Recently I listed some American League players I feel do not get the proper recognition they deserve. Now, let's take a look at some National League players who really aren't as appreciated as they should be.
Pablo Sandoval-3B Giants. All he does is swing at every pitch that's within his area code and drive the ball all over the yard. Sandoval has hit at every level and he is hitting as an everyday player for the Giants. Where would they be without him? The big surprise is the amount of power he has shown. This guy just doesn't get the attention his season has deserved. For me, he's a Most Valuable Player candidate.
Joe Blanton-SP Phillies. Credit goes to the Phillies for recognizing Blanton's potential and upside. He has a very good arm and he has found a home where his efforts could help his team win another championship. Blanton is a fine right arm in a rotation where the lefties like Lee, Hamels and Happ get the attention. Along with Pedro at the back end of the rotation, the Phillies will be tough to beat.
Casey McGehee-3B Brewers. This is a guy playing in near obscurity in Milwaukee. He's hitting close to .300 and he has played all over the diamond. He has come up with some very big hits for the Brew Crew and the home team fans enjoy watching him play.
Wandy Rodriguez-SP Astros. This year, Wandy is beginning to realize his potential. By keeping hitters off balance with an array of off-speed breaking balls, Rodriguez is practically buried in Houston behind Roy Oswalt. He's gaining confidence in his ability to pitch on the road, a factor that haunted him in previous years. Soon people will have heard of Wandy Rodriguez-provided he keeps working to improve.
Miguel Montero-C Diamondbacks. Regular catcher Chris Snyder went down with a bad back and Miguel Montero took over. In the process of playing almost every game, Montero improved against breaking ball pitchers and he learned to take pitches where they are thrown. He's using the whole field and driving the ball to the gaps. Snyder may not regain his starting role when his back is strong again because Montero has quietly been that good. Or, Snyder may be used in a trade.
Michael Bourn-OF Astros. Credit goes to General Manager Ed Wade for having confidence in Bourn and giving him the opportunity to play his way onto the team. Bourn has responded by driving the ball up the middle, hitting near .300 and stealing nearly 50 bases. But Bourn is not yet a household name in a lineup that features the likes of Carlos Lee, Homer Pence, Lance Berkman and Miguel Tejada. Bourn sets the table.
Matt Diaz-Of Braves. Diaz is a right-handed hitting platoon player. He is very consistent in his ability to hit for a high average and have meaningful at-bats. He has some power and makes good contact. Diaz has had some big game winning hits for the Braves, but not many people other than baseball junkies like us know he exists.
Garrett Jones-1B Pirates. Who? We know, but does the general population know Garrett Jones? He has brought some real power to a power position for the Pirates. He makes good contact and he isn't afraid to take a base on balls. The icing on the cake is his almost double digit steals rate. He'll just get better.
Jayson Werth-OF Phillies- Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and who? Oh, right, Jayson Werth. He of the 30 home runs. Big power and not much ink for a guy that brings his lunch pail each and every game. People are starting to find out that there is a Jayson Werth.
Juan Pierre-OF Dodgers- Where would the Dodgers be today if Pierre didn't hold down the fort until Manny returned? All he did was get on base with regularity, steal bases and bring energy to a team that was in shock because of the suspension of Ramirez. What a shame that Pierre rests on the pines while Manny gets the glory. Some of the sting is reduced for him because of the hefty paycheck Pierre receives. But still, how about some kudos for a job very, very well done----very quietly.
There are certainly others like Jake Fox of the Cubs, Jair Jurrjens of the Braves, Everth Cabrera of the Padres, Jorge De La Rosa and Seth Smith of the Rockies that have made outstanding contributions to their teams without getting lots of recognition. And many, many more.
Those are my choices. I'd be interested in learning of yours. Comment below or contact me at [email protected]