5 fav. players 1

	Manny Ramirez now plays outfield or designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox. He was selected by Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 1991 draft. During the 1991 season with the Indians, Ramirez hit .333, smoked 44 homeruns, and drove in a major-league high of 165 RBIs. Manny was names the AL Outstanding Player of the Year. Then in 2001, Ramirez was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Manny seemed to adapt to Fenway Park quickly. The first pitch he saw in Fenway Park as a Red Sock, he drove it over the Green Monster. The 2001-2002 season was Manny's 2nd season as a Red Sock. Manny missed 20 games but still lead the American League with a .349 batting average and drove in 125 RBIs. He was selected to the All Star Game, too. Manny is a great player in the league.
	Gary Sheffield broke into the Major Leagues in 1988 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He also played for the San Diego Padres and the Florida Marlins. In Florida, Sheffield won a World Series Title in 1997. Gary then went to the Dodgers. His last 3 seasons with the Dodgers, Gary averaged 38 homeruns, 103 RBIs, and 102 runs scored per year. Following the 2001 season, Sheffield was traded to the Braves, who needed his offensive skill. Gary Sheffield's power and patience makes him a player who is All Star caliber.
	The young and outstanding Barry Zito is already a top pitcher in the Major Leagues. In 1999, the A's drafted Zito out of USC. He was then called up in 2000 to pitch. Ever since, Zito has been making batters look stupid with his huge hooking curveball. In 2001, Zito was third in the AL in opponents' batting average (.230) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.6). In 2002, Zito was more amazing than ever. He lead the entire league with 23 wins. His curve was at his best, too. Zito won the AL Cy Young Award in 2002. Zito is definitely one of the best pitchers today. The young an
	Pokey Reese is a two time Gold Glove winner. He won them in 1999 and 2000. Pokey's range at second base makes him a top second baseman in the league. Pokey's amazing speed got him 120 stolen bases in 143 career attempts before the 2002 season. Pokey spent 5 seasons in Cincinnati with the Reds. Pokey then signed with the Pirates. Playing for the Pirates, it allows Pokey to use his skills at second and his speed. He is turning into a great player and is up in the rankings with Jeff Kent and Roberto Alomar.
	Torii Hunter is the center fielder for the Minnesota Twins. He is a well known player around the league now. People know him for jumping up against the outfield fence and robbing batters from home runs. Hunter was a 1st round draft pick in 1993. Torii went back and forth from the major leagues to the minor leagues. In 2001, Torii Hunter won his 1st gold glove award. In 2002, his name was mentioned all the time. He was known as Mr. Web Gem. In the 2002 All-Star Game, he robbed Barry Bonds of a homer. Hunter is without a doubt a great out fielder.
	Ken Griffey Jr. has been a great outfielder. He won the 1997 MVP with the Mariners. He played along side his own father in 1990. Junior won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1990-1999. Eventually, he was traded to the Reds. In 2000, Junior led the Reds in homers (40), RBIs (118), runs scored (100), total bases (289), and walks (94). The Players Choice Award Winner for Player of the Decade, Junior knocked in 100 runs for the 5th consecutive season. He was selected to his 11th consecutive All-Star Game, but did not play because of a knee injury. Junior has had health problems the last 2 seasons. He only played 90 games in 2002, but if Junior can stay healthy, he is a threat to Hank Aaron's all-time home run record (775).
	Vladimir Guerrero is a great outfielder with a powerful arm. He is the top player for the Expos. In 2000, Guerrero hit 44 homeruns and had a batting average of .345. He also hit 11 triples. In 2001, he hit 34 homers and 108 RBIs. Vladimir was 3rd in the AL in batting average (.336). Even though Guerrero swings at almost anything, he doesn't strike out much and always seems to find a gap. Guerrero's powerful arm and great bat makes one of the better outfielders in the Major Leagues.
	Brian Giles used to play for the Cleveland Indians. He never started while playing for the Indians and was traded to the Pirates after the 1998 season. In 1999, Giles led the Pirates in batting average (.315), runs scored (109), homeruns (39), and RBIs (115). Also, think of all the great players that have worn a Pirates jersey. There was Roberto Clemente, Williw Stargell, Honus Wagner, Bill Mazeroski, and Ralph Kiner. Out of all of those players, Giles was the only one in Pirates history to hit a .300 batting average, with 30 homeruns and 100 RBIs in consecutive seasons. He missed doing it again for a third consecutive in 2001 by 5 RBIs. In 2002, Giles had another outstanding season, but was not selected to the All-Star game. No matter though, Giles is a great player.
	Alex Rodriguez is by far one of the best shortstops in the league. He was named Outstanding AL Player in 1996, 1998, and 2001. A-Rod played for the Seattle Mariners for the first seven seasons in his career. Then in 2001, he played for the Texas Rangers. He batted .318, belted 52 homeruns, and knocked in 135 RBIs. Then in 2002, Alex Rodriguez had an amazing season. A-Rod belted 57 homers, 142 RBIs, and batted an even .300 avg. 2003 should be another great season for A-Rod. Atleast he is doing amazingly well for having a $252 million salary.
	Nomar Garciaparra is known as one of the best shortstops in the league. He had an incredible 1997 season. That year, he won the AL Rookie of the Year. Nomar’s best numbers came in the ’98 season. He hit 35 homers and drove in 122 runs. He won the AL batting crown in 1999 posting a .357 mark. Nomar played the 2000 season mostly hurt, but still ranked 5^th in the league with a .434 on base percentage. Nomar didn’t play much of the 2002 season because of a wrist injury. Nomar is still a great shortstop, and will likely come back in 2003 with another great season.