MLB Network is continuing their series that covers the top ten players at each position. Last week we had a live discussion for center field and left field. Tonight’s shows were right field and first base. With Gregory Polanco being hurt for much of 2019, there wasn’t any chance that he would be among the top ten players at his position, but Josh Bell made the cut at first base.
The basic idea of the show is that they have a computer ranked list called “the Shredder”, which they discuss throughout the hour long program. The two hosts of the show have their own lists, then a panel (3-4 people) of guests from the world of baseball coverage give their opinions. So you don’t just get the one list, you get 5-6 opinions.
The Shredder ranked Bell as the ninth best at first base. He ranked seventh for Buster Olney earlier this month.
Here’s the Shredder’s list:
- Freddie Freeman
- Max Muncy
- Pete Alonso
- Anthony Rizzo
- Paul Goldschmidt
- Matt Olson
- Luke Voit
- Carlos Santana
- Josh Bell
- Edwin Encarnacion
As for the rest of the panel:
Ben Lindbergh, who has been a guest on the show in previous years, ranked Bell seventh.
Sarah Langs from MLB had Bell eighth.
Mike Petriello from MLB ranked Bell eighth overall.
Host Brian Kenny has Bell ranked sixth at first base.
Host/former 1B Carlos Pena ranks Bell eighth.
So if you include the list from Olney here, Bell ranks: 6th, 7th, 7th, 8th, 8th, 8th and 9th, with Kenny ranking him the highest and the Shredder ranking him the lowest. He basically averages out to an eighth place finish.
Share your thoughts on the Shredder’s list in the comments below and where you think Bell should rank.
