If I Was To Start an MLB Team Today...

If I Was To Start a Team Today...

If I was given the task of selecting twenty-five players to make up a team for an expansion franchise, the following players would make up my list. The team is composed of 11 pitchers (five starters, five relievers, and a closer) and 14 position players (two catchers, six outfielders, and six infielders).

The deciding factors for my team are: talent (of course!), criteria for each position, longevity, durablility, reliability, "clutchness", and character.

Pitchers

SP: Tim Lincecum

SP: Roy Halladay
SP: Johan Santana

SP: Zack Greinke

SP: Dan Haren

RP: Jeremy Affeldt

RP: Carlos Marmol

RP: Hideki Okajima

RP: Matt Guerrier

RP: Joe Nathan

CL: Jonathan Papelbon

Batters

C: Joe Mauer

C: Yadier Molina

OF: Ichiro

OF: Ryan Braun
OF: Matt Holliday
OF: Carl Crawford
OF: Justin Upton
OF: Grady Sizemore
IF: Derek Jeter
IF: Hanley Ramirez
IF: David Wright
IF: Albert Pujols
IF: Prince Fielder
IF: Chase Utley

**Remember, this is NOT a list of the best players currently in the MLB. It is made up of players that I would want if I was starting a team TODAY that would provide the franchise with many productive seasons.