All Sports Talk | All the Time
Now that the NBA trade deadline has passed, your head is no doubt spinning. Players were traded back and forth like it was going out of style. As the dust settles on the 2011 NBA trade deadline, let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers this year.
The criterion is simple. If you are aged 25 or younger, you are eligible for our list. No matter if you came into Major League Baseball at 18 and are a seasoned vet, or if you just finished your rookie campaign and are looking to build upon a solid first year.
Our list of top, young third basemen already contains some household names, which is in stark contrast to other positions on our list. The sampling of third basemen under the age of 25 is small, yet distinguished and when we get down to brass tax, there are only two names on the list.
These young pitchers possess fresh arms, explosive stuff, and enough creativity to keep even the most veteran hitters off balance. Some names on the list have been around for a while, in fact, they have been around long enough to be dubbed royalty.
Ah shortstop, the glamour position. Every little league kid wants to play shortstop and generally at that young age, that’s where most of the talent goes. It is probably the most important position on the diamond, with the exception of the pitcher.
Teams usually balance out one young middle infielder with a seasoned vet as their double play combo which means that the number of qualifying second basemen in the Majors last year was slim pickings. There are a couple players on this list who have a real shot to do something great if given the chance.
Out of all the positions proudly displaying young talent, the outfield positions probably garner the most attention. With a plethora of young stars including Jason Heyward of the Braves, Jay Bruce of the Reds, Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates and many more, the outfield has plenty of speed, power, and razzle-dazzle to keep you glued to your TV set.
First base is another tricky position for youngsters to break into. Without offending any first basemen in the audience, careers once started at other, more glamorous positions, often die at first base. With that being said, however, there are three standout first basemen in the majors today who are all under the age of 25.
Catchers have a difficult task and are arguably the smartest players on the field. They must keep control of the pitching staff, relay signals from the dugout, and yeah, take their turn at the plate ever 9 batters. Young catchers are hard to find for a couple of reasons.
This is the last in a four part series, covering both AL & NL teams that hold Spring Training in the Cactus League (Arizona) and the Grapefruit League (Florida).
Find your favorite team, slap on the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy some Spring Training Baseball.
