Tom Verducci's Most Intriguing Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 6, 2011

Tom Verducci's Most Intriguing Players

Bryce Harper

Yes, a Class A player makes the list. If Hagerstown Suns games should be televised -- like some minor league starts of Strasburg last year -- I'm watching and you should, too. Harper is an 18-year-old kid with light-tower power who could be in the big leagues by the end of this season. A confident personality, and already an ambassador for the game, Harper is comfortable in the spotlight.

Derek Jeter

There is no denying his star power. His replica jersey was the top seller of 2010, even in a down season when he hit .270. He might no longer be an impact player, but he has become newly fascinating now that the decline phase of his career has become such a closely watched story.

Albert Pujols

Perhaps we take for granted his consistency at an elite level. He has finished first or second in MVP voting seven times in his first 10 seasons. He's just not the drawing card his numbers would suggest. The intrigue about his contract, which expires after this season, does make him more compelling this year.

Felix Hernandez

The list is starting to lose big-time star power, at least as far as appeal to casual fans. Hernandez is a brilliant pitcher who is fun to watch and turns only 25 years old this week. But he pitches for a bad team in the Northwest and never has pitched in a postseason game.

Jason Heyward

At 250 pounds, Heyward has a physically imposing presence, but also a magnetic smile, a knack for the dramatic (he and Kaz Matsui are the only players to homer on Opening Day in each of their first two seasons) and the appeal of being so youthful. Not 22 years old until August, Heyward is younger than Blake Griffin, Cam Newton and Christian Colon, the Royals' first-round pick, and fourth overall, in the last draft.

Roy Halladay

The guy delivers big moments. In his first season with a contender, Halladay won 21 games, threw a perfect game and threw a postseason no-hitter. He also has a Nolan Ryan-like dignified presence, especially having overcome early career failures.

Aroldis Chapman

Nothing subtle here. Even the most casual fan understands the sheer entertainment value of throwing a baseball as hard as anybody who ever lived. Chapman makes pitch speeds look like cheesy FM radio stations. (You're listening to Power 105.1 FM!)

Brian Wilson

I have no idea how he is not lefthanded. Wilson is a brilliant self-promoter, friend of Charlie Sheen, national product endorser and sought-after talk show guest bedecked with signature facial hair - a ridiculously thick and dark hedgerow of a beard. He also has a violent delivery and an upper-90s fastball.

Josh Hamilton

The backstory of fighting the demons of drug addiction is poignant, but Hamilton also is a 240-pound outfielder who scores from second base on infield grounders and hits 500-foot home runs. He has a lot of Mickey Mantle in him.

Tim Lincecum

It's the undersized body, the whirling delivery, the hair, the strikeouts, The Freak nickname, the slacker youthfulness and now the World Series ring.