The best infield of the modern era is the claim long-time sportswriter Bill Conlin of Philly.com made the other day. Of course he’s talking about the Phillies current infield which I think could have three future Hall of Famers in it.
This is a special time here in Philadelphia, Phillies baseball fans knows it.
The infield of the recently acquired Placido Polanco at third, former MVP Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, yearly MVP candidate Chase Utley at second and former MVP Ryan Howard at first is without a doubt the best infield that I can think of currently in the majors.
Still as great as the infield is, there’s one legitimate challenger that I can think of and they happen to play for the World Champions.
Of course I’m talking about the Yankees and they have an infield of the ages as well. They have Alex Rodiguez at third, Derek Jeter at shortstop, Robinson Cano at second and Mark Teixeira at first.
On both groups you have MVP’s and MVP candidates each year. Rollins, Howard, Rodriguez and Jeter have all been named MVP’s, while Utley and Teixeira have been in the discussion numerous times.
I mentioned the fact that three of the Phils are likely future Hall of Famers while you can say the same thing about two of the Yankees, Jeter and Rodriguez while Teixeira is debatable.
You could make an argument against A-Rod because of his admitted chemical enhancement.
Like the Phils group, the Yankees have the ability to be outstanding at bat and in the field. There are Gold Glove award winners in both groups.
There’s no question that the Yankees have more power than you have speed.
Rollins is the bettter glove at shortstop over Jeter, who doesn’t have the range he once had, but Teixeira is a much better glove than Howard. Ryan and Rodriguez are equal matches in the power numbers.
As for the most complete player of the group, that would be a great argument with Utley, Rollins, Teixeira, Rodriguez and Jeter.
It’s a great argument and one which I hope we’re talking about when the World Series rolls around in the Fall.
