Many are victims of playing under dim spotlights, putting up MVP numbers for losing teams in small markets. Massive home runs or a great strikeout rate are overshadowed by years of losing. For these players, the only hope is a miracle season, or escape through a trade or free agency. Some toil in obscurity for their entire careers.
Others excel at unexciting skills. Perhaps they grind out each at-bat, forcing the pitcher to work extra-hard to get an out, or force batters to ground out weakly time and time again. Some underrated players simply don't excel at any one skill, instead spreading their formidable talents over every facet of the game. They'll never lead the league in anything, which hides their value dramatically.
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark has compiled a list of the seven most underrated players in the game. Do you agree with his picks? Cast your vote now!
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