Buzzmaster

  (11:51 AM)

So while you're chatting with Jerry, start pondering who you think should lead off for Nation's lineup. Ichiro? Brian Roberts? Johnny Damon? Shannon Stewart? Someone else?

Buzzmaster

  (1:02 PM)

Ok, thanks to Jerry Crasnick for chatting. In case you missed it, here's Jerry's ultimate lineup: 1-Brian Roberts, 2B ... 2-Bob Abreu, CF ... 3-Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4-Manny Ramirez, LF ... 5-David Ortiz, DH ... 6-Vlad Guerrero, RF ... 7-Alex Rodriguez, 3B ... 8-Jason Varitek, C ... 9-Miguel Tejada, SS

Buzzmaster

  (1:03 PM)

Now it's your turn. We'll go slot-by-slot, taking nominations and votes for 5-6 minutes. Be sure to lay out your best case for why your guy should get the nod. And remember, only one player per position makes the lineup.

Buzzmaster

  (1:03 PM)

So let's get things started at the top of the order. Who should lead off for SportsNation's team?

Bill, Orlando, Florida

I still think Ichiro should be the leadoff man, regardless of this year, he is just such a great contact hitter and so fast

Brandon: New York, NY

There is no doubt Ichiro should be our lead-off man in the Ultimate Lineup. Roberts and Damon should only be considered if performance is measured simply by the numbers. But if you look past the numbers and at the intangibles, Ichiro is hands-down the best leadoff hitter in baseball. He's the fastest player from the plate to first, changes his hitting approach based on the situation better than any, and he has the highest baseball IQ of any hitter in this decade.

Buzzmaster

  (1:04 PM)

Early support for Ichiro in RF ...

Nate (Somerville, MA)

I would say Ichiro is the best lead off hitter hands down. However, he plays in a position that would take the spot of Vlad. So for this season Brian Roberts would be a good choice.

Kyle Levy (St Petersburg, FL)

Shouldnt there be a Carl Crawford in the mix? He has the speed, 'hi-for-average', great outfielding abilities, and he has started to produce some power....

Ryan (Boston,Ma)

No Carl Crawford in the line-up? he hits for avg,Pretty good OPS.Don't forget steals.

robb (amherst)

1. Johnny Damon CF steals bases, good average, a little power, and a decent fielder, arm is questionable

Jared (Boston)

Leadoff and at SS...David Eckstein. He makes contact on 90% of the pitches he swings at and takes a ton of pitches and that is vital to letting the big guns see what they are facing

Marc (Jax, FL)

Podsednik could lead off! This guy is finally getting some respect. Take that Derek Jeter!!!

Guy (Chicago)

Not Brian Roberts...thats the only beef I have. Give me Damon in CF.

GB (spoakne)

Ichiro, isn't that good though, Vladdy is going to put many more runs on the board.

Buzzmaster

  (1:06 PM)

That's something to remember here, voting for Ichiro takes Vlad out of the mix in RF.

JP (NYC)

Ichiro doesnt make it because there are more RBI producers from RF than him. As a leadoff he is great, but this lineup is about scoring runs...

Daniel, Toronto, ONT

I agree with Bill. Ichiro hits for average and more importatly for a leadoff hitter, has the speed. I, therefore, give the edge to Ichro Suzuki over Brian Roberts.

Buzzmaster

  (1:07 PM)

Right now, Ichiro and Damon are getting the most support in here, followed by Podsednik and Crawford. Roberts not getting much love.

Nathan (Pittsburgh)

I like Ichiro in RF. Brian Roberts can move down in the order and we can either move Ichiro to CF or use Vlad there.

Luke (Atlanta)

Gotta go with Roberts because of position scarcity. Roberts and Guerrero are a better pick than Ichiro and Soriano

binghamton ny

De-Rek Je-Ter.. Jeet is face of baseball and the attitude he brings to the table is far beyond 2nd best. Without his precence there will be a great deal of ego battles

GB (spokane)

convert Ichiro to 2B then...

Buzzmaster

  (1:09 PM)

Nice try, GB. Ichiro had the early support, but I've seen the most reasoned support for Damon. So leading off for SportsNation ...

Buzzmaster

  (1:09 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF Now, who bats second? Start talking ...

John (Boston)

You have to have Damon lead off so you can have Roberts at the back end of the lineup. Drop Abreu.

Kyle (CHICAGO)

Easy Abreu

Zach (Montezuma, IA )

Frank Thomas! I know he didn't get on, but he has the power to hit almost anywhere!

Buzzmaster

  (1:10 PM)

Jerry Crasnick had Abreu hitting second, but unless you want him at DH, we may need a different choice.

robb (amherst)

tejada the shortstop great power and average, gotta love him

Omar (Windsor)

Arod. Not only does he have power but he has speed. He can cause havoc

frank (Rockmart, GA)

Brian Roberts. To me he is more of a second place hitter anyway. Like Marcus Giles with a little more speed and pop.

Guy (Chicago)

ARod at 3B is the obvious choice in the 2 spot...hight OBP, can run, hit for power, etc.

Adam (Toronto)

I like Brian Roberts 2nd, power, speed, average, bat control, perfect 2nd batter

Mike (KCMO)

Well, if Damon takes Abreu's spot and leads off, then Roberts should bat 2nd. Avg, speed and power.

Nathan (Pittsburgh)

A-Rod, can't stand the guy, but he does everything well. He hits for extra bases, runs the bases well, he's patient enough. Put him somewhere we he can get on base and score the runs. He's better that way. He isn't as good at hitting with runners in scoring position.

Buzzmaster

  (1:12 PM)

Roberts and A-Rod with lots of early support for No. 2. Abreu also in the mix.

Christine (Fresno)

You have taken Roberts out, you need a 2nd baseman. Jeff Kent hits for average and has some power, he could set the table for your number 3 hitter.

Dean (Vermont)

A little remedial line up lesson...what, exactly, do you want out of your #2 hitter? Someone who can make contact? Hit and run type stuff?

Lucas (Portland, OR)

Everybody should keep in mind that there isn't a 2B in the lineup yet now that Roberts isn't batting leadoff. that's why he should be batting second. Either him, Biggio, Kent, or Soriano.

max fort thomas, ky

sean casey...best contact hitter there is

Luke (Atlanta)

2nd is Abreu in left. He's the best power, speed, contact guy around. Manny gets the DH nod over Ortiz and Roberts goes to 9th.

robb (amherst)

arod should have more men on base when he hits, bat him 6th and then have miggy set the table for him

Chris (Largo)

Put Carl Crawford there. He hits well and has the speed and vision to turn singles into scoring chances for the 3 and 4 hitters. . .

Buzzmaster

  (1:14 PM)

All right, last chance to sound off on Abreu, A-Rod or Roberts hitting second ...

Kyle LEvy

As much as i hate him, go with A-rod

Steve (Reading, PA)

I like ABreu in the 2 spot. He has quite honestly one of the best eyes and IQs in baseball and he can turn an 0-2 into a 3-2 in no time. Plus, did I mention he can hit?

robb (amherst)

if tose are the choices arod i still want tejada

Buzzmaster

  (1:15 PM)

All right, there it is, SN has spoken. 1. Johnny Damon, CF 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B

Buzzmaster

  (1:16 PM)

Who hits third? Jerry Crasnick had Albert Pujols in the slot.

dan (chicago, il)

derrek lee batting third playing first...great hitting and excellent defense

Brian (Pasadena)

What I can't figure out is why Derek Lee was only mentionned as DH, and not even at 1b...he's a better 1b than Pujols, the only question is whether you believe this season to be a fluke.

robb (amherst)

pujols 1b hands down, best hitter in baseball

frank (Rockmart, GA)

Albert Pujols hits third, hands down. Like Jerry said, perfect combination of power and contact. He is the best hitter in baseball.

Fonz (Beacon NY)

Has to be Puljos

Lucas (Portland, OR)

Pujols is the obvious choice. Unless we use instant history and nominate Derek Lee. Pujols has more history, though, so he gets the nod.

Mike (St. Louis)

Pujols. His historical numbers rank with the greatest of all time.

Christine (Fresno)

Crasnik got it right.

Nathan (Pittsburgh)

Pujols without a doubt, he is a beast. Best hitter in baseball. Its just too bad that we can't bat a couple of 1st basemen. Derek Lee is nasty as well.

Buzzmaster

  (1:18 PM)

This one is going to be over in a hurry ...

Adam (Toronto)

Pujols, most consistent power hitter, maybe of all time???

Omar (Windsor)

I say vlad. He can hit balls anywhere. He hits for average and power. he can hit balls that way out of the strike zone.

Dean (Vermont)

Tejada or Pujols as your #3. On second thought, Pujols. Miggy can hit 5th or 6th.

Derek (Salem, NH)

What about ramirez 3 and ortiz 4. keep them were the usually hit, look at the numbers they put up together

Chris (chicago)

History means nothing - look at Sammy Sosa. D-Lee is the choice - better speed, defense and just as much of anything else that the "great" Pujols has.

Buzzmaster

  (1:19 PM)

Sorry Chris, D. Lee had some support, but nothing close to Pujols. Still a chance to put Lee at DH later in the lineup, though ...

Buzzmaster

  (1:19 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B 3. Albert Pujols, 1B Now who hits cleanup?

frank (Rockmart, GA)

Andruw Jones...classic cleanup hitter. He has finally put it all together and is a 50 HR, 120 RBI guy.

Kyle Levy

Pujols....but Vlad should be in the fourth

Ira (Maine)

Manny in the 4ht spot 77RBI's.

Nick (Toronto)

Put Vlad in the clean up spot. He can hit any pitch out of the park

robb (amherst)

Manny in LF and fourth, he's a smart hitter, lowered his k total this year, and is CONSISTENT....unlike Andruw jones

Guy (Chicago)

Either Manny or Vlad...they should be the corner OFs and bat 4/5.

Jon (Chicago)

Vlad at #4 -- can protect Pujols and you can't pitch around him cuz he swings at everything anyway

Zach (Montezuma, IA )

Carlos Lee, because he leads t he Majors in RBI's.

Buzzmaster

  (1:22 PM)

Lee's having a great year, Zach, but he looks like a third-party candidate in this race.

Nathan (Pittsburgh)

I'm batting Manny. He's patient and hits the ball great. When he is hitting the ball well, he might be the best hitter in baseball.

Tom (Chicago)

Vlad, he has everything you could want in the outfield and an amazing hitter.

Buzzmaster

  (1:22 PM)

Manny and Vlad have pulled way ahead of the pack, and are running neck and neck for cleanup fduties.

Franco (Hoboken)

How's Poppi not getting any love? he needs to be hitting cleanup

Matt (Chambana, IL)

Vlad the Impaler at cleanup. He'll protect my boy, Albert.

Luke (Atl)

Vlad, you don't want to guys as slow as Christmas back to back.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Manny-better per year averages than Guerrero in average, HR, and RBI.

Nathan (Pittsburgh)

Manny. Vlad is a free swinger, gotta move him down a bit for an All-Star lineup.

Buzzmaster

  (1:24 PM)

All right, in a photo finish, it's Manny fourth. The good news for Vlad is I think he'll get plenty of support for this next spot.

Buzzmaster

  (1:25 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF ... 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B ... 3. Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4. Manny Ramirez, LF ... Now who hits 5th?

Mike (St. Louis)

Buzz, make it so. Vlad hitting 5th. (Though we're getting RH heavy.)

frank (Rockmart, GA)

Your 5th batter and DH...Todd Helton. One of the most beautiful things to see in this world is Todd Helton mashing a baseball into the upper deck at Coors. The ball gets out in a hurry!

Buzzmaster

  (1:26 PM)

Frank trying to round up some support for Helton, any takers? How about Derrek Lee?

Chris (chicago)

I have to bring out my D-Lee love again. Who better right now to protect Manny from the fifth spot? It is almost impossible to get him out. D-Lee batting 5th as my DH.

JP (NYC)

NOO. Papi in #5. You cant have 4 righties in a row. Just think. Manny (right) Papi (Left) Vlady (Right). What specialty reliever you gonna bring in for that trio?

Buzzmaster

  (1:26 PM)

JP making a smart plea for lineup balance ...

Jon (Atlanta)

Put Ortiz here to get a lefty up toward the top of the lineup

Nathan (Pittsburgh)

I got Ortiz at DH. Lefty with enough patience. He hits great in the clutch. 5th is prime for runners on base.

Chris (New York)

Vlad should hit fifth. He is a free swinger. But he does not miss when he swings at a ball.He hits it out of the ball park.

Kenny (Stl, Mo)

Andrew. He is hitting better than Manny and Vlad but he gets no respect as a hitter. (27 HRs)

The Dish (Carol Stream, IL)

Jermaine Dye perhaps to hit 5th, play right field? He's on fire, hitting .374 last 2 months

Andy NY

Matsui is lefty too and such a consistent RBI producer

Mike (KCMO)

It doesnt matter if they're righties or lefties, these are hall of fame hitters. Nobody's mowing this lineup down.

JR (Seattle)

I love Ortiz but Lee has to be in here somewhere

Buzzmaster

  (1:28 PM)

Right now, Vlad and David Ortiz are neck and neck, with Derrek Lee still in the mix. Polls still open, keep talking ...

Guy (Chicago)

Did someone just vote for Jermaine Dye?

Frank (Chicago, IL)

D. Lee, the best hitter in baseball, Righty lefty doesnt matter these guys hit anyone

Dustin (Kennesaw)

Andruw Jones is on pace people. Get the three letters on a trophy ready.

kyle LEvy

if Lee was in here, he would be DH and that means no Ortiz...go with Ortiz or vlad here!

Raman (Jersey)

I think Cabrera has to be in that lineup however I do see the difficulty in him replacing Big Pappi. Anyone who can terrorize the Stankies like he can, should be in this lineup. Miggy can wait I guess.

Tom (Philly)

David Ortiz hitting right behind Manny is amazing. The combo has worked before and has lots of power and RBI ability. Also, Ortiz at DH is better than any other player in the league.

Jay (Ashland, MA)

Miguel Tejada, with Ortiz, one of the best clutch hitters in the game.

robb (amherst)

common sense dictates we keep vlad at 5 and ortiz @ 6 to keep vlad's speed as a weopon

Frank (Chicago, IL)

it is impossible to leave Lee off of this list...

JP (NYC)

Frank - Lee isnt even in the top 5 best hitters in baseball. Sit down.

archie (ny)

ortiz Mr. clutch, and power and late in a game against top reliever ill trust him over anyone

Mike (KCMO)

Has to be Vlad. If you go Ortiz, then Derrek Lee is left out. He's having the best season of any hitter, period.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Love D. Lee, but gotta go with Papi at DH and 5th.

Buzzmaster

  (1:32 PM)

And that seems to be the consensus in here. Vlad gets put on hold again, and Derrek Lee gets taken out of the mix. It's Ortiz hitting fifth at DH.

Buzzmaster

  (1:32 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF ... 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B ... 3. Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4. Manny Ramirez, LF ... 5. David Ortiz, DH

Buzzmaster

  (1:32 PM)

Who hits No. 6?

Kyle LEvy

Lets put Vlad up soon! Here he is in the sixth spot!

Mike (Chicago)

Vlad 6th, no more questions asked !!

Zach (Montezuma, IA)

I'm going to emphasize Carlos Lee all day!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNDERRATED!

Nick (Toronto)

Miguel Tejada in the 6th spot, followed by Vlad in the 7. Deadly combo

robb (amherst)

Vlad do we really need to continue voting for 6th

Chris (Pgh)

We can't put Vlad behind Ortiz, or we waste his speed. Tejada 6th.

Franco (Hoboken)

Toss up between Miggy and Vlad... I'd go Miggy, better RBI guy

Matt

Vlad is good to go here; glad to see we so strongly disagree with JC's lineup...

Buzzmaster

  (1:35 PM)

Hey, Crasnick's not an MLB Insider for nothing. He knows of what he speaks. So far leaving off Abreu and taking Damon is SN's pick change.

JP (NYC)

Has to be Vlad. Can't pitch around him. Wich is a good think when Tejada is behind him

Ethan (New York, NY)

so we have turned bobby abreu into johnny damon? We just lost .60 obp points, 86 slg % points and didn't even pick up any additional speed. It's quite obvious that the sports nation is about as savvy as the collective wit of Steve Phillips, Jim Duquette and Omar Minarya.

Jon(Milwaukee)

What about Carlos Lee. Hits for power and leads the majors in RBI. rarely strikes out either

Tom (Philly)

Vlad is the perfect mix of power and speed.

Buzzmaster

  (1:36 PM)

And despite a few other opinions, Vlad carries the day by a landslide. He's your No. 6 hitter.

Buzzmaster

  (1:37 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF ... 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B ... 3. Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4. Manny Ramirez, LF ... 5. David Ortiz, DH ... 6. Vlad Guerrero, RF

Buzzmaster

  (1:37 PM)

Now it gets interesting again. Who hits No. 7? We still need a 2B, SS and C

Mike (Boston)

The obvious choice is Tejada at short.

Lucas (Portland, OR)

Followed by SWITCH HITTER Jason Varitek. Got to keep this lineup righty lefty balanced.

Ry (CT)

It's gotta be Roberts here

CM (Defiance, OH)

What about Pudge? Shouldn't he be in the mix. After all he is the best backstop in the league. How about Tod Helton, he is one of the best defensive players in the league. So what if his offensive numbers are down their are other spots in the order for offense.

Andy NY

I say we go with javy at catcher. Although he is hurt, he is the best hitting catcher there is now that pudge has "lost weight"

Mike (Detroit)

Why no consideration for Carlos Guillen at SS? Switch hitter, can hit to all fields, and, oh yeah, he's batting .346!

Jay (Ashland, MA)

Give me Soriano over Roberts.

archie (ny)

tejada best hitter not on list yet

Sterling (CT)

What a shame we leave off the only potential 40-40 guy (Abreu)to put more speed at the top of the lineup??? Also anyone touting Roberts at 2b seems to have forgotten about a certain 2b from Texas who should be batting 7th.

Danny (Chicago)

Miggy 7th. You cant put varitrek and roberts ahead of him. that would be stupid

Kenny (Carmel, CA)

NO WAY, Roberts is not on this team ahead of Soriano, regardless, Tejada hits seventh, he is too good to drop any farther

Buzzmaster

  (1:40 PM)

Tejada has the lead here, but it sounds like we could have a battle brewing over 2B later ...

Steve (Philly)

you want Soriano and his 306 OBP?

Brian Roberts (Baltimore)

I am not worthy of being on this team, so please do not waste your time discussing me

Gene(New Haven)

It has to be Tejada, he drives in more runs than roberts and varitek could even hope to.

Raji (Virginia)

I like the thought of keeping the righty/lefty balance...go with Varitek, then Tejada...but, who's at 2B?

Calvin (Sandusky, OH)

Carlos Guillen doesn't have enough at-bats, plus, Tejada gives you more power. I agree Guillen is a very good player, and is one of the best in the game, but isn't the best yet. He needs to work on driving the ball more consistently, staying healthy, and drawing more walks, though he's got a good handle of it right now.

tom* (parkville, md.)

The best all around player remaining is Tejada, who can still do some serious offensive damage from the 7 spot.

Darren (Boston, MA)

I'd rather have Jeter than Tejada at short. Clutch hitter against great pitching, and OBP of .393 (vs. Tejada at .370).

Buzzmaster

  (1:41 PM)

And that's from someone in Boston ...

3FF (Arlington, VA)

Tejada should be batting no. 3, but let's stop the madness and put him in at no. 7...he is the best all around player in baseball right now.

Joe (Billings, MT)

How are we even arguing that Tejada isn't the SS?

JP (NYC)

Its Miggy here. Lets move on.

Buzzmaster

  (1:42 PM)

That's the way it looks. Hitting No. 7 for SportsNation: Miguel Tejada

Buzzmaster

  (1:43 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF ... 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B ... 3. Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4. Manny Ramirez, LF ... 5. David Ortiz, DH ... 6. Vlad Guerrero, RF ... 7. Miguel Tejada, SS

Steve (Philly)

Brian Roberts 8th and Javy 9th

Eric( Ny,Ny)

SOriano is the best offensive second baseman in the game 30-30 or 40-40 shoul dbe in there over roberts

ethan (Boston)

why no victor martinez? more potential than Tek, and you know at the end of the season he'll have better numbers

Guy (Chicago)

8 has to be the catcher, who else beside Varitek? Has the hitting numbers and every intangible there is.

Nick (Toronto)

The switch-hitting Varitek 8th, and then at the bottom of the order go with Soriano over Roberts

Lucas (Portland, OR)

If Tejada is seventh, then V-Tek has to be 8th. He's the obvious choice at catcher. Decent average and good power for a catcher. Plus, a switch hitter. He's the obvious choice.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Batting 8th should be Varitek. Some speed, some power, best average at C, and not on the DL!

tom* (parkville, md.)

If we bat the catcher eighth and leave Brian Roberts for 9, it would be like having a second lead-off man.

Jaryd (Columbus, OH)

no....... soriano 8 and then martinez 9 because they both show tramendes power

Steve (Philly)

Because Victor Martinez is batting .220!

Bengie (LA)

I think that you have to take a good look at the young Cardinals backstop, Yadier Molina. Despite his initial struggle, the kid is tatooing the ball and with a work ethic like his (and the intense off season competition with 2 older brothers) he is only going to get better!

frank (rockmart, GA)

Jason Varitek is the best catcher in the game. Javy could give him a run when he returns from injury but right now it's Varitek. And you don't hit him ninth and let Damon catch him on the bases.

Buzzmaster

  (1:46 PM)

Seems like Varitek has a slight lead for No. 8 duties right now ... any final thoughts?

Joe NJ

Listen, don't get me wrong, Varitek is a good catcher but come on now, he is no Pudge. Pudge guns down runners like it's nothing. He is a smart heads up catcher with a bat. The defense is there. The offense is there. Why isn't Pudge?

Bob CT

INGE!!!!

brad (charlotte)

how is soriano not the obvious choice? if we're just going for run production here....why do you think he's always drafted first among 2nd basemen in fantasy??

Christine (Fresno)

Good cal Bengie, I think Y Molina is a great choice.

robb (amherst)

Varitek hasnt struggled at all this year, he gives balance as a switch hitter, no doubt, plus awesome defense.....its Tek

Kenneth (SF)

As much as I do not like Red Sox nation, Varitek has to be the catcher, Martinez just isn't having a good enough year, had he built on last year it would be acceptable; did somebody really just make an argument for Yadier Molina? You should be banned from the chat room

Buzzmaster

  (1:48 PM)

All right, Varitek takes it at No. 8.

Buzzmaster

  (1:48 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF ... 2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B ... 3. Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4. Manny Ramirez, LF ... 5. David Ortiz, DH ... 6. Vlad Guerrero, RF ... 7. Miguel Tejada, SS ... 8. Jason Varitek, C

Buzzmaster

  (1:49 PM)

Which leaves us with 2B for the No. 9 slot. Who do you folks want? Soriano? Roberts? Jeff Kent? Someone else?

Nathan (Pittsburgh, PA)

Roberts. The 2nd leadoff mean, does everything well.

Charles (Philadelphia)

Soriano doesn't get on base well, he is getting on base at a paltry .307 clip. His slugging makes up for it. If we put him on the team, he must be the No. 2 hitter. Brian Roberts is putting up better all-around stats, and deserves to be in this group for this year.

Jay (Ashland, MA)

THis may get heated over 2B, my vote is for the guy named Alfonso!

Mike (Boston)

With the year Roberts is having he takes second base just over Soriano

Mike (KCMO)

Numbers don't lie. Roberts: .350 avg, 15 HR, 49 RBI, 18 SB, 1.027 OPS Soriano .274 avg, 20 HR, 52 RBI, 9 SB, .835 OPS Sorry boys, looks like Roberts is the choice at 2B.

Bobby (goergia0

This is so bad. You needed Inge at catcher batting 8th. And now you should put Reyes at 9th playing 2nd, he showed he can play 2nd and has so much promise.

Guy (Chicago)

Move Michael Young back to his natural position!

Mike (Yonkers)

Soriano is a better offensive player than Roberts and also has great speed. We are looking for the best lineup...not overall player, so I have to go with Soriano to round things out

Jaryd (Columbus, OH)

well now if u are going with a 2nd basemen at 9 which is like another leadoff spot u would have to go with roberts

John (seattle)

We should have Jose reyes hitting ninth and at second base. he showed that he can do it last year. He has the most triples in the game. He is the fastest in the game. He would be ideal behing varitek. he is a extra base hit machine. And unlike roberts, he can change they way a pitcher pitches when he is on base.

Christine (Fresno)

Still need a 2nd base man, I vote for Jeff Kent.

Nick (Toronto)

Has to be Soriano. The only way Roberts should make this line-up is if he is hitting leadoff

Lucas (Portland, OR)

Another good choice is someone that's been very very good offensively for many more years than Brian Roberts, and that's CRAIG BIGGIO. he has 13 homers this year with a good average and some steals.

Mike (Edmonton)

What about Vidro? He's among the most underrated 2B in the game, always hits for average, good OBP, and some pop

Buzzmaster

  (1:52 PM)

Good thought, Mike, but you may be fighting an uphill battle in here.

Derm *NYC*

Reyes? And people are complaining about Soriano's OBP. lol

Ricky (Santa Monica, CA)

With all the guys able to get on base, i'll take the league leader with men on...Kent (batting somewhere around .450 w/ men on, ridiculous)

chris (boston)

kent!!! has better run producing numbers then roberts, lower avg. but not a bad one. plus he has a history of putting up great numbers year after year. lets see if roberts does this for a few years in a row.

Christine (Fresno)

JEFF KENT, a proven veteren to provide leadership for this lineup.

Buzzmaster

  (1:53 PM)

A late surge for Kent ... still taking votes.

Nate (Pittsburgh)

Roberts is by far the best 2nd basemen in the mix. The others are good, but look at the numbers. Our only mistake was Damon in CF. Can we move Pujols to the OF and bat Derek Lee playing 1st?

Alfonso Soriano (Texas)

People, if nothing else, look at fantasy baseball, my numbers trump all other 2B, my OBP is a little low, but it doesn't matter when you score is many runs as I do and can steal a base in the 9 slot whenever you want

brad (charlotte)

soriano hit 9th for those yankees teams and was a second leadoff guy for ridiculous lineups

Ron (San Diego)

You Soriano people are caught up in hype and homeruns, Roberts is the superior offensive and defensive player, and its not really even close.

Jay (Ashland, MA)

By the way, Roberts has a career .745 OPS, Soriano .822. , Kent .859.

Mike (Detroit)

Seriously, The Tigers have a better middle infield than Baltimore. I'll take Guillen and Polanco over Tejada and Roberts any day of the week.

Michael (Boston)

I'm going to exercise my right as a homer to throw Mark Bellhorn and his catalystic ability into the mix.

Gene (New Haven)

Roberts has only had 5 homeruns since mid may, hes still getting on base but hes not really a power threat. Soriano is faster and has a lot more power than roberts

Eric (garden City, NY)

Has to be Soriano, there is no better player offensively than that man, he is a constant 30-30, 40-40 guy. Put him in your lineup NOW

Buzzmaster

  (1:55 PM)

All right, in a very close vote, Alfonso Soriano nudges out Brian Roberts at 2B and in the No. 9 hole.

Buzzmaster

  (1:56 PM)

1. Johnny Damon, CF ... 2. Alex Rodrigurz, 3B ... 3. Albert Pujols, 1B ... 4. Manny Ramirez, LF ... 5. David Ortiz, DH ... 6. Vlad Guerrero, RF ... 7. Miguel Tejada, SS ... 8. Jason Varitek, C ... 9. Alfonso Soriano, 2B

Buzzmaster

  (1:57 PM)

There it is, SportsNation's Ultimate MLB Lineup. Any final thoughts on where we went wrong?

frank (rockmart, GA)

IT WAS RIGGED! Buzz wanted Soriano! What a farce!!!!

Buzzmaster

  (1:57 PM)

Actually, my vote (though I recused myself on all votes) would have been for Kent.

dan (boston)

what a surprise, the "sportsnation" replaces good players with more well known redsox and (former) yankees. ugh

A. Jones (Atlanta)

I still can't believe you picked Johnny Damon over me. I lead the majors in homeruns and I have all those gold gloves.

Tom (Alabama)

What went wrong was that you didn't post any of my messages. I feel slighted

Jake (Atlanta Ga)

I dont know what you guys are thinking AJ25 (andruw jones) should defintley be battting 4 5 or 6

Jeff (Iowa)

Buzz, check your spelling of Rodriguez.

Buzzmaster

  (1:58 PM)

My bad, Jeff, call it a case of Friday typing.

Lucas (Portland, OR)

Soriano's OBP doesn't warrent inclusion, should have been Roberts. Ichiro in CF, Abreu in RF, Vlad at DH and omit Ortiz.

Nate (pittsburgh)

Damon was a bad choice. Lets move Pujols to RF, Vlad to CF, Lee to 1st. Bat A-Rod first! Vlad 2nd! Lee where Vlad was.

Andres, Baltimore

I love Roberts, but Soriano is the better player at 2B. Mike in Edmonton is smoking crack if he thinks Vidro is even in the discussion. Jeff Kent is in the discussion before Vidro.

Buzzmaster

  (2:00 PM)

And that's a wrap. Thanks to all for helping choose SportsNation's lineup. Now stay here for Dan Rafael previewing next week's big Hopkins-Taylor middleweight fight (and other boxing matters).