Shortstop
This is the domain of Nomar Garciaparra who was also a legit ROY in 1997. Nomar was outstanding that first season hitting 30 home runs, hitting .303, and gathering in 98 RBI. Garciaparra only got better winning a pair of batting titles and providing a power bat at a position usually reserved for quick hands and a slow bat.
Garciaparra and the Red Sox finally blew up in 2004 with contract issues and a subtext of Nomar’s lack of intensity. A parting of the ways that resulted in an upgrade defensively at short and the end of “The Curse.”
As for Garciaparra, who had suffered a significant wrist injury with Boston, it was a slow retreat until retirement. Nomar certainly had the credentials to be an eventual HOF player.
Honorable Mention: A solid case could be made for Johnny Pesky and his 1942 season. Pesky hit .331 and led the AL in hits with 205. A favorite player of mine was “The Rooster” Rick Burleson who hit .284 in his first year with a solid play at short.