The Top 10 Center Fielders in Habla

The next position on our quest for the top 10 players at every position in Habla is Center field. This position has traditionally been one of good contact, good speed, good defense, but little power. Some on the list fit this mold; others smash it to bits. There are a lot of leadoff type hitters on this list too. A true stud at center field is rare, so if you have one, treasure it. As with other position, their true position is what they are ranked under, so a LF playing center is classified with the LF, not CF. Here are the Top 10 Center fielders.

1. Tris Speaker TEX

Speaker is a 5 tool player who is extremely valuable. One of the greatest run scorers ever, Speaker has scored 140 or better twice in four years. Last season he had at least 20 in every category and has even developed good power numbers. Speaker is a rare find to patrol the outfield.

2. Roy Hobbs LA

Hobbs is a .318 hitter who consistently drives the ball. He has tallied 40 homers each of the three previous years. He should top 500 homers and 3,000 hits in the next few seasons. He really is a center fielder who can do everything well.

3. J.D. Drew PHI

Drew has had a long, magnificent career in which he has put up awesome numbers. In fact, the only reason he falls to three, and is not number one is because he does not even start for his own team. Age is catching up with him, but that does not stop Drew from being a fantastic center fielder.

4. Duke Snider CLE

Duke has been a lifelong Indian and has been a huge part of the reason the Tribe brought in 2 World Series Crowns. With a .317 career average and almost 500 HR, Duke sets the standard for center fielders.

5. Andre Dawson BAL

Dawson is a great power hitter and run producer. Particularly his power is superb for a center fielder, as he has almost 500 in 12 and a half seasons. Dawson adds a little speed to that power, as he has stolen over 250 bases and is a good fielder and has a cannon for an arm.

6. Lew Ford NYY

Ford is still quite young, but that has not kept him from being great. With a great balance of contact, power, and speed, Ford is trouble for any opposing pitcher. Look for his power numbers and average to continue to rise in the next few years.

7. Fred Lynn DET

Lynn has bee the guy that has outplayed his own ability. After finally getting a shot to play after four years in the league, Lynn impressed immediately and has been a strait up great hitter ever since. Though he lacks the speed that many center fielders have and the ability to steal bases, Lynn makes up for by getting hits and fielding well.

8. Richie Ashburn CIN

Ashburn has been a very solid leadoff type hitter in his career. He gets on base often (.342) and steals plenty of bases (almost 600). This is the guy you want up to bat when you need base runners in a close game.

9. Endy Chavez TOR

Chavez, another quintessential leadoff/center fielder type, has been very valuable to his team in his career. He hits for a pretty good average and steals bases with ease.

10. Tim Raines SF

Raines is one of the most prolific base stealers in the game today. He also hits near .300 and average 20 homers in his short career. In the years to come, Raines may move up several spots on this list.

Honorable Mentions: Turkey Stearns, Johnny Damon.