MLB Hall of Fame Day

With a congratulations to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice, who entered the MLB Hall of Fame today - I have been a baseball fan for 10 years. However, I always love speculating both youth and talent. This is a list for just myself, but these are guys who are going to wind up in the HOF, or at least on a ballot at some point who are personal favorites of mine. Here's the twist - they are all going to be under 28. (For football, I will do a similar list, but those guys will all be under 26).

Note: all players must have played in the Majors.

Position - Name (age)

Four man starting rotation:
SP - CC Sabathia (28)
SP - Justin Verlander (26)
SP - Tim Lincecum (25)
SP - Jered Weaver (26)

I just can't put in Joba or Hughes as much as I want to. Also, I am afraid Linceum will have the same problems Dontrelle Willis had. While I think Linecum has far better stuff, a lot of it is a direct result of his quirky windup and throwing motion. Major league hitters could figure it out in the coming years.

The lineup.

C - Joe Mauer (26)
1B - Justin Morneau (28)
2B - Dustin Pedroia (25)
SS - Hanley Ramirez (25)
3B - Evan Longoria (23)

OF - BJ Upton (24)
OF - Jay Bruce (22)
OF - Grady Sizemore (26)

Guys I just couldn't leave off the list:

1B - Miguel Cabrera (26)
3B - David Wright (26)

I'll be completely honest. There were two guys who seemed like LOCKS in their position, and they were Joe Mauer and Dustin Pedroia. They just know baseball. It's unbelievable watching them play, some players just have that natural look or ability. However, I have one player who has gotten a LOT of hype and I believe - barring a Mark Prior like career - will be fantastic.

If you haven't heard of him, you will:

Bryce Harper (16)

And of course the kid who is so good he can't even get a rookie contract:

SP - Stephen Strasburg (21)

Another joy of being a sports fan? Watching the young talent grow from a high school phenom, become a star in college then get drafted and earn the money by fantastic play. My favorite list is doing this for football though. I have played with scouts inc. for years and think Mel Kiper Jr. has the greatest job in the country. I'm going to give everyone a hint. The starting QB for the under 26 team? Matt Ryan.