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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
These Yankees are TSN's favorites to win another World Series, but this bunch hardly fits the nickname Bronx Bombers. There's not much pop at the corners--first base, third base, left field, right field--and the second baseman hasn't earned his pinstripes. In fact, if you rank every non-pitching position 1 through ... well, until you come to the starter for the Yankees, shortstop Derek Jeter is the only truly elite everyday player at his position. But then there's the pitching. Roger Clemens still is one of the best aces, and the No. 2-4 starters are unmatched. The Yankees also have the best closer in postseason baseball history.
First base
1. Todd Helton, Rockies
2. Carlos Delgado, Blue Jays
3. Jeff Bagwell, Astros
4. Jason Giambi, Athletics
5. Mark McGwire, Cardinals
6. Mike Sweeney, Royals
7. Rafael Palmeiro, Rangers
8. Jim Thome, Indians
9. Sean Casey, Reds
10. David Segui, Orioles
11. Ryan Klesko, Padres
12. Paul Konerko, White Sox
13. Eric Karros, Dodgers
14. John Olerud, Mariners
15. Richie Sexson, Brewers
16. Fred McGriff, Devil Rays
17. Kevin Young, Pirates
18. TINO MARTINEZ, YANKEES
* Martinez is on the decline. His 16 homers last season ranked 24th among first basemen and his 91 RBIs were 16th.
Second base
1. Jeff Kent, Giants
2. Roberto Alomar, Indians
3. Edgardo Alfonzo, Mets
4. Ray Durham, White Sox
5. Jose Vidro, Expos
6. Luis Castillo, Marlins
7. Craig Biggio, Astros
8. Eric Young, Cubs
9. Todd Walker, Rockies
10. Quilvio Veras, Braves
11. Pokey Reese, Reds
12. Damion Easley, Tigers
13. Ron Belliard, Brewers
14. Carlos Febles, Royals
15. Jay Bell, Diamondbacks
16. Adam Kennedy, Angels
17. Randy Velarde, Rangers
18. Jose Offerman, Red Sox
19. Brett Boone, Mariners
20. Fernando Vina, Cardinals
21. Jose Ortiz, Athletics
22. ALFONSO SORIANO, YANKEES
* Soriano has potential, but he is unproven.
Third base
1. Chipper Jones, Braves
2. Troy Claus, Angels
3. Tony Batista, Blue Jays
4. Scott Rolen, Phillies
5. Phil Nevin, Padres
6. Jeff Cirillo, Rockies
7. Adrian Beltre, Dodgers
8. Travis Fryman, Indians
9. Eric Chavez, Athletics
10. Robin Ventura, Mets
11. Dean Palmer, Tigers
12. Joe Randa, Royals
13. Mike Lowell, Marlins
14. Matt Williams, Diamondbacks
15. Ken Caminiti, Rangers
16. Vinny Castilla, Devil Rays
17. Aaron Boone, Reds
18. Corey Koskie, Twins
19. Bill Mueller, Cubs
20. SCOTT BROSIUS, YANKEES
* Jones completed his fifth straight season of more than 100 RBIs, and Glaus led the A.L. in home runs. Brosius is among the best on defense.
Shortstop
1....
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