2. David Ortiz BOS
Big Papi had a terrible, terrible start to the 2009 season, so that obviously makes fantasy owners wary. And that .238 average of his is sicker looking than Sarah Jessica Parker (I’m sorry, she looks like a foot). But, he still finished with 28 ding-dongs, 99 RBIs and 77 runs, which all in all, is a pretty good fantasy season. The problem arises though, is there that much left in the tank? Could his slow start extend even further into the season this year? And do you want to waste a valuable DH roster spot to find out?

3. Vladimir Guerrero TEX
Vladi had an injury-plagued season last year, but injuries come with Guerrero like Penn comes with Teller or peanut butter comes with jelly or…you catch my drift. He’s going to get hurt, plain and simple. Moving to DH full time won’t stop that. But, he has never hit below .300 since coming into the Majors, so don’t get discouraged by his .295 average—it was a fluke. He still has some power and can still drive in and score runs, especially in a big-time hitters ballpark while hitting in the middle of a big-time run-producing offense (I’m trying to say big-time as much as Ron Jaworski on Monday Night Football, in case you couldn’t tell).

4. Hideki Matsui LAA
Godzilla rode his World Series MVP into a big payday with the Angels and I see him continuing that trend with a solid season in Los Angeles. He hits lefties well, so you don’t have to worry about a platoon, and he may be the Angels’ leader in RBIs when it’s all said and done this year.

5. Jason Kubel MIN
Keebler Kubel has finally established himself as a .300-30-100 threat after tickling the fancies of players all around the league for the past two or so years. He always looked enticing, especially because back then he qualified for the outfield as well, but he never quite seemed to put it together. Consider it done. He’ll hit .300-30-100 again, or close to it.

6. Carlos Guillen DET
A true professional and a solid hitter, but one that is about as guaranteed to get hurt as I am to make a comparison to somebody having as up and down of a career as Britney Spears’. Guillen (no relation to CWS manager Ozzie, thank God) is a viable fantasy option when he’s on the field because he is one of the few guys on this list that will also qualify for something other than DH. He should qualify at first and outfield and he should help your fantasy team when healthy, but he won’t stay healthy all year, so draft a backup.

7. Travis Hafner
Pronk (man, there’s a lot of nicknames among the DHs) may have been on steroids. How else to you explain the ridiculous production he had a couple of years ago and the down years he’s had since? It looks as if he will never get back to his 40-homer days, but he may hit 20 for your squad this year. Too bad he only qualifies at DH.

8. Nick Johnson NYY
DHs are one of three things: a terrible fielder, an aging slugger who can’t chase down balls anymore or injury-prone. Johnson is the latter. He’s returning to where his career started—the Big Apple—and will take the at-bats Matsui vacated when he left for the opposite coast, but he won’t be worth drafting in fantasy, except in points leagues or any other leagues where walks count, because he’s pretty much guaranteed to grab 100 of them. He isn’t much of a power threat anymore and his average is on the wrong side of .300, though only slightly. Don’t take a risk unless your league is really, really deep.

9. Luke Scott BAL—Will hit some bombs and drive in some runs
10. Ken Griffey, Jr. SEA—The Kid is on his last leg, and it’s a leg not worth owning in fantasy
11. Jose Guillen KC—Not a bad option, but I’m worried Josh Fields will take some at-bats
12. Jack Cust OAK—Either whiffs, walks or homers, that’s all
13. Pat Burrell TB—His career seems about over since he left city of Brotherly Love
14. Josh Fields KC—I see him taking a few at-bats from aging Guillen
15. Mark Kotsay/Andruw Jones CWS—Will split at-bats, and thus, not worth owning unless you can sway your fantasy commish to have them come as a package deal like Penn and Teller or peanut butter and jelly or…

Tony Andracki

Brett Rosin

This past decade of baseball has been one for the ages. From record-setting personal seasons (Barry Bonds’ 73 home runs in 2001) to walk-off playoff game victories (See: David Ortiz circa 2004 or Luis Gonzalez in the ’01 World Series) and from the Mitchell Report and all of the ensuing problems, to Sammy Sosa’s corked bat, the past 10 years of Major League Baseball have been equal parts exciting and controversial.

Stemming from that, Bringingheat has compiled an All-Decade team that boasts a 25-man roster of players that is destined to stir up arguments about why each player was taken.

There were tough decisions at every position and even the shoe-in players like Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez were tough calls because they played half the decade at different positions, begging the question, which position should they play for the All-Decade team?

The roster was not chosen based off numbers alone. Rather, it was based off a combination of intangibles such as leadership ability and clubhouse likeability as well as awards, how successful they made their team and what position or spot in the lineup they would fulfill.

Let the debate begin:

Starting Lineup

Catcher—Joe Mauer

The argument can be made that Mauer isn’t necessarily worthy of this spot on the roster because he played in just six seasons in the decade, totaling just 699 games. However, in those 699, Mauer has built a resume that includes 844 hits, a .327 batting average, a .408 on-base percentage, a 2009 MVP award, three All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves and three Silver Slugger awards. He also finished 4^th in MVP voting in 2008 and 6^th in 2006. Before Mauer came along, no catcher had won a batting title since 1942, largely because most catchers get too banged up to garner enough at-bats to qualify. Mauer, however, already has three batting titles under his belt. With his newfound power (28 homers, 96 RBIs, .587 slugging percentage in ’09) and 34 career steals to go along with a 368-296 walk-strikeout ratio, the 26-year-old catcher is redefining the position. Good thing the Twins passed on Mark Prior and took him 1^st overall in the 2001 draft, huh?

First Baseman—Albert Pujols

Would anybody really be surprised at this selection? Pujols has graced the baseball world with his presence since the 2001 season and has compiled a profile so spectacular that it makes Hank Aaron’s stomach churn and dries Willie Mays’ mouth. If he keeps on this staggering pace, the 29-year-old first baseman will put any debate to rest and overtake the two as the greatest player to ever set foot on a baseball diamond. He’s been a model of consistency, playing at least 143 games in every season since ’01 and never hitting below .314 in a calendar year. He has won two straight NL MVP awards and took home another in 2005. In each of his nine seasons, Pujols has never finished outside of the top-10 in MVP voting, including three second-place finishes. He’s also won a Rookie of the Year award, a Gold Glove and five Silver Slugger awards while being selected to eight All Star Games. We could get into numbers, but we’d be here all day talking about Phat Albert. So, we’ll leave you with this stat: in his nine-year career, Pujols has a walk-strikeout ratio of 811-570. Astounding.

Second Baseman—Chase Utley

Utley is in the same breed as Mauer in that he has only played in seven seasons in the decade and has only been a top performer the last five years of that. However, the second base class was really thin and Utley’s five years were better than most everybody else’s 10. Jeff Kent’s overall numbers were better, but he played nine seasons and there were a lot of rumors that he was a clubhouse cancer, something the team of the decade does not need more than one of (See: Bonds, Barry). In his five years, Utley averaged 39 doubles, 29 homers, 101 RBIs, 111 runs, 15 stolen bases and boasted a .301 AVG and .388 OBP. He has won four straight Silver Sluggers, been named to four straight NL All Star teams and finished in the top-15 of MVP voting each of the five seasons he has been a regular starter. To top it off, he has helped carry his team to back-to-back NL Pennants, winning the World Series in ’08. His five homers and eight RBIs in the ’09 Series was legendary. Thus, paving the way on the All-Decade team for the new Mr. October.

Third Baseman—Alex Rodriguez

The question surrounding A-Rod was not whether he should be on the team or whether he should be in the starting lineup, but where he would play. He spent four seasons as a shortstop and the last six years of the decade as the Yankees’ third baseman. He, like Pujols was voted MVP three times in the decade, in 2003, 2005 and 2007. He was named to nine All Star teams, won seven Silver Sluggers and two Gold Gloves, though both came when he was a shortstop. He hit 30 homers and drove in 100 runs in each year of the ‘00s and never hit below .286. He totaled 435 homers, 1243 RBIs, 1190 runs, 179 stolen bases, 1740 hits and 850 walks in the decade while hitting .304, reaching base at a .401 clip and slugging .587 throughout that span. So what if he admitted to using steroids in 2001-03? The other seven years were more than enough to earn him a starting nod on the All-Decade team. That, and the fact that he’s had more high-profile girlfriends or mistresses in the decade than any other MLB star. We’ll let you decide which had more influence on us.

Shortstop—Derek Jeter

If you could choose one guy to lead the All-Decade team of the 2000s, who better to choose than The Captain? The man whose will (along with the pocketbooks of the Steinbrenners) was enough to lead his team to two championships in the decade. The man who totaled 1940 hits in the 10 years. His resume is jam-packed with goodies and little tidbits and stats that make him a must-have on the All-Decade team as is. But, if one statement can define him, think back to the play a few years back where he ran full speed into the third row of the stands at Yankee Stadium to catch a foul pop-up. He roughed up his chin on the play, but that desire and selflessness caught our attention. Couple that with five 200-hit seasons in the ‘00s and we’ve found ourselves the captain of the All-Decade team.

Left Fielder—Barry Bonds

We know, we know. He’s a jerk to the media and to his teammates. His image has been completely swallowed up with steroid allegations. More controversy has surrounded him than anybody else in the decade, including A-Rod. So why is he on the All-Decade team? Simple: how could we keep him off? It hasn’t been proven in a court of law that Bonds cheated in 2001, when he hit a record 73 homers. He is still the single-season leader in homers. He won four straight NL MVP awards from 2001-04 and led the league in walks seven times, batting average twice, OBP six times and slugging percentage four times. And all of that without recording an at-bat in the final two years of the decade. Domination, thy name is Barry Bonds.

Center Fielder—Ichiro Suzuki

The man who needs only one name also needed only one glance from us before we knew no All-Decade team would be complete without him. Ichiro kicked his decade off in the best fashion anybody possibly could with AL MVP and Rookie of the Year nods and an AL batting title. While that alone was enough to earn him consideration for this prestigious team, the Japanese transfer went on to record more than 200 hits in every season he played in, accumulated 2030 total hits in just nine seasons. He led the AL in hits six times and won two batting titles in the 2000s while earning an All-Star spot and Gold Glove each year. Subarashii. (That means “amazing” in Japanese, though they might as well just change it to Ichiro).

Right Fielder—Vladimir Guerrero

Vlady, Vlady, Vlady. Oh, how you disappointed us in 2009. But, man were you something throughout the decade. From 2000-08, Vlad never hit below .303, finished in the top 10 in MVP voting six times (he won it in 2004), won six Silver Sluggers, was named to seven All Star games and averaged 182 hits, 33 homers, 110 RBIs, 97 runs and 16 stolen bases. His final average for the decade was .323 and he even joined the 30-30 club in both 2001 and ’02. As if his offensive prowess wasn’t enough, Vlad carries a Howitzer for a right arm and combined with Ichiro in center, nobody would dare move up an extra base on this outfield. Of course, nobody would want to play an All-Decade team anyways. They’d get killed. But, that’s a different story for a different day.

Designated Hitter—David Ortiz

Come on, we had to include a designated hitter! We can’t possibly have the best pitchers of the decade hit for themselves. Now, that would just be ridiculous. So, if we’re plucking the best DH of the decade, how could it not be Ortiz? And, if we’re not choosing a set DH (‘cause why would we?) Big Papi deserves to be on this list. We know, that sounds ridiculous. The first three years of the decade were nothing to write home about, let alone worth writing about here. But, he was the offensive catalyst for a team that won two Championships in the decade and his late-inning heroics in the 2004 playoffs were legendary. His upbeat and light-hearted manner is a great addition to any clubhouse and it’s an attitude we welcome with open arms to our All-Decade team. Every championship-caliber team needs a prankster. Ortiz is ours. Deal with it. Oh, and the guy can hit, too, hence his position. He finished in the top five in MVP voting each year from 2003-07, won four straight Silver Sluggers in that span and was named to five straight All Star teams from ’04-’08.

Backup Catcher—Ivan Rodriguez

Pudge is arguably one of the best catchers of all-time and certainly one of the top catchers in the decade. Even though his most productive years both offensively and defensively came in the ‘90s, Pudge won five Gold Gloves in the ‘00s and was named to six All Star games. He wasn’t an offensive juggernaut, averaging just 16 homers, 64 RBIs, 66 runs and a .298 AVG in the 10 years, but he hit over .300 five times, including a .347 AVG in 2000 and a .334 AVG in 2004. He was also the leader of the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins, providing a leadership in the dugout that is unrivaled. (Noticing a common theme here? Postseason, good clubhouse influences. It’s not just about numbers, folks.)

Backup Corner Infielder—Todd Helton

Helton reached the age of 34 and suddenly became injury prone, turning in a terribly down season in 2008, especially by his standards. But, from 2000-07 Helton made five straight All Star teams and won four Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers. He recorded 1500 hits in those eight years, averaging 30 bombs, 108 RBIs and 112 runs per season. In 2000 alone, he led the NL in hits (216), doubles (59), RBIs (147), AVG, OBP and SLG while boasting a 103-61 walk-strikeout ratio. Man, if he had more seasons like that, Pujols would have to worry about playing time in this fantasy land where we get to coach the MLB elite.

Backup Middle Infielder—Jimmy Rollins

J-Roll is the only player to have the length of his career span the entire decade from start to finish. He only managed 14 games in 2000, but broke out in ’01 with 46 steals and 97 runs while leading the NL in at-bats. Since then, he has been the leadoff hitters for one of the best offenses of the decade, scoring an average of 104 runs from ’01-’09. He made headlines when he declared the Phillies the team to beat before the 2007 season. The Phillies had to wait a year for their world-renowned success, but Rollins did everything he could to get the Phils to that point, leading the NL in games played, plate appearances, at-bats, runs and triples. His numbers were good enough for an MVP nod and helped earn him enough attention to take home his first of three straight Gold Gloves. And obviously, Rollins was the table-setter for the NL Pennant-winning Phillies the past two seasons. Plus, it’s always good to have a speed demon and switch hitter on the bench, even for the All-Decade team.

Backup Outfielder—Carlos Beltran

We know, the biggest surprise on the list, huh? Why do you think we saved him until last? He flew under the radar most of the ‘00s since he played for the surprisingly shameless Kansas City Royals for the first half. But, Beltran quietly put up some monster numbers in the decade, recording seven seasons of 100 or more RBIs, six seasons of at least 100 runs, six years of 25+ bombs and five seasons of 25+ steals. He was just two homers short of the sacred 40-40 club in 2004, as well. Beltran also made five trips to the All-Star game and even won three Gold Gloves. It really came down to the wire between him and Torii Hunter’s nine Gold Gloves, but Beltran was far superior offensively. Hunter might be a better clubhouse addition, but we got enough leadership on this team.

Pitching Staff

1) Randy Johnson

Who better in the 2000′s? 3 Cy Youngs (2000, 2001, 2002). 4 time all star (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004). Co MVP of World Series (2001). 4 strike out crowns. (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004). Perfect game (2004).  143-79 with 2268 K’s and an ERA of 3.57 (which was elevated due to the last couple years.) 32 CGs with 12 shutouts.  He made 30 starts or more 7 times. Frankly- who was more terrifying to face? The man is 6-10 and throws 100 mph from a 3/4 arm slot to side arm from the left side. Throw in the old long hair and seriously…be afraid. He’s my ace. He’s the guy I want on the mound for me in his prime and I’ll throw my hat in the ring for him being called the best left hander of ALL TIME.

2) Pedro Martinez

His yin to Randy’s yang. Or something like that. Pedro was dominating. Period.  1 Cy Young (2000). 4 time All Star (2000, 2002, 2005, 2006). 3 time ERA king (2000, 2002, 2003).  2 time strike out leader (2000, 2002).  He went 112- 50 with a 3.16 ERA and 1620 K’s. He threw 18 CG’s with 6 SO’s and in 2000 he put together arguably the best pitching performance since the Gibson days with a 18-6 recrod with 284 K’s and a 1.74 ERA and an even more unreal 0.74 WHIP. We as baseball fans were robbed a little bit when Pedro underwent his shoulder surgery, but when on…he was truly a force on the mound. He was one of those few guys where you know all you need is 1 run to win a game.

3) Roger Clemens

Steroids or no Steroids. He’s the rocket and there’s no way I’m leaving him off my team due to some shady business. I care only about what he was able to do on the mound and he was one of the toughest right handers of all time. Bulldog and work ethic are 2 words that come to mind when thinking about the rocket. In this decade he was a 4 time all star (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005). 2 Cy Youngs (2001, 2004).  Rocket went 107- 50 with a 2.68 ERA and 1356 K’s.  He was definitely a big time pitcher and he was just as good in the 2000′s as he was in the 1990′s. Outstanding.

4) Johan Santana

How did Houston let this guy go? Chosen in the rule 5 draft by the Twins, Johan emerged as the top left hander today. He’s completely dominated for a good part of the decade and it’s tough to leave him off my rotation. He was a 4 time all star (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009). He won 2 Cy Youngs (2004, 2006). Won the pitching triple crown in 2006. (Led league in wins, ERA, k’s.).  Led the league in wins in 2006. Led the league in K’s in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Led the league in ERA in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Johan went 122-60 with an ERA of 3.12 and 1733 K’s. He finished the decade with a 1.11 WHIP which is just nasty. I truly hope this guy regains his health so he can continue to dominate.

5) Roy Halladay

Doc was able to reinvent his delivery through the decade and frankly- that saved his career. He once relied on nothing but 95-97 mph fastballs with no movements and was completely lit up. After being sent back to the minors the Doc changed his arm angle and learned his now famous sinker and cutter. Everything he throws moves and moves alot and it doesn’t help hitters that he can control everything he throws with ease. Roy earned his way into my rotation by being a 6 time all star (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009) while winning the Cy Young in 2003. Doc went 139- 69 with 1400 K’s and an ERA of 3.43. He might not lead the league in K’s every year, but there’s few better than doc getting guys out. The thing that really stands out to me today is the fact Halladay threw 47 CG’s with 14 SO’s. In the age of pitch counts and innings pitched, he simply goes out every start saying I’m throwing 9 and you’ll like it. Awesome to watch and I hope he continues his dominance. If he does, you’ll see him on another decade team.

Bullpen

Middle Relief- CC Sabathia

CC emerged as one of the best left handers in baseball since his debut way back in 2001 with Cleveland. Throughout the 00′s, CC made 3 all star teams and won a Cy Young award. He compiled a 136-81 record with 1590 k’s and an ERA of 3.62. CC takes the ball every start, no matter how much rest he had and says I will beat you. That’s something I absolutely love about the big man from California. Why did he make this team you ask? Simple- name me a better left hander that can get left handers out in the bullpen? Whose more dominant and who else would you turn to as a lefty specialist. Mike Myers? Jeff Fassaro? Thanks for no thanks. I’ll take CC anyday of the week and twice on Sunday. That 3/4 release point, while being 6’7 while throwing in the mid to upper 90′s with that snap dragon slider? Phew

Middle Relief- John Smoltz

Smoltzy did it all through the 2000′s. He started. He closed. He dominated both and at one time was the nastiest reliever in baseball. He’s gone through the battles of Tommy John and a complete shoulder reconstruction and is still going. Through the decade- Smoltz went 54-42 with 154 saves out of 169 oppertunies. Good for a 91% save percentage. Going back and forth from dominating starter to dominating reliever is not an easy thing to do but Smoltz did it. I want that Smoltz in my bullpen with no questions asked.

Middle Relief-Eric Gagne

It’s hard to leave out a reliever that won a cy young award (2003.) Went to 3 all star games (2002, 2003, 2004) and won a couple Rolaids Reliever of the year awards. For a few years, Gagne was the best. He was better than Nathan, and even better than Mariano. He was lights out, and the game truly was over when he came into the game. He holds the record with 84 straight saves, and that’s something that will be difficult to catch. It all went downhill for Gagne when it was discovered he was doing Steroids, but I choose not to hold any bias towards users. After that, it was nothing but injury to Gagne and unfortunately the days of stardom are done. Throughout the decade Gagne saved 187 games while blowing only 17 good for a 92% save percentage. ( 7 of those came in his last year in Milwaukee.) Pretty darn good. Would you leave him out of your bullpen in the mid 2000′s? I didn’t think so.

Middle Relief- Joe Nathan

Nathan started the decade in the Giants bullpen and for some reason- they didn’t see what the Twins saw. Domination. Traded to Minnesota prior to the 2004 year, the Twins immediately made him their closer. Good decision. Since then Nathan has gone on to save 246 games while blowing only 29. That would be good for a 90% save percentage. He’s been a steady workhorse for the Twins and I don’t think they have the success they’ve had over the last 7 years without this guy. He’s been nails and he’s absolutely dirty. When the Twins starters know it’s an 8 inning game, it really does make things a lot easier. Joe Nathan- I will draft you in at least one league next year since I never have before.

Set Up Man-Trevor Hoffman

Trevor Hoffman has the most career saves in the history of baseball. He’s still doing it today throwing 83 mph. Pretty good if you ask me. He made 5 all star games through the decade (2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009) after being converted from can you believe…a shortstop? Hells Bells closed 363 games through the decade while blowing 40. That would come out to be a 91% save percentage. He possesses one of the best changeups in the game and that’s been his bread and butter for quite awhile. The one thing I love about Hoffman is he doesn’t have that 99 mph fastball most closers have. He gets you out by out thinking you and it’s just fun to watch.

Set Up Man- Billy Wagner

Who would believe that Billy Wagner as a kid was a right handed pitcher? After breaking his right arm twice, he taught himself how to throw left handed. I can stop there right? Okay I’ll keep going. He’s only 5’10 at best and throws 100 mph. I wonder if he can teach me? His slider has been a pitch no one can hit. I feel bad for lefties- now you see it…now you don’t. Hitting a 90 mph slider can’t be easy. In 10 years, Wagner went 284-328 in save oppertunities. 87% isn’t bad but frankly- every pen needs a left handed specialist right? Who better than Wagner?

Closer- Mariano Rivera

My guess is- no one is surprised by this. Mariano made the all star team every year outside of 2002, 2007. What were those managers thinking? Speaking of what were they thinking- did anyone know that Mariano was left unprotected during the expansion draft for the Marlins and Rockies? Well- back then Mariano was an average prospect at best, but still. What makes Mariano so amazing is that he does everything he does with ONE pitch. It’s so good, hitters know it’s coming and they can’t hit it. I’ll make a case for it to be the single most nastiest pitch in history. Well…maybe his spitter but who really knows about that one. I guess I’ll throw out some numbers for everyone- 397 saves with 40 blown saves- that would be a strong…91%. That’s not even talking about his postseason numbers. There is no one else I’d wanna give the ball too in the 9th inning in game 7 with a lead. I didn’t even think twice about naming him my closer for my decade pitching staff….I hope you didn’t either.

Vladdy was hurt quite a bit over the last couple years, but when healthy has still proven to be a lethal weapon in the middle of the order. This postseason he hit .378 with an OBS of a strong .966 during the Angels run while having at least 1 hit in every game. He’s absolutely still a threat that teams will have to prepare for day in and day out and with not resigning Jermaine Dye, they’ll need a power bat to protect Paul Konerko as throwing youngster Gordon Beckham in that role might serve as too much pressure. Some people have said Vladdy can no longer hit a fastball. I’m sure if you ask Johnathon Papelbon that he’ll give you a different response.

Come on Kenny- I’m sure Sox fans would welcome this move.