That era has come and gone, but a new one has risen, albeit at a different position. Just like those shortstops captivated baseball fans last decade, it is now baseball's second basemen who are stealing the show.
With the Red Sox and Yankees meeting this weekend, that's an obvious place to start, as both teams have MVP-caliber players at second base. In fact, Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia already has an MVP award. He's also got a Rookie of the Year. And a Gold Glove. And a Silver Slugger. And most importantly, a World Series ring.
While Pedroia has built an incredible resume already, there are plenty who think that Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. The game comes so incredibly easy to Cano — almost too easy — who makes the game look effortless at times. It's not really a matter of if Cano will win an MVP or several of his own, as much as it is a matter of when.
The National League East also has a couple of solid guys at second base, to say the least. Chase Utley is probably the best second baseman in the NL, and he's got the resume to prove it. He's a five-time All-Star with incredible offensive game, but injuries have slowed him some in the past couple of years. Dan Uggla deserves to be in any conversation of the game's elite second basemen, as he has arguably the most power of anyone at the position in the game.
Brandon Phillips is another player like Cano, who has unbelievable talents. Phillips is a two-time Gold Glove winner, and he's one of the best defenders at the position. He can swing it, too. He's averaged 21 home runs and over 80 RBIs in his five full season in the bigs.
Who is the best second baseman in baseball? Share your thoughts below.
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