The Major League Baseball All-New England team

Earlier this summer, Lebron James famously returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team with whom he played from 2003-2010. That has sparked more debates about players signing with their hometown teams throughout the NBA, but what if we switched the focus to baseball? Imagine a world where the Red Sox could only sign players born in New England (and yes, I’m counting all of Connecticut because that’s where all the good players are from). How would they shape up? Let’s take a look.

Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Iannetta (17) throws to first base during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Catcher

• Chris Iannetta (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)– Providence, RI

Iannetta, who hails from Rhode Island’s capital, is the only active catcher from New England. Even so, however, he would give the All-New England team an impressive presence behind the plate. He isn’t a star by any means but he is solid both at the plate, slashing .270/.369/.422 with 5 home runs in 79 games for the Angels, and behind it and is en route to posting the highest WAR of his career as his current 2.6 mark should eclipse his career-high 3.0 posted in 2008. Iannetta doesn’t give the New Englanders any star power but he’s a very solid player and would help just about any team.

Jun 20, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago White Sox pinch hitter Konerko (14) hits a RBI single in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

First Baseman

• Paul Konerko (Chicago White Sox)– Providence, RI

We’ve got one more Rhode Islander here as Konerko represents the best first baseman from New England as, despite being raised in Arizona, Konerko was born in Providence. No longer as impressive a name as he was for much of the past decade, Konerko is slashing a meager .234/.274/.365 in his final season in Major League Baseball. However, the White Sox captain is a career .280/.355/.488 hitter with 439 home runs, 432 of which have come with the White Sox. Though he would not be a big bat for the New Englanders anymore, he does have a legitimate shot to reach the Hall of Fame in a few years.

Jul 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Flaherty (3) throws to first base for a put out against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Second Baseman

• Ryan Flaherty (Baltimore Orioles)– Portland, ME

Flaherty has played the role of a utility man since being selected by the Orioles in the 2011 Rule 5 draft from the Chicago Cubs. However, he is a natural second baseman and that’s where he would slide in as a starter for the All-New England team as one of few Mainers currently active in Major League Baseball. While Flaherty is having a rough season this year, slashing only .196/.259/.306 with 5 home runs in 69 games for the Orioles. Flaherty’s real value stems from his versatility but, locked in at second baseman for the New Englanders, he would unfortunately be a well below-average starter.

Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Olt hits a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Third Baseman

• Mike Olt (Chicago Cubs)– New Haven, CT

Once a top prospect for the Texas Rangers, Olt is still yet to establish himself as a Major Leaguer. The Cubs have given him the job as starting third baseman this season but he has struggled mightily in his age 25 season. Olt is slashing a mere .139/.222/.353 and, while his 12 home runs show some good power potential, he has struck out far too much with a 39.6% strikeout rate. However, given his career Minor League slash line of .261/.364/.487, there’s hope that Olt could one day develop into a legitimate Major League slugger.

Jul 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Ahmed (13) hits an RBI-single in the 15th inning at Great American Ball Park. The Diamondbacks won 2-1 in 15 innings. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop

• Nick Ahmed (Arizona Diamondbacks)– Springfield, MA

The 24 year old Ahmed has only 19 Major League games under his belt but he has the potential to develop into a very solid shortstop. A native of Springfield, Massachusetts, he has slashed just .228/.254/.316 but that’s likely no indication of his future potential. Throughout his Minor League career, he has been a .268/.332/.375 hitter and has averaged 24 stolen bases per season, including an impressive 91 games with Triple-A Reno this season which saw him hit .315/.375/.419. He doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the world but he has the potential to be at least an average Major League shortstop in his career.

Aug 19, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Davis (20) hits a RBI single during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Left field

• Rajai Davis (Detroit Tigers)– Norwich, CT

Davis has long had the reputation of being a speedy, defense-first outfielder who could hit lefties well (.801 career OPS against lefties versus .648 against right-handers). However, as a 33 year old this season, he is having one of the best offensive seasons of his career as he is slashing .289/.328/.414 with 31 stolen bases in his first season for the Tigers. Davis would represent a solid leadoff hitter and defensive presence for the All-New England team and could potentially fill in at any of the outfield positions if need be.

May 26, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder AJ Pollock (11) hits a 2 run walk off home run against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Center field

• A.J. Pollock (Arizona Diamondbacks)– Hebron, CT

Pollock was well on the way to a career year in 2014 before a broken hand sidelined him this May. Through his first 52 games of the season, he was slashing a very impressive .316/.366/.554 for the Diamondbacks and, while that performance likely would have tailed off due to a .370 BABIP and 11.3% home run per fly ball rate, was breaking out for the Diamondbacks at age 26. Pollock is also regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball and is an incredibly valuable, underrated player that would slot in well as the center fielder of the New Englanders.

Jul 9, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Springer (4) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Designated hitter

• George Springer (Houston Astros)– New Britain, CT

Springer gained recognition in the prospect world last season by blasting 37 home runs and stealing 45 bases while slashing .303/.411/.600 between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Oklahoma City. While he hasn’t set the world on fire in his Major League debut season, he has been impressive for the Astros, slashing .231/.336/.468 and displaying the excellent power-speed combination that made him such an intriguing prospect. There are concerns over Springer’s high strikeout rate (33% this season) but he has been successful even with an average BABIP of .294 and he has one of the highest ceilings in baseball due to that power and speed.

Aug 20, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Davis (20) scores a run during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive summary

It isn’t looking pretty for the All-New England team. The outfield, catcher, designated hitter spots will be relatively productive offensively but the entire infield will be essentially a black hole in terms of production. Olt, Ahmed, and Flaherty have the potential to improve in time and become decent offensive players. Presently, though, it’s not looking very good. Here’s a projected lineup:

1. Rajai Davis LF
2. Sam Fuld RF
3. A.J. Pollock CF
4. George Springer DH
5. Chris Iannetta C
6. Paul Konerko 1B
7. Ryan Flaherty 2B
8. Mike Olt 3B
9. Nick Ahmed SS

Jun 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets injured starting pitcher Harvey (33) throws a session in the outfield before a game against the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

#1 Starter

• Matt Harvey (New York Mets)–New London, CT

Harvey has missed the entire 2014 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery last season. Before his injury, however, he was one of the brightest young stars in the game and was in the midst of an excellent 2013 season which saw him start the All-Star Game while posting a 2.27 ERA and 6.16 K/BB through his first 26 starts. When he returns next season, Harvey will still be just 26 years old and hopefully his surgery does nothing to dampen a potentially excellent career. 

August 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Cobb (53) delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

#2 Starter

• Alex Cobb (Tampa Bay Rays)– Boston, MA

How ironic is it that Cobb, who was born in Boston, now plays for the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the biggest rivals of the Red Sox? Well, Cobb could alleviate all that by joining the All-New England team as the #2 starter, where he would fit in fine. At just 26 years old, Cobb is quietly developing into an excellent pitcher for the Rays as he has a 3.01 ERA, 8.5 K/9, and 2.6 BB/9 in his second consecutive great season in St. Petersburg. If only he were doing that in his hometown…

Aug 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Hahn (45) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Starter

• Jesse Hahn (San Diego Padres)– Norwich, CT

Hahn, never a highly-touted prospect for the Padres, has broken out in a big way as a 24-year old this season. In the first 12 starts of his Major League career, he possesses a tidy 2.96 ERA and, while he may have gotten a bit lucky with that success, his 3.43 FIP suggests that luck is not the primary reason for Hahn’s productive season in San Diego. He has struck out 8.7 batters per nine innings and, pitching in Petco Park, Hahn has the potential to develop into a very solid mid-rotation starter in the coming seasons.

Aug 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Locke (49) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

#4 Starter

• Jeff Locke (Pittsburgh Pirates)– North Conway, NH

Locke was one of the bigger surprises for a an inherently surprising Pirates team which made the playoffs for the first time in 20 seasons last year. In his first full season in Pittsburgh, Locke made the All-Star team with an excellent 2.15 ERA in the first half and, while he faltered down the stretch and even found himself back in Triple-A Indianapolis, he finished the season with a respectable 3.52 ERA. Locke has been similarly solid in 14 starts this season as he owns a 3.73 ERA and has trimmed his walk rate from 4.5 per nine last season to a much-improved 1.9 mark in 2014.

Aug 1, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Capuano (26) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

#5 Starter

• Chris Capuano (New York Yankees)– Springfield, MA

Capuano actually did spend some time with the Red Sox this season, tossing 28 relief appearances for Boston, but he been more impressive since joining their hated rivals, the Yankees, and returning to a starting role. Overall this season, Capuano has posted a 4.35 ERA in 33 games (5 starts) but his 3.21 FIP shows that he has pitched better than his results suggest. He isn’t a star by any means but a team could do much worse than Capuano as their fifth starter.

Jul 29, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins relief pitcher Cishek (31) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Closer

• Steve Cishek (Miami Marlins)– Falmouth, MA

Cishek is never listed among the elite closers in the league but over the past four years, there haven’t been many late-inning relievers more reliable and successful than the Marlins’ stopper. The Massachusetts native is in the midst of his worst season in the Major Leagues but he still is the owner of a 3.81 ERA and 31 saves, plus his 2.40 FIP suggests that he has gotten unlucky. After all, even in a rough year by his standards, Cishek’s 11.3 K/9 is far and away the highest of his career while his 3.0 BB/9 is below his career average. Though he isn’t a highly-regarded relief pitcher, he’s among the better closers in baseball and would be a good addition to the New Englanders.

Jun 15, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Furbush throws against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Setup men

• Tim Collins (Kansas City Royals)– Worcester, MA

The 5’7″ “Tiny Tim” has quietly developed into a solid relief pitcher for the Royals in recent seasons. His 2014 season hasn’t gone perfectly as he has missed some time with a pinky injury and then was demoted to Triple-A, but he hasn’t been terrible in 18 appearances for the big club. His ERA stands at a respectable 4.15 but he has been significantly more successful in recent seasons as he owns a 3.56 career ERA and appeared in 68, 72, and 66 games respectively from 2011-2013 so there’s certainly hope that Collins can rebound this year and in the future.

• Charlie Furbush (Seattle Mariners)– South Portland, ME

One of three Mainers on the roster of the All-New England team, Furbush represents a solid left-handed option out of the bullpen. Traded to the Mariners as part of the Doug Fister trade, Furbush has become a great left-hander for the M’s and, though his 3.96 ERA in 2014 isn’t spectacular, his 3.16 FIP suggests that his results should be better. The hard-throwing southpaw would become one of the better relievers on the New Englanders.

Middle relievers

Jul 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Breslow delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays during the Red Sox 14-1 win at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

• Craig Breslow (Boston Red Sox)– New Haven, CT

The lone Red Sox player on the All-New England team, Breslow comes as one of many representing Connecticut. He isn’t having his best season in 2014 as his ERA has ballooned to 4.84 this season after a very impressive 2013 which saw him post a 1.81 ERA for the champion Boston Red Sox. Still, Breslow has had consistent success in the Majors throughout his career and has the ability to rebound from a tough season.

• Dominic Leone (Seattle Mariners)– Norwich, CT

One more reliever from Connecticut comes in Leone, another left-hander who is in the midst of his rookie season as a member of the Seattle Mariners. A 16th round draft pick in 2012, Leone has been very impressive through his first 46 Major League games as he has posted a 2.47 ERA and 9.5 K/9 for the M’s. As a 22 year old power lefty, Leone could be a valuable piece for years to come.

• Tim Stauffer (San Diego Padres)– Portland, ME

A former starting pitcher for the Padres, Stauffer has settled in nicely as a long reliever and spot starter over the last two seasons. Through 33 games (3 starts) and 51 innings pitched this season, Stauffer holds a 3.71 ERA and his 3.19 FIP hints that he’s been even better than his results suggest. Among long relievers in Major League Baseball, there are few better options than Stauffer.

• Brian Wilson (Los Angeles Dodgers)– Londonderry, NH

Considered an elite closer for the Giants not too long ago, Wilson’s career has taken a sharp turn since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2012. While he has kept his formidable beard, he has gone from a top-notch closing pitcher to a relatively disappointing reliever for the Giants’ hated rivals in Los Angeles. His dominant stuff remains as he has struck out 11 batters per nine innings, but he has had difficulty harnessing his pitches as he has walked 5.9 per nine and his ERA has suffered as it has ballooned to 5.05 this season.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it: the best Major League players from New England. Unfortunately, while writing this I’ve come to the realization that there are not too many good baseball players from New England (and even fewer if you eliminate Connecticut). While this team has a solid pitching staff, its anemic offense would prevent it from contending anytime soon. I hope you enjoyed reading about the All-New England team and feel free to comment your thoughts on the squad. Thanks!