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And finally the starting pitchers to complete this year's rankings. The list is made up of the top 120 pitchers in games started. Francisco Liriano did not make the cut while Roger Clemens and Jered Weaver were among the last five to make it. I factor in the same stats as I did for the relievers but I also include ERA+ for the starters. As I mentioned in my 2006 awards entry I wasn't sure if I'd end up changing my selection the 3rd best pitcher in the A.L. I picked C.C. Sabathia for 3rd when I posted the entry but as you'll see that changed here in the rankings. 2004 Top 10 1. Randy Johnson 2. Johan Santana 3. Ben Sheets 4. Curt Schilling 5. Jason Schmidt 6. Roger Clemens 7. Jake Peavy 8. Carl Pavano 9. Brad Radke 10. Oliver Perez 2005 Top 10 1. Roger Clemens 2. Johan Santana 3. Andy Pettitte 4. Pedro Martinez 5. Dontrelle Willis 6. Chris Carpenter 7. Jake Peavy 8. John Smoltz 9. Roy Oswalt 10. Mark Buehrle 2006 Starting Pitcher Rankings 1. Johan Santana, Twins 2. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks 3. Roy Oswalt, Astros 4. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals 5. Roy Halladay, Blue Jays 6. John Smoltz, Braves 7. Bronson Arroyo, Reds 8. Aaron Harang, Reds 9. John Lackey, Angels 10. Jason Schmidt, Giants 11. Mike Mussina, Yankees 12. Curt Schilling, Red Sox 13. C.C. Sabathia, Indians 14. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs 15. Jered Weaver, Angels 16. Derek Lowe, Dodgers 17. Chien-Ming Wang, Yankees 18. Dan Haren, A's 19. Chris Capuano, Brewers 20. Jason Jennings, Rockies 21. Roger Clemens, Astros 22. Scott Kazmir, Devil Rays 23. Erik Bedard, Orioles 24. Chris Young, Padres 25. Jeremy Bonderman, Tigers 26. Justin Verlander, Tigers 27. Brett Myers, Phillies 28. Barry Zito, A's 29. Josh Johnson, Marlins 30. Jake Peavy, Padres 31. Kelvim Escobar, Angels 32. Dave Bush, Brewers 33. Kenny Rogers, Tigers 34. Greg Maddux, Cubs/Dodgers 35. Matt Cain, Giants 36. Nate Robertson, Tigers 37. Kevin Millwood, Rangers 38. Tom Glavine, Mets 39. Jose Contreras, White Sox 40. Dontrelle Willis, Marlins 41. Jeff Francis, Rockies 42. Clay Hensley, Padres 43. Freddy Garcia, White Sox 44. Jon Garland, White Sox 45. Aaron Cook, Rockies 46. Ervin Santana, Angels 47. Jake Westbrook, Indians 48. Brad Penny, Dodgers 49. Andy Pettitte, Astros 50. Vincente Padilla, Rangers 51. Javier Vazquez, White Sox 52. A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays 53. Cole Hamels, Phillies 54. Jamie Moyer, Mariners/Phillies 55. Scott Olsen, Marlins 56. Felix Hernandez, Mariners 57. Woody Williams, Padres 58. Ted Lilly, Blue Jays 59. Zach Duke, Pirates 60. Jeff Suppan, Cardinals 61. Josh Beckett, Red Sox 62. Brad Radke, Twins 63. Miguel Batista, Diamondbacks 64. Pedro Martinez, Mets 65. Orlando Hernandez, Diamondbacks/Mets 66. Randy Johnson, Yankees 67. Cliff Lee, Indians 68. Mark Hendrickson, Devil Rays/Dodgers 69. Ian Snell, Pirates 70. Joe Blanton, A's 71. Doug Davis, Brewers 72. Jarrod Washburn, Mariners 73. Gil Meche, Mariners 74. Tim Hudson, Braves 75. Matt Morris, Giants 76. Livan Hernandez, Nationals/Diamondbacks 77. Jon Lieber, Phillies 78. Daniel Cabrera, Orioles 79. Noah Lowry, Giants 80. Jaret Wright, Yankees 81. Claudio Vargas, Diamondbacks 82. Cory Lidle, Phillies/Yankees 83. Tim Wakefield, Red Sox 84. Mark Buehrle, White Sox 85. Esteban Loaiza, A's 86. Kris Benson, Orioles 87. Paul Maholm, Pirates 88. James Shields, Devil Rays 89. Eric Milton, Reds 90. Rick Nolasco, Marlins 91. Chan Ho Park, Padres 92. Steve Trachsel, Mets 93. Byung-Hyun Kim, Rockies 94. Jamey Wright, Giants 95. Paul Byrd, Indians 96. Mike O'Connor, Nationals 97. Adam Loewen, Orioles 98. Josh Fogg, Rockies 99. Taylor Buchholz, Astros 100. Tony Armas Jr., Nationals 101. Elizardo Ramirez, Reds 102. John Koronka, Rangers 103. Rodrigo Lopez, Orioles 104. Mark Redman, Royals 105. Casey Fossum, Devil Rays 106. Scott Elarton, Royals 107. Jeff Weaver, Angels/Cardinals 108. Ramon Ortiz, Nationals 109. Sean Marshall, Cubs 110. Jae Seo, Dodgers/Devil Rays 111. Odalis Perez, Dodgers/Royals 112. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros 113. Carlos Silva, Twins 114. Jason Marquis, Cardinals 115. Jason Johnson, Indians/Red Sox/Reds 116. Joel Pineiro, Mariners 117. Runelvys Hernandez, Royals 118. Brian Moehler, Marlins 119. Shawn Chacon, Yankees/Pirates 120. Oliver Perez, Pirates/Mets

Closer list is the Top 30 in saves, of course saves are not factored in the rankings. Same statistics taken into account as middle relievers but I also include Win Shares for closers. 2004 Top 3 1. Brad Lidge 2. Joe Nathan 3. Eric Gagne 2005 Top 3 1. Mariano Rivera 2. Billy Wagner 3. Todd Jones 2006 Closer Rankings 1. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox 2. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays 3. Joe Nathan, Twins 4. J.J. Putz, Mariners 5. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels 6. Mariano Rivera, Yankees 7. Takashi Saito, Dodgers 8. Billy Wagner, Mets 9. Trevor Hoffman, Padres 10. Akinori Otsuka, Rangers 11. Huston Street, A's 12. Chris Ray, Orioles 13. Chad Cordero, Nationals 14. Mike Gonzalez, Pirates 15. Francisco Cordero, Rangers/Brewers 16. Brian Fuentes, Rockies 17. Bobby Jenks, White Sox 18. Tom Gordon, Phillies 19. Bob Wickman, Indians/Braves 20. Joe Borowski, Marlins 21. Todd Jones, Tigers 22. Jorge Julio, Mets/Diamondbacks 23. Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals 24. Brad Lidge, Astros 25. Ryan Dempster, Cubs 26. Armando Benitez, Giants 27. Jose Valverde, Diamondbacks 28. Eddie Guradado, Mariners/Reds 29. Ambriorix Burgos, Royals 30. Derrick Turnbow, Brewers

Now moving on to pitchers, starting with the middle men. Now the previous two years I took the top 60 in relief apperances, not counting closers, to put the list together. This time around though I took the top 60 in that most meaningless of stats, Holds. But as worthless as it is at least helps identify who managers trusted to use when their team had a lead since the majority of managers have a phobia when it comes to using their best relievers when they are trailing or tied. Now for middle relievers I will take into account these statistics: Component ERA (ERC), K/BB Ratio, WHIP, VORP, Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), and Pitching Runs Created (PRC). I don't use Win Shares when it comes to middle men because the majority of them don't get very many of them. I also don't use ERA+ for middle relievers or closers as I feel a relievers ERA can be very deceiving with the smaller sample size and the specialization of their use. 2004 Top 5 1. Tom Gordon 2. Francisco Rodriguez 3. B.J. Ryan 4. Akinori Otsuka 5. Juan Rincon 2005 Top 5 1. Justin Duchscherer 2. Scott Linebrink 3. Dan Wheeler 4. Al Reyes 5. Bob Howry 2006 Middle Reliever Rankings 1. Cla Meredith, Padres 2. Scot Shields, Angels 3. Dennys Reyes, Twins 4. Joel Zumaya, Tigers 5. Dan Wheeler, Astros 6. Rafael Soriano, Mariners 7. Scott Proctor, Yankees 8. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers 9. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals 10. Bob Howry, Cubs 11. Justin Duchscherer, A's 12. Geoff Geary, Phillies 13. Aaron Heilman, Mets 14. Juan Rincon, Twins 15. Jon Rauch, Nationals 16. Scott Linebrink, Padres 17. Chad Qualls, Astros 18. Kiko Calero, A's 19. Trever Miller, Astros 20. Luis Vizcaino, Diamondbacks 21. Matt Capps, Pirates 22. Salomon Torres, Pirates 23. Braden Looper, Cardinals 24. Duaner Sanchez, Mets 25. Todd Coffey, Reds 26. Matt Thornton, White Sox 27. Alan Embree, Padres 28. Justin Speier, Blue Jays 29. Rheal Cormier, Phillies/Reds 30. Francisco Rodney, Tigers 31. Joel Peralta, Royals 32. Brandon Lyon, Diamondbacks 33. Scott Eyre, Cubs 34. Mike Stanton, Nationals/Giants 35. Joe Kennedy, A's 36. Kyle Farnsworth, Yankees 37. Elmer Dessens, Royals/Dodgers 38. Jose Mesa, Rockies 39. Scott Schoeneweis, Blue Jays/Reds 40. Taylor Tankersley, Marlins 41. Jose Capellan, Brewers 42. Keith Foulke, Red Sox 43. Damaso Marte, Pirates 44. George Sherrill, Mariners 45. Roberto Hernandez, Pirates/Mets 46. Danys Baez, Dodgers/Braves 47. LaTroy Hawkins, Orioles 48. Mike Timlin, Red Sox 49. Shawn Camp, Devil Rays 50. Manny Delcarmen, Red Sox 51. Mike Myers, Yankees 52. Steve Kline, Giants 53. Logan Kensing, Marlins 54. Brian Shouse, Rangers/Brewers 55. Matt Wise, Brewers 56. Arthur Rhodes, Phillies 57. Neal Cotts, White Sox 58. Randy Flores, Cardinals 59. Todd Williams, Orioles 60. Ray King, Rockies

2004 Top 3 1. Bobby Abreu 2. J.D. Drew 3. Lance Berkman 2005 Top 3 1. Brian Giles 2. Vladimir Guerrero 3. Gary Sheffield 2006 Rightfielder Rankings 1. Jermaine Dye, White Sox 2. Bobby Abreu, Phillies/Yankees 3. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels 4. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners 5. Michael Cuddyer, Twins 6. J.D. Drew, Dodgers 7. Alex Rios, Blue Jays 8. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers 9. Brian Giles, Padres 10. Brad Hawpe, Rockies 11. Austin Kearns, Reds/Nationals 12. Moises Alou, Giants 13. Jacque Jones, Cubs 14. Mark DeRosa, Rangers 15. Geoff Jenkins, Brewers 16. Casey Blake, Indians 17. Milton Bradley, A's 18. Juan Encarnacion, Cardinals 19. Nick Markakis, Orioles 20. Xavier Nady, Mets/Pirates 21. Jeff Francoeur, Braves 22. Randy Winn, Giants 23. Shawn Green, Diamondbacks/Mets 24. Trot Nixon, Red Sox 25. Kevin Mench, Rangers/Brewers 26. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins 27. Reggie Sanders, Royals 28. Jason Lane, Astros 29. Jeromy Burnitz, Pirates 30. Jose Guillen, Nationals

2004 Top 3 1. Jim Edmonds 2. Carlos Beltran 3. Johnny Damon 2005 Top 3 1. Jim Edmonds 2. Grady Sizemore 3. Andruw Jones 2006 Centerfielder Rankings 1. Carlos Beltran, Mets 2. Grady Sizemore, Indians 3. Vernon Wells, Blue Jays 4. Andruw Jones, Braves 5. Mike Cameron, Padres 6. Johnny Damon, Yankees 7. Gary Matthews Jr., Rangers 8. Torii Hunter, Twins 9. Curtis Granderson, Tigers 10. Rocco Baldelli, Devil Rays 11. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks 12. Kenny Lofton, Dodgers 13. Corey Patterson, Orioles 14. Chone Figgins, Angels 15. Juan Pierre, Cubs 16. Jim Edmonds, Cardinals 17. Shane Victorino, Phillies 18. Ken Griffey Jr., Reds 19. Mark Kotsay, A's 20. Willy Taveras, Astros 21. Steve Finley, Giants 22. Coco Crisp, Red Sox 23. Aaron Rowand, Phillies 24. Brady Clark, Brewers 25. Cory Sullivan, Rockies 26. Chris Duffy, Pirates 27. Joey Gathright, Devil Rays/Royals 28. Alfredo Amezaga, Marlins 29. Brian Anderson, White Sox 30. Reggie Abercrombie, Marlins

2004 Top 3 1. Barry Bonds 2. Manny Ramirez 3. Adam Dunn 2005 Top 3 1. Manny Ramirez 2. Jason Bay 3. Miguel Cabrera 2006 Leftfielder Rankings 1. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox 2. Alfonso Soriano, Nationals 3. Barry Bonds, Giants 4. Jason Bay, Pirates 5. Carlos Lee, Brewers/Rangers 6. Matt Holliday, Rockies 7. Raul Ibanez, Mariners 8. Carl Crawford, Devil Rays 9. Juan Rivera, Angels 10. Adam Dunn, Reds 11. Reed Johnson, Blue Jays 12. Pat Burrell, Phillies 13. Dave Roberts, Padres 14. Josh Willingham, Marlins 15. Davd DeJesus, Royals 16. Emil Brown, Royals 17. Frank Catalanotto, Blue Jays 18. Jay Payton, A's 19. Craig Monroe, Tigers 20. Matt Murton, Cubs 21. Andre Ethier, Dodgers 22. Luis Gonzalez, Diamondbacks 23. Garret Anderson, Angels 24. Melky Cabrera, Yankees 25. Preston Wilson, Astros/Cardinals 26. Cliff Floyd, Mets 27. Ryan Langerhans, Braves 28. Jason Michaels, Indians 29. Scott Podsednik, White Sox 30. Brad Wilkerson, Rangers

2004 Top 3 1. Miguel Tejada 2. Carlos Guillen 3. Michael Young 2005 Top 3 1. Michael Young 2. Miguel Tejada 3. Derek Jeter 2006 Shortstop Rankings 1. Derek Jeter, Yankees 2. Jose Reyes, Mets 3. Carlos Guillen, Tigers 4. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers 5. Miguel Tejada, Orioles 6. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 7. Michael Young, Rangers 8. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies 9. Bill Hall, Brewers 10. Orlando Cabrera, Angels 11. Edgar Renteria, Braves 12. Omar Vizquel, Giants 13. Felipe Lopez, Reds/Nationals 14. Jason Bartlett, Twins 15. Jhonny Peralta, Indians 16. Khalil Greene, Paders 17. Julio Lugo, Devil Rays/Dodgers 18. Yuniesky Betancourt, Mariners 19. David Eckstein, Cardinals 20. Jack Wilson, Pirates 21. Juan Uribe, White Sox 22. Adam Everett, Astros 23. Alex Gonzalez, Red Sox 24. Craig Counsell, Diamondbacks 25. Bobby Crosby, A's 26. Royce Clayton, Nationals/Reds 27. Clint Barmes, Rockies 28. Ronny Cedeno, Cubs 29. John McDonald, Blue Jays 30. Angel Berroa, Royals

2004 Top 3 1. Adrian Beltre 2. Scott Rolen 3. Melvin Mora 2005 Top 3 1. Alex Rodriguez 2. Morgan Ensberg 3. David Wright 2006 3rd Basemen Rankings 1. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins 2. David Wright, Mets 3. Garett Atkins, Rockies 4. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees 5. Chipper Jones, Braves 6. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs 7. Freddy Sanchez, Pirates 8. Scott Rolen, Cardinals 9. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 10. Mark Teahen, Royals 11. Joe Crede, White Sox 12. Troy Glaus, Blue Jays 13. Adrian Beltre, Mariners 14. Mike Lowell, Red Sox 15. Morgan Ensberg, Astros 16. Eric Chavez, A's 17. Brandon Inge, Tigers 18. Edwin Encarnacion, Reds 19. Melvin Mora, Orioles 20. Chad Tracy, Diamondbacks 21. Macier Izturis, Angels 22. Aubrey Huff, Devil Rays/Astros 23. Corey Koskie, Brewers 24. David Bell, Phillies/Brewers 25. Hank Blalock, Rangers 26. Nick Punto, Twins 27. Pedro Feliz, Giants 28. Aaron Boone, Indians 29. Abraham Nunez, Phillies 30. Vinny Castilla, Padres/Rockies

No College Football Wrap Up today as I was out of town yesterday and missed the majority of the games, not that any of my "insights" ever require watching the games. On to the next rankings... 2004 Top 3 1. Mark Loretta 2. Jeff Kent 3. Ray Durham 2005 Top 3 1. Brian Roberts 2. Jeff Kent 3. Chase Utley 2006 2nd Basemen Rankings 1. Chase Utley, Phillies 2. Ray Durham, Giants 3. Dan Uggla, Marlins 4. Robinson Cano, Yankees 5. Jeff Kent, Dodgers 6. Orlando Hudson, Diamondbacks 7. Tadahito Iguchi, White Sox 8. Josh Barfield, Padres 9. Brian Roberts, Orioles 10. Luis Castillo, Twins 11. Jose Valentin, Mets 12. Jose Lopez, Mariners 13. Brandon Phillips, Reds 14. Marcus Giles, Braves 15. Ian Kinsler, Rangers 16. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays 17. Mark Grudzielanek, Royals 18. Jamey Carroll, Rockies 19. Rickie Weeks, Brewers 20. Mark Loretta, Red Sox 21. Adam Kennedy, Angels 22. Jose Vidro, Nationals 23. Tony Graffanino, Royals/Brewers 24. Mark Ellis, A's 25. Placido Polanco, Tigers 26. Ronnie Belliard, Indians/Cardinals 27. Craig Biggio, Astros 28. Aaron Miles, Cardinals 29. Jorge Cantu, Devil Rays 30. Jose Castillo, Pirates

2004 Top 3 1. Albert Pujols 2. Todd Helton 3. Sean Casey 2005 Top 3 1. Derrek Lee 2. Albert Pujols 3. Carlos Delgado 2006 1st Basemen Rankings 1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals 2. Ryan Howard, Phillies 3. Lance Berkman, Astros 4. Justin Morneau, Twins 5. Nick Johnson, Nationals 6. Paul Konerko, White Sox 7. Carlos Delgado, Mets 8. Mark Teixeira, Rangers 9. Todd Helton, Rockies 10. Nick Swisher, A's 11. Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays 12. Adam LaRoche, Braves 13. Nomar Garciaparra, Dodgers 14. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres 15. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox 16. Richie Sexson, Mariners 17. Prince Fielder, Brewers 18. Scott Hatteberg, Reds 19. Kevin Millar, Orioles 20. Ben Broussard, Indians/Mariners 21. Mike Jacobs, Marlins 22. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks 23. Mike Lamb, Astros 24. Doug Mientkiewicz, Royals 25. Chris Shelton, Tigers 26. Sean Casey, Pirates/Tigers 27. Craig Wilson, Pirates/Yankees 28. Shea Hillenbrand, Blue Jays/Giants 29. Dan Johnson, A's 30. Travis Lee, Devil Rays

2004 Top 3 1. Ivan Rodriguez 2. Javy Lopez 3. Jorge Posada 2005 Top 3 1. Victor Martinez 2. Jason Varitek 3. Joe Mauer 2006 Catcher Rankings 1. Joe Mauer, Twins 2. Brian McCann, Braves 3. Jorge Posada, Yankees 4. Victor Martinez, Indians 5. Ramon Hernandez, Orioles 6. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers 7. Kenji Johjima, Mariners 8. Michael Barrett, Cubs 9. Paul Lo Duca, Mets 10. Jason Kendall, A's 11. Russell Martin, Dodgers 12. Mike Piazza, Padres 13. David Ross, Reds 14. Ronny Paulino, Pirates 15. A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox 16. Johnny Estrada, Diamondbacks 17. Bengie Molina, Blue Jays 18. Mike Napoli, Angels 19. Miguel Olivo, Marlins 20. Eliezer Alfonzo, Giants 21. Damian Miller, Brewers 22. Jason Varitek, Red Sox 23. John Buck, Royals 24. Brian Schneider, Nationals 25. Rod Barajas, Rangers 26. Yadier Molina, Cardinals 27. Toby Hall, Devil Rays/Dodgers 28. Dioner Navarro, Dodgers/Devil Rays 29. Brad Aumus, Astros 30. Jose Molina, Angels

For those who don't remember here were my 2004 and 2005 player rankings I posted on the forums. 2004 2005 These rankings are purely based on what the player did this past season. Past performance and potential future value are not taken into account. For hitters I take into account five statiscal compotents: OPS, Value Over Replacment Player (VORP), Equivalent Average (EQA), Runs Created, and Win Shares. Now with the regular position lists I take the top 30 players at each position in games started which means not necessarily every team will have a player on the list. But I decided to get DH's out of the way because it's the shortest list and if you looked at my A.L. MVP ballot you already see the Top 3. In 2004 I did a normal DH list but last year with a complete lack of everyday DH's outside Oritz and Hafner I did combo list of DH's and players who played a lot but didn't fit into of the position lists. But this year we had at least a few more everyday DH's and there actually wasn't that many players this year who played a lot but didn't fit into the other lists. In fact the only player that had more than 500 plate appearances but wasn't in the Top 30 in games started at any position was Jay Payton who played 40+ games at every outfield position so I'm going to throw him in the leftfielders list. So now onto the DH list which again isn't very interesting and once you get past the Big 5 there is a big drop off with a lot part-time/injured players and a couple of guys who were released. I took only the Top 14 in games started at DH. Jason Giambi played a few more games at DH than first base so that's why he's on it. Also for each position I'll list who I had as the Top 3 in 2004 and 2005 before the 2006 rankings. 2004 Top 3 DH's 1. Travis Hafner 2. David Ortiz 3. Erubiel Durazo 2005 Top 3 DH's 1. David Ortiz 2. Travis Hafner 3. Mike Sweeney 2006 Designated Hitter Rankings 1. David Ortiz, Red Sox 2. Travis Hafner, Indians 3. Jim Thome, White Sox 4. Jason Giambi, Yankees 5. Frank Thomas, A's 6. Jay Gibbons, Orioles 7. Jonny Gomes, Devil Rays 8. Tim Salmon, Angels 9. Mike Sweeney, Royals 10. Matt Stairs, Royals/Rangers/Tigers 11. Phil Nevin, Rangers/Cubs/Twins 12. Javy Lopez, Orioles/Red Sox 13. Carl Everett, Mariners 14. Rondell White, Twins I think White produced more for the Twins today than he did for the entire season.