2, 2026 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
As a division, the AL Central parks typically rank higher than the NL West parks, though.
www.bullpenbanter.com
by alskor on Mar 2, 2026 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds about right
Too many people play the Petco and Dodger Stadium card IMO without thinking about the hitters parks in the division. I would assume it still favors pitchers on the whole, but not nearly as much as some people seem to think.
by nixa37 on Mar 2, 2026 5:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Greinke doesn't get the pitcher one every 9 either
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
by kcscoliny on Mar 2, 2026 5:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and he doesn't pitch against the Royals!
baseball rules.
by doublestix on Mar 2, 2026 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If we're really going to talk about that...Timmy doesn't get to play against the Giants
and they have an even worse offense.
by lions1 on Mar 3, 2026 1:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There's certainly a case to be made.
I’d have a hard time choosing between Felix and Timmy (contracts aside, of course).
www.bullpenbanter.com
by alskor on Mar 2, 2026 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Upton and Longoria over most of the guys you mentioned
Pujols is enough older, Mauer is risky enough and likely enough to switch position, and Lincecum is risky enough, that I might argue over any of them.
by aap212 on Mar 2, 2026 12:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
and hanley
And what about hanley. Shortstops who bat .330 and have 30/30 potential dont come around very often.
by LawBe on Mar 2, 2026 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, just maybe, I didn't mention him because I agree with you.
“Any of them” referred to the guys in the sentence I had just written.
Or are you waiting for the strawman to say they come around all the time?
by aap212 on Mar 2, 2026 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heyward
after watching his first ST game I’m in love …
…. yes this is sarcasm …
by hybrid on Mar 2, 2026 3:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I would consider Heyward. He makes about as much money as the bat boy, and is pretty much a sure thing at this point.
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Mar 2, 2026 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i wouldnt say
a sure thing…i think we all have learned from delmon young
by miraclemets on Mar 2, 2026 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
While they are comparable in some aspects, their bb rate/k rate are not. Heyward is special for his maturity dealing with the strike zone. This was shown yesturday as he drew two walks in his first ST game of the season. He is also on an entirely different level of personal maturity and respect, things that def. play a role in MLB.
Delmon is a career .290 hitter, but with a .322 OBP. If Heyward comes out hitting .290, I’m pretty sure we’d be dealing with success.
Maybe I should of just replaced “pretty much a sure thing” with “close to a sure thing”.
"Hey Fat Kid...the monster is right behind you! RUNNNN!!" -The Host
by bwellnjonesco on Mar 3, 2026 8:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i hear ya
and i think the plate discipline that heyward has will carry him to success in the bigs, but im just saying we’ve all seen these “next big things” turn out to be busts, so it is important to be patient and not assume they will live up to the hype (which pretty much puts heyward and strats in the hall of fame already lol)
by miraclemets on Mar 3, 2026 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tough call
between Pujols and Longoria.
Kevin Frandsen: The best SS on the Giants roster
Hoping for BowkerMania to hit AT&T; Park in 2010
by Gobroks on Mar 2, 2026 3:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Tulo
I’m going with the power middle infielder, that has shown the ability to lead a team in good times and bad.
"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."
by fourfingerwoo on Mar 2, 2026 4:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Tulo...
I would take his superior defense at SS or Hanley any day. This question is really tough because of all the good players. I’ll put my top 5 position players and pitcher in order by who I would take.
Hitters
1. Mauer
2. Pujols
3. JUpton
4. Longoria
5. Tulo
Pitchers
1. Timmy
2. Kershaw
3. Strasburg
4. Anderson
5. Hanson
by joegonzo on Mar 2, 2026 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Someone else to consider...
Matt Wieters.
by joegonzo on Mar 2, 2026 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
don't tempt me
but too unproven
"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."
by fourfingerwoo on Mar 2, 2026 9:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A few things
Tulo seems to have become somewhat overrated defensively. I think he’s a good defender at SS, but he has only posted 1 positive UZR in 4 ML seasons. Overall at the position Tulo grades out at +3 runs per 150, while Ramirez comes in at -7 runs. The problem here is that Ramirez is just so much better with the bat. Over the past 3 seasons Ramirez has averaged around 30 more BRAA at the plate than Tulo has. Unless you think Ramirez has peaked offensively or feel that Tulo is going to get significantly better, I have a hard time understanding this choice.
by nixa37 on Mar 2, 2026 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tulo as your #1 guy in all of baseball?
Really? Are you his mother?
by rmarx on Mar 2, 2026 5:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the question wasn't fantasy based
and I like the intangables
"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."
by fourfingerwoo on Mar 2, 2026 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i think tulo
is a sneaky good pick…most people overlook him (including me) when thinking about this question, but if he continues to put up the numbers he put up last year, he needs to be in the discussion based on the position and the great defense he plays as well.
by miraclemets on Mar 2, 2026 8:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
surprised no one mention Felix Hernandez with Grienke/Lincecum mentioned...
I prefer Hanley, Pujols, Longoria in that order though…
"When Justin Upton faces Lincecum, I think Christ might appear in the heavens, and the world will end." -JakeFree
by JT12340 on Mar 2, 2026 5:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If they were all signed to the same contract
I would go with Pujols, Cardinal bias aside. Just think of how much better Pujols’ numbers would be if Holliday played like he did after the all star break :)
In football, the object is for the quarterback, otherwise known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his recievers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.
In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)
by Taskmaster on Mar 2, 2026 5:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is that because you value RBI or believe in lineup protection?
by aap212 on Mar 2, 2026 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
quote from hardball times
If a pitcher is trying to avoid pitching to a hitter, the hitter is significantly more likely to draw a walk, and moderately more likely to strike out. Specifically, a good, unprotected hitter in a good intentional walk situation is about 25% more likely to walk than the same hitter in a bad intentional walk situation, as well as about 10% more likely to strike out. Even an average hitter, with an average hitter on deck, is 20% more likely to draw the walk if the situation is a common one for intentional walks, and about 5% more likely to strike out. However, if the ball is hit into play, the pitcher’s approach (pitching to him, versus pitching around him) has no significant effect on the hitter’s statistics.
by pedrophile on Mar 2, 2026 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I believe in lineup protection :P
In football, the object is for the quarterback, otherwise known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his recievers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.
In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)
by Taskmaster on Mar 2, 2026 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Longoria and Justin Upton HAVE to be considered. You have no idea how much saying Upton hurt as a Dodger fan and not saying Kemp :(
by Ivdown on Mar 2, 2026 6:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
After a really big year in 2010, Matt Kemp could be right there with Braun and JUpton.
by St.Steve on Mar 2, 2026 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s on his way, but I don’t think he’ll be there until he either shows 35+ homerun power or starts walking 65-75 times a year while still doing everything else he does.
by Ivdown on Mar 2, 2026 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just for fun I'll do my top 5 pitchers and hitters
Pitchers
1. Felix - He’s 23, he’s coming off a CY worthy season (if not for Greinke he’d have won), he’ll only get better.
2. Greinke - He’s gone from rushed way too early, to crappy, to good, to great, to unbelievable. He’s the ace of my staff if I have any choice.
3. Lincecum - As much as I can’t stand the greasy-haired stoner, he’s a hell of a pitcher. I’m only taking Greinke over him due to possibly injury risk.
4. Clayton Kershaw - 21 years old, 2 plus plus pitches, working on another very good slider, and he’s a lefty. Nothing have given me more optimism ever as a 20 year old Dodger fan.
5. John Lester - As much as it’s hard to believe, I think Lester is actually underrated, even as a Red Sock. The Twins must be kicking themselves watching this guy throw when they turn around and see the eventual fruits of their Johan trade…JJ Hardy (who’s still good, but Lester is tremendous).
1. (If he sticks at SS) Hanley Ramirez - What can you say about a guy who hits like that and has it coming from the SS position. Improving defense makes me drool over his ability.
2. Albert Pujols - He’s getting older, but still just barely in his 30s and he’s the top hitter on the planet by a wide margin. One more year until he’s HOF eligible!
3. Evan Longoria - Top flight defense at 3B, and he’s developing quite the great bat as well. With that defense and 35 homerun power he will be quite the force.
4. Justin Upton - A sure fire 5 tool stud. 22 years old. I will be dreading facing the Dbacks for years because of him. I got MLB 10 The Show today and he will be my first trade target to join Ethier and Kemp in the Dodgers outfield :)
5. (I’m tempted to say Chase Utley, but I’ve gotta go with) Joe Mauer - 3 Batting titles as a catcher…insane. Closest thing I’ve seen to that is 3 MVPs in 5 years as a catcher to Roy Campanella, and Mauer looks better offensively, just less power.
by Ivdown on Mar 2, 2026 7:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'll take Joe Mauer
He’s still only 26 or 27 now I guess…
The Way he plays defense and handles the pitching staff in addition to his offense is something truely remarkable ….
He helps out the entire pitching staff in ways little really ever talk about…
Plus AGAIN, Mauer missed the entire first month last year and got every single Sunday off in the Regular season behind the plate (He DH’d some of those Sundays) You give him Most of those games back He hits over 100 RBI’s and over 30 Homers
I can’t believe in Fantasy Baseball he’s rated anywhere from about #10 to #17 I think he should be #5 or #6 behind only Pujols, Han-Ram, Braun, Utley and maaaybe A-Roid….
Mauer is special (I know Pujols is too), and I’d take Joe 1st no doubt
Lets go get Adrian Gonzalez..... how do you say holy shit! - ~en espanol ?
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Mar 2, 2026 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
do we downgrade
a guy like mauer because his position is C and thus the greater injury risk?
by miraclemets on Mar 2, 2026 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
gotta agree
i would take him first
baseball rules.
by doublestix on Mar 2, 2026 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Surprised
That nobody has mentioned Braun…I believe he is right there with JUpton/Hanley/Mauer/Longoria.
by St.Steve on Mar 2, 2026 7:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He’d be my number 7 choice behind Utley.
by Ivdown on Mar 2, 2026 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Braun is really not in their class as a *player* other than maybe Upton...
though he’s right with them as a hitter with his .405 wOBA.
Mauer and Longoria are fantastic defenders. Hanley is at least average now and plays SS. Upton showed up well this year and has all the tools to be excellent.
2009 WAR totals
8.5 Pujols
8.1 Mauer
7.2 Hanley
7.2 Longoria
4.8 Braun
4.6 Upton (and is younger than Braun, toolsy as hell and getting better all around)
I love Ryan Braun (D-A-U!), but with his comparatively limited skill set he’s down the list a little bit for me. You could do a hell of a lot worse to start your franchise, but its hard for me to justify Braun above guys like Chase Utley, Matt Kemp, Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez - Hell, THREE Rays (Zobrist, Longoria, Crawford and Bartlett was tied) and three Red Sox (Youkilis, Pedroia and VMart) were more valuable than Braun last year even with his putting up a monster season with the bat.
Pedroia is an excellent example. You’d be better off choosing him to start your team than Braun. He’s an excellent defender and much better hitter compared to the average & replacement 2B than Braun is compared to the average & replacement LF. They were both ROY for their respective leagues in 2007. In that year and every year since Pedroia has been a better player, and signficantly so.
WAR
2007
Braun: 3.2
Pedroia: 3.8
2008
Braun: 4.0
Pedroia: 6.7
2009
Braun: 4.8
Pedroia: 5.2
2007-2009
Braun: 12.0
Pedroia: 15.6 (so averages out to over one win a year better)
Pedroia is also signed to a long term, cheap deal for less than Braun’s long term, cheap deal and is only 4 months older than Braun.
www.bullpenbanter.com
by alskor on Mar 2, 2026 8:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Braun
I like Braun and if he could “D” at 3rd he’s in the talk for me, but I’d hate building a team around an OF’er not named Bonds/Mays/Aaron
"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers."
by fourfingerwoo on Mar 2, 2026 9:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Longoria, really ...
over Pujols with the career 1.055 OPS compared to his .883OPS
or Hanley Ramirez with the .917OPS in a harder position with way more steals
or Mauer with the .891 OPS in a harder position and a much better uptrend
or even Miggy with a 925OPS
Longoria is very very good. But his D has been very overstated. And his O is talked about using his HRs. Using any advanced metrics he is very good. But he certainly hasnt jumped into that elite category yet.
Heck, I would take Grady Sizemore in a really tough hitting park over Longoria.
by pedrophile on Mar 2, 2026 11:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Age
With Longoria and Upton, age is a huge factor. They’re just getting going, and they’re already very good. If I’m starting a franchise, I don’t know how great Pujols is going to be in five or seven years. I don’t know what position Mauer is going to play. Sizemore’s a pretty good pick. But yes, people are trading accomplishment for future, which makes sense with the original question.
by aap212 on Mar 3, 2026 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
age
Longoria is 2 years younger than Miggy, Hanley, Mauer. That isnt enough to overlook some of the numbers. Hanley is an easy #1 in my choice. He has about 75 points on the OPS and plays a tougher position.
Upton is a different animal being about 4 years younger and having enough upside that he could potentially be as good as some of these guys.
by pedrophile on Mar 3, 2026 10:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree on Hanley
Upton is number one for me, because I think he’s Griffey levels of awesome and it’s all in front of him. Positional value and defensive value are the biggest factor for Longoria vs. Miggy, but the age comes into play too, since I see Miggy falling off younger. Mauer, I just fear he’ll switch positions or break down somewhat.
by aap212 on Mar 3, 2026 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
peak
to me peak always beats duration. So Mauer is a no-brainer. Yeah, he might move to 1B. But I doubt he has less value than Longoria even at 1B. And a ton more when at C.
Agreed on Upton. Not necessarily because how young he is. But because he has barely scratched the surface of what he can do.
by pedrophile on Mar 4, 2026 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mauer vs. Longoria
We’re just setting the odds on how high Longoria’s peak is and how much longer Mauer’s is differently. I can’t possibly argue that you’re foolish for betting on Mauer. I’m just a little fazed by the catcher thing and, because this is about future value, that Mauer will never again be as good as he was last year. He probably won’t be. Of course, he can continue a hall of fame peak without being THAT good.
by aap212 on Mar 4, 2026 1:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In real baseball...
I’d take a pitcher like Wainwright or Felix while on offense I’m selecting Tulo as his defense is far better than Hanley’s and SS is more important than a 3B.
by Havok1517 on Mar 3, 2026 10:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hanley's defense isn't bad anymore
The last two years he came in -0.6 and -0.3 by UZR.
Tulowtizki? -0.3 and -0.9.
I’m not sure there was any reason to think Tulo was a better defender to begin with. They’re both around average defensively.
www.bullpenbanter.com
by alskor on Mar 3, 2026 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why Wainwright?
He’s a terrific pitcher, but he’s already 28, he only has two full seasons as a starting pitcher, and he’s not one of the two or three best pitches in baseball or anything. If you’re going that age, why not go a year older with Sabathia, who’s got a better track record, cleaner health track record, and has done it in the big boy league?
by aap212 on Mar 3, 2026 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mauer, Longo, Upton.
i think in that order, but its real close. Greinke or Felix if I’m choosing a pitcher
by daveh33 on Mar 3, 2026 1:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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