Most underrated player in baseball?

[NAHSTE]

It used to be Nellie Cruz but now he's hitting himself into "people realized this guy was underrated so now he's a bit overrated" territory.

So who is it?

 

[SethMode]

This isn't a very sexy pick (but maybe that's the point) but as a Phils fan that gets to see him a lot, I feel like Brian McCann isn't nearly appreciated enough. I realize that people somewhat recognize how good he is, but I don't think enough. Probably not the most underrated, but I'd argue that he's up there.

 

[Hasselbeck]

Adam Dunn. By far.

 

[NAHSTE]

This isn't a very sexy pick (but maybe that's the point) but as a Phils fan that gets to see him a lot, I feel like Brian McCann isn't nearly appreciated enough. I realize that people somewhat recognize how good he is, but I don't think enough. Probably not the most underrated, but I'd argue that he's up there.

He's been an all-star every season he's been in the majors, but amazingly you could still make a case that he's unheralded.

Also this guy isn't a star by any means, but Josh Willingham is a solid player. Career 120 OPS+ and gives you decent HR production. Very useful player that nobody really cares much about.

 

[SethMode]

He's been an all-star every season he's been in the majors, but amazingly you could still make a case that he's unheralded.

Also this guy isn't a star by any means, but Josh Willingham is a solid player. Career 120 OPS+ and gives you decent HR production. Very useful player that nobody really cares much about.

I liken McCann to Adam Dunn. Both are names that anyone could say that they've "heard" of but yet they aren't on the tip of people's tongues when elite players are talked about (IMO).

With McCann, I think part of the reason he can be an underrated all-star is that there are so few catchers that are any good at all phases. Basically Mauer and McCann, and then guys like Posey, Ruiz, and Martinez in the next tier.

 

[celtsxpatsxsox]

Nick Markakis
Brett Gardner
Troy Tulowitzki

Could go on but these are the guys I thought of at the top of my head.

 

[NAHSTE]

Nick Markakis

True, but his lack of power means he's probably about right.

Brett Gardner

It's impossible to be underrated if you play for New York.

Troy Tulowitzki

Back to back top-5 MVP finishes, so at least in the writers' minds he's properly rated.

 

[Pills]

Shin-Soo Choo, though the beginning of the year so far has been terrible.

 

[EmpireWF]

Shin-Soo Choo, though the beginning of the year so far has been terrible.

Immediately came to mind.

Past 3 years, averaged .397 OBP, 19 HR, 81 RBI, 16 SB, .303 BA, 32 Doubles

That's tremendous production. Plus, he's a good defensive OFer.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

Jose Bautista :smughard:

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

Choo
Dunn
Arroyo
Weaver
S. Drew
Soria
Wandy Rodriguez
Montero (ARZ)

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Nick Markakis
Brett Gardner
Troy Tulowitzki

Could go on but these are the guys I thought of at the top of my head.

I like both Markakis and Gardner for this list. I think Gardner is great for the Yankees, as he can play the outfield and hit just about anywhere in the order (save 3-5.) He just seems to do everything right.

Tulowitzki is not necessarily underrated, but I can see why you can make the case. When thinking of short stops, the first name that comes to mind for many people is Hanley Ramirez. While a great hitter, Ramirez should not be playing shortstop, whereas Tulo is a fantastic glove and brings just as much to the plate.

Markakis is great defensively, with a huge arm from right field. He might be the best #2 hitter in the game. He is a disciplined hitter who will hit for average and some power. He has two 20 homer seasons, and now that the Orioles have some batters who are threats behind Markakis, he will have better pitches to hit.

Another player on the Orioles who I think is underrated is Matt Wieters. Yes, his bat has not come alive like many expected it, but Wieters has quietly become one of the best defensive catchers in the game, with a huge arm and he can call a great game. One of the reasons the Orioles took off with Showalter last season was that he allowed Wieters free reign with the pitching staff, and he proved he could handle it.

As for an underrated choice on another club, Bronson Arroyo is a name that comes to mind for me. He's had five straight years of pitching 200 innings. While he doesn't have the greatest numbers, he still goes out and battles the opposing #1 and has performed well as the ace for the Reds.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

You have to watch Arroyo to appreciate him. He's a guy who doesn't care about numbers, and pitches to the scoreboard. He can K guys, and bears down when he has to, but he generally will pitch to contact and try to make you hit bad stuff. He teases you with slow loopy curves and does wacky shit like throwing 15 straight breaking balls or 0-2 85 mph "heaters" down the middle, with the idea of keeping you guessing. He ends up with high era's some years, because he will get bombed once or twice per year and not get out of the 1st. But he's a lock for 35 starts, 200 IP, and 15+ W's. I love him.

 

[FedEx227]

In the other thread I mentioned Shin-Soo Choo as definitely underrated. Criminally underrated really.

 

[FedEx227]

How the hell is Stephen Drew underrated? He's a mediocre hitter and a slightly below average defensive player.

 

[Senser81]

Ichiro

 

[KnightNoles]

I agree with the Josh Willingham post

Kurt Suzuki also

 

[manchild24]

The Boston Red Sox - Oh you said under rated not underachievers....

Ichiro - know has the big contract but I dont think he gets the love in SEA
Victorino- 5'8 and really much love
Jered Weaver - Angles should have locked him up

 

[Tengo Juego]

Ichiro - know has the big contract but I dont think he gets the love in SEA

Ichiro gets plenty of love.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

How the hell is Stephen Drew underrated? He's a mediocre hitter and a slightly below average defensive player.

Everytime he gains momentum, he gets hurt again. I'm not saying he's a star, but he's a good hitter and a much better glove than whatever numbers you are using give him credit for. Hence, underrated!

He also absolutely murders the Reds, which may cloud my judgement a bit.