Who is the best athlete in MLB?

Oh yeah, without question, he's the #1 pick in fantasy baseball. But, fantasy baseball does not measure defense, nor does it measure the pure athleticism of a player.

I believe that certain websites do in fact take defense into account when they rank players. I'm not sure though. I know for a fact that on yahoo you can choose to make defense a category in which points are deducted for errors. Albert Pujols is the type of athlete that seeks to improve what he is weak at. Pujols has improved his defensive play, and i believe was a candidate for the Gold Glove Award at First Base this past season. Without a doubt he is the best overall athlete in the majors.

I play fantasy baseball and Pujols is ranked as the best player in the league.

Most hall of fame pitchers had longer careers then hall of fame offensive players. Take Nolan Ryan for example he played 27 seasons. He is considered one of the best pitchers who has played the game and has the record for most career strikeouts. Ruth played 21, Mantle 17, Mays 22, Bench 16, Eckersley 23, and Clemens 23,. McGwire played 15 seasons. But from what we know he might not be inducted into the hall of fame. And i think the players who are currently playing professional baseball might not have long careers like the greats in the game. I also think they have to be pretty decent batters, and be good on defense, or be exceptional at one. I think Johan Santana has his own category. He just doesn't lose.

I'd agree that Vlad is a great athlete, but I don't think you can put either pitcher in... Maybe in their prime, but considering a pitcher an athlete they have to be good all around... Say you have Dontrelle Willis's bat, with Maddux's fielding, and Clemens arm, now that's a pitcher that's an athlete!

Pujols plays beside as many superstars as Jeter. Don't get me wrong...Pujols IS the best hitter in the game. But as far as pure athlete is concerned, it's got to be Jeter. Pujols is not a defensive stud like Jeter is, in fact he isn't a shell of the defensive player Jeter is. In addition, Jeter could run laps around Pujols. You can't dispute Pujols's hitting abilities, he may be the greatest ever (if he continues like this for the rest of his career), but pure athlete...No.

I personally don't like Derek Jeter. But i do realize that he is the best clutch player in recent years. Although i think that Reyes is a better player overall. Pujols has continued to improved, especially on defense. We also can't forget that Derek Jeter plays side by side with many superstars.

Well he did sign a contract yesterday for one year. I don't understand why the Cubs do not want to create a longer contract. They have money to spend. Tribune, WGN, and the Cubs. I must agree with you. Zambrano does play with a tremendous amount of heart and passion.

Yea Reyes is a great. He had a breakout season in 06. All he has to do is keep it up and stay healthy. I would say that Pujols only weakness is speed. In the past he didn't show much on defense, but he was good defensively last year.

*A great athlete. Sorry about that.

He's my pick as far as pure athlete... I guess I like Chone Figgins too, even though I hate the Angels, because I'm an A's fan... That guy plays every position, well for that matter, and hits for power and bunts, steals, everything... I still hate the Gayngels though, but I got respect ya know!

He better be a relative of bk's, or is it because he's on the white sox? While I appreciate the love for one's team, and the players on it...c'mon man, be serious, there's better hitters, fielders, athletes, probably even ballboys on the white sox than Daren Erstad could ever be.

Interesting choice. Why exactly do you think Erstad is the best player?

I'm not sure if he is easily the best hitter in the game but he definitely is one of the best contact hitters in the game. Considering that he is a leadoff hitter, he does have a decent amount of home runs. I think he should try stealing more often, and last season he only had 49 rbi's. Thats down from his 60+ average in the last few seasons. I must admit he is one dangerous batter.