Every year the most anticipated baseball game to hit video game consoles is hands down, MLB The Show, available only for Playstation consoles. I have played every one since I believe the 2012 season, and I can attest, this is the best and most realistic baseball game on the market today. If you have snoozed on this years copy (first how dare you) I’m going to make things easy on you. Click here to buy it from Amazon now – PS4 Digital copy, PS4 hard copy, PS3.
Part of the allure of the game is finding out what the video game creators think of your favorite baseball team, or players. This is the time of year that everyone debates who was slighted, and who is way overrated.
Well, thanks to the good folks over at Operation Sports, we have screen shots of the top players at each position, and we some Chicago Cubs player projections that are puzzling from both spectrum’s.
Jake Arrieta – 95
There is a lot of debate already on Arrieta’s ranking. Outside of Cubs fans, there are a lot of baseball fans that aren’t convinced that Jake is a legitimate top five pitcher in the league, then there are some that are arguing that Arrieta’s ranking was too low, and should definitely be rated above Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.
Those arguing for Jake have a point, he did beat them out in the NL Cy Young race. I would think he’s in a good spot personally, but if there was someone that should be argued for it would be Houston Astros pitcher, Dallas Keuchel.
Anthony Rizzo – 92
This is a very good spot for RIzzo. While clearly the Cubs’ leader, he does lack some of the majestic power of a Paul Goldschmidt, nor the ability to hit everything like Miguel Cabrera, and I think of Joey Votto as Rizzo’s mentor (as they have trained together in the past).
I would guess by the end of the season Rizzo would have passed up Votto, and I could even see him surpassing Cabrera as Rizzo becomes a more polished hitter. Rizzo also has the benefit of hitting in one of the most dangerous lineups in the league as well, which could allow him to see more hittable pitching.
Ben Zobrist – 84
I feel like a low to mid 80’s ranking is where some have their disconnect. He is still ranked as the eighth best second baseman in the league, and will be highlighted in a Chicago Cubs lineup that is as versatile as any in the game today.
This is a fairly well rounded list and I’m not sure if there should be much changed in it at all. Perhaps some will say Jose Altuve is a bit high, but that kid is flat out a baller.
Kris Bryant – 85
This is one that will have many Cubs fans scratching their heads. While after you get past the top three – Josh Donaldson, Manny Machado, and Nolan Arenado – you are probably splitting hairs, but my question is in the overall rating. I don’t know personally if Kris has done enough for a 90’s rating, but he played above his 85 rating the game gives him credit for.
I could only imagine that Bryant’s rating will raise as the season progresses, afterall he is the only player… ever… to win College Player of the Year, Minor League Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year back-to-back-to-back.
Jason Heyward – 85
This is probably accurate. Heyward had a breakout season as far as average went last season, and some will expect his power numbers to increase in 2016 with the Cubs. We all already know he is the best defensive right fielder in the game.
The corner outfield spots are where your power guys should be, if Heyward pumps up those power numbers, while maintaining the best outfield glove in the game, expect him to jump up on this list.
Surprises
Notably left off the lists were Miguel Montero, Addison Russell, and Kyle Schwarber. I can understand Schwarber as we were looking at top 10’s per position and no one has “officially” agreed upon a position for Kyle. Russell is a bit questionable, but I still understand. While he was ranked as the best defensive shortstop once he was officially moved to short, he played half a season there and didn’t carry a noticeable stick with him.
The guy that is puzzling is Montero to me. While he has regressed over the past couple of years, he is still a threat at the plate, and manages a good game behind it.
Personally, injury or not, I don’t understand a baseball world that doesn’t have Yadier Molina as the best catcher, but I get it… he was injured. I would also guess Montero would have a ranking above 82 as well. While I think Jonathan Lucroy is a better player at this point, is Yan Gomes? Maybe, but he very well could be in that mix.
*Featured pic from MLB The Show 15
