North Shore Notes
Best in the Game
Joe G and Latch Rate the Top Players in the Majors

Best Starting Pitcher
JOE: Tim Lincecum, Giants
He put up great numbers-18 wins, 265 strikeouts, 2.62 ERA-on a 90-loss team. The 5'11", 160-pound righty has a devastating curve that compliments a fastball that can touch 100 mph. He was the first second-year player to win a Cy Young since Dwight Gooden and Bret Saberhagen in 1985.

LATCH: Johan Santana, Mets
A two-time Cy Young Award winner during his years with the Twins, Johan Santana went 16-7 in his first season with the Mets in 2008 and led the N.L. in ERA (2.58) and innings pitching (234.1). He's a strikeout artist who pitches deep into games more consistently than anyone in the business.

Best Closer
JOE: Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
While Francisco Rodriguez may have the record for most saves in a season (62), Papelbon is simply more consistent. He has exceptional command, as evident from his career ERA of 1.84. He also rises to the occasion - he didn't give up a run in the first 25 post-season innings he pitched.

LATCH: Francisco Rodriguez, Mets
In 2008, Francisco Rodriguez set a new single-season record for his sport by registering 62 saves for the Angels - 20 more than the A.L. runner-up had. At 27 years old, he already has more than 200 saves in his career. How did his agent only get him a three-year deal with the Mets?

Best Power Hitter
JOE: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
The true model of consistency, Pujols has at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI in all of his eight seasons in the majors. His career slugging percentage (.624) is tops among active players and fourth best in history. Not to mention he also has the highest active career batting average (.334).

LATCH: Ryan Howard, Phillies
A tower of strength at 6'4" and 255 pounds, Ryan Howard sure knows how to put a hurtin' on a baseball. In his three full seasons with the Phillies, the big first baseman has averaged 51 homers and 144 RBI. In 2008, he led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBI.

Best Clutch Hitter
JOE: Manny Ramirez, Dodgers
Question his hustle or desire to play, but don't question his abilities. After being traded to the Dodgers last season, Ramirez hit 17 home runs and batted .396 in 53 games. He only hit 20 home runs in the first 100 games in Boston. He single handedly carried the Dodgers to the post-season.

LATCH: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
There's no hitter in baseball that pitchers fear more with the game on the line than Albert Pujols. The Cardinals' star and reigning N.L. MVP has good plate discipline, he seldom strike outs and rarely misses HIS pitch. The perennial Triple Crown candidate has no real weaknesses pitchers can attack.

Best Manager
JOE: Bobby Cox, Braves
A four-time manager of the year ('85, '91, '04, '05), Cox is just as well known for being ejected from more games than any manager in history as he is for winning the NL East 14 consecutive seasons. Last season (72-90) was just a blip on the radar. His career total of 2,327 wins ranks fourth all-time.

LATCH: Joe Torre, Dodgers
Last year, Joe Torre switched coasts and major markets and still guided his team to the playoffs. After 12 straight postseason berths and four World Championships with the Yankees, the unflappable skipper led the Dodgers to the N.L. West title and their first playoff series victory since the 1988 World Series.

Best Defensive Outfielder
JOE: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
Playing in the Pacific Northwest and for the woeful Seattle Mariners, it's easy to overlook Ichiro. But it's hard to ignore his eight straight Gold Gloves (in eight seasons). Or his 78 outfield assists during that same time frame, tops among all active players.

LATCH: Torii Hunter, Angels
If ESPN's SportsCenter presented lifetime achievement awards for its popular "Top 10 Plays" segment, Torii Hunter would definitely get one. The gifted centerfielder of the Angels views virtually every ball as catchable, no matter where it's hit, and now has eight Rawlings Gold Glove Awards to show for it.

Best Defensive Infielder
JOE: Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
Known largely for his bat, Rollins has won back-to-back Gold Gloves for the Philadelphia Phillies the past two seasons. Last season he led the NL with a .988 fielding percentage, making a career-low seven errors in 593 chances.

LATCH: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
As a rookie with the Rockies in 2007, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was nothing short of spectacular. He was most impressive scooping up balls deep in the hole and then using his incredibly powerful and accurate arm to throw runners out at first base. He's truly one of the N.L.'s rising stars.

Best Catcher
JOE: Joe Mauer, Twins
While the 6'5", 220-pound Mauer may not have the power you would expect, he has never hit below .294 in his five-year career. In 2006 he hit .347, becoming the first AL catcher to win a batting title (also won '08) and the first catcher to lead the majors in batting average (.347).

LATCH: Joe Mauer, Twins
Joe Mauer has been a huge hit for his hometown Twins, winning two A.L. batting titles by the age of 25. At 6'5' and 230 pounds, he also knows how to handle himself behind the plate as evidenced by the fact that he picked up his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2008.